Development Of Neurological Complications Research Articles

Surgical and Histopathological Results in Carotid Body Tumors.

The possible relationships between the histopathological findings of carotid body tumors and age, gender, tumor diameter, and Shamblin classification were investigated. In addition, preoperative embolization status, development of neurological complications, need for vascular reconstruction, hemoglobin change, and discharge time were examined and the effects of these variables on each other were analyzed. Between 2008 and 2022, 46 cases who underwent carotid body tumor excision were examined retrospectively. The cases were followed for an average of 81 months postoperatively. Histopathological materials were reexamined and the effect of categorical variables was analyzed. Mean tumor diameter was 3.55 ± 1.26 cm, mean discharge time was 3.91 ± 2.37 days, and mean hemoglobin change was 1.86 ± 1.25. Neurological complications developed in 13% of cases. The amount of hemoglobin change was significantly (p = 0.003) higher in those who developed neurological complications, whereas the tumor diameter and discharge time were found to be insignificantly higher. Surgical complications requiring vascular repair occurred in 10.8% of cases. Tumor diameter (p = 0.017) and hemoglobin change (p = 0.046) were significantly higher in these patients. There were significant correlations between higher Shamblin classification and tumor diameter, discharge time, postoperative hemoglobin value, and number of surgical and neurological complications. No significant difference was found between Ki-67, capsular invasion, mitosis, pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, mean island diameter, and tendency of islands to merge with categorical variables. As the tumor diameter increases, the operation becomes more difficult and the postoperative complication rate increases. We think that subadventitial and capsular removal of the tumor is effective in preventing recurrence. To reach a histopathological conclusion, a larger series of studies including tumors with high Ki-67 and mitosis rates, large size, and one or more of the criteria for necrosis are needed.

Impact of prophylactic echinocandin on the development of neurological complications in patients receiving busulfan-containing conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation: A single-center retrospective study.

Although neurotoxicity is a major adverse event associated with busulfan, little information is available regarding the association between drug interactions and neurological symptoms during busulfan-based regimens. This study evaluated the association between prophylactic echinocandins and neurological complications in patients receiving busulfan-containing conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation. We retrospectively included consecutive patients who administered intravenous busulfan as a conditioning regimen at our facility between 2007 and 2022. Prophylactic echinocandin use was defined as the use of an echinocandin antifungal drug to prevent invasive fungal disease in SCT recipients. The primary outcome was the incidence of neurological complications within 7 days of busulfan initiation and was compared between the echinocandin group (patients received prophylactic echinocandin) and nonechinocandin group (patients received prophylactic antifungal drugs other than echinocandin and those without antifungal prophylaxis). Among the 59 patients included in this study, the incidence of neurological complications in the echinocandin (n = 26) and nonechinocandin groups (n = 33) was 30.8% and 63.6%, respectively. We observed a negative association between prophylactic echinocandin use and the development of neurological complications after adjusting for the propensity score for receiving prophylactic echinocandins (adjusted odds ratio 0.294, 95% confidence interval 0.090 to 0.959). We observed a lower incidence of neurological complications in the echinocandin group than in the nonechinocandin group. Our results suggested that the choice of antifungal prophylaxis is associated with busulfan neurotoxicity.

Early neurologic complications after liver transplant are associated with reduced long-term survival and increased rates of rejection.

Neurologic complications (NCs) are common following liver transplantation (LT) and have been associated with impaired short-term survival. The impact of NC on long-term survival is less defined. We aimed to characterize these outcomes and assess for risk factors for post-LT NC. We performed a single-center, retrospective review of 521 patients with LT from 2016 to 2020. Baseline clinical and laboratory factors, intraoperative events, and outcomes were compared between patients with and without NC. The 5-year overall and rejection-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariable logistic regression assessed for an independent relationship between risk factors and the development of NC. Among 521 LT recipients, 24% experienced post-LT NC. Overall and rejection-free survival at 5 years was, respectively, 69% and 75% among those with NC versus 87% and 88% among those without NC (log-rank < 0.001). Among those who survived the first 3 months after LT, overall survival but not rejection-free survival was reduced among patients with NC. Risk factors for developing NC included peri-LT serum sodium (ΔSNa) ≥ 6 (29.4% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.04), grade 3 or 4 HE pre-LT, SNa < 125 pre-LT, and more intraoperative transfusions. In a multivariable logistic regression model controlling for described variables, SNa < 125 (or 0.21, 95% CI, 0.06-0.74) at LT and pre-LT HE grade 3 or 4 (or 0.45, 95% CI, 0.26-0.76) was independently associated with NC. Long-term survival was reduced among patients who developed NC in the immediate post-transplant period, even when censoring those who died in the first 3 months. Post-LT NC was associated with perioperative ΔSNa ≥ 6. Optimization of SNa pre-LT > 125 and limiting perioperative ΔSNa <6 mEq/L might have a beneficial impact in decreasing NC post-LT, which may improve long-term post-LT survival.

Utility of cerebral oximetry in balloon mitral valvotomy and its correlation with post-procedure neurological complications: A pragmatic prospective observational study.

Neurological complications (NCs) are significantly associated with reduced regional cerebral saturation (rSO2) in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries, as assessed with cerebral oximetry (COx). However, limited evidence is available in patients undergoing balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV). Thus, we evaluated the utility of COx in patients undergoing BMV, the incidence of BMV-related NCs and the association of >20% reduction in rSO2 with NCs. This pragmatic, prospective, observational study was performed after ethical approval, over November 2018 to August 2020, in the cardiology catherization laboratory of a tertiary care hospital. The study involved 100 adult patients undergoing BMV for symptomatic mitral stenosis. The patients were evaluated at initial presentation, pre-BMV, post-BMV and 3 months after the BMV. The incidence of NCs was 7%, including transient ischaemic attack (n = 3), slurred speech (n = 2) and hemiparesis (n = 2). A significantly greater proportion of patients with NCs had a > 20% decrease in the rSO2 (P value = 0.020). At >20% cut-off, the COx had a sensitivity and specificity of 57.1% and 80%, respectively, in the prediction of NCs. Female sex (P value = 0.039), history of cerebrovascular episodes (P value < 0.001) and number of balloon attempts (P value < 0.001) were significantly associated with NCs. Patients with and without NCs had a significantly greater post-BMV mean % change in rSO2 than pre-BMV (both right and left sides), but the magnitude of mean % change was greater in those with NCs. COx alone has low sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of NCs and cannot reliably predict the development of post-BMV NCs.

Exploring the Correlation Between Influenza A Virus (H3N2) Infections and Neurological Manifestations: A Scoping Review.

Influenza A virus (IAV), particularly the H3N2 variant, is known to cause respiratory manifestations, but it can also lead to neurological complications ranging from mild symptoms like headache and dizziness to severe conditions such as encephalitis and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). In this article, the correlation between the H3N2 variant of the IAVand neurological manifestations is discussed. Additionally, prompt recognition and treatment of influenza-associated neurological manifestations are highlighted to prevent infection-related long-term complications. This review briefly discusses various neurological complications linked to IAV infections, such as encephalitis,febrile convulsions, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and the potential mechanisms involved in the development of neurological complications.

Neurologic Complications of Patients With COVID-19 Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and MedRxiv databases from inception to March 15, 2022. We identified studies that described acute neurological complications in adult patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requiring ECMO. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction. Studies with 95% or more of its patients on venovenous or venoarterial ECMO were pooled for meta-analysis, which was calculated using a random-effects model. Fifty-four studies (n = 3,347) were included in the systematic review. Venovenous ECMO was used in 97% of patients. Meta-analysis of ICH and ischemic stroke on venovenous ECMO included 18 and 11 studies, respectively. The frequency of ICH was 11% (95% CI, 8-15%), with intraparenchymal hemorrhage being the most common subtype (73%), while the frequency of ischemic strokes was 2% (95% CI, 1-3%). Higher anticoagulation targets were not associated with increased frequency of ICH (p = 0.06). In-hospital mortality was 37% (95% CI, 34-40%) and neurologic causes ranked as the third most common cause of death. The risk ratio of mortality in COVID-19 patients with neurologic complications on venovenous ECMO compared with patients without neurologic complications was 2.24 (95% CI, 1.46-3.46). There were insufficient studies for meta-analysis of COVID-19 patients on venoarterial ECMO. COVID-19 patients requiring venovenous ECMO have a high frequency of ICH, and the development of neurologic complications more than doubled the risk of death. Healthcare providers should be aware of these increased risks and maintain a high index of suspicion for ICH.

Incidence of neurological complications following pediatric heart surgery and its association with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

Due to increased rate of open-heart surgeries in children, postsurgical mortality and morbidities have increasingly gained attention. Neurological complications are some of the most important postsurgical events. However, the number of studies regarding postsurgical neurological complications seems to be inadequate. We aimed to study the incidence of neurological complications following cardiac surgery in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) of the children's medical center. This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2019. We included all of the children who underwent cardiac surgery and were admitted to ICU at CMC. We collected their demographic data, lab test results (white blood cell count, absolute neutrophile and lymphocyte counts) and calculated their Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS) score. We then documented neurological adverse events and investigated the associations between those events and the patients' data. Of the 267 studied patients, 14 developed neurological complications (5.2%); seven developed chorea (2.6%), four developed seizures (1.5%), and two developed both seizure and chorea (0.7%). One case developed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We observed that age (p = 0.000), weight (p = 0.000), and RACHS score (p = 0.006) were associated with the development of neurological complications. Additionally, we observed that "neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio" was not associated with the risk of postsurgical neurological complications. Younger age, lower weight, and higher RACHS score were associated with neurological complications after operations. Given the importance of postsurgical neurological complications, further investigations should be carried out to cover this issue and discover preventive strategies for such morbidities.

Predictors of fatal neurological complications among admitted COVID-19 patients with their implication in outcome: A Case Control study.

COVID-19 is known to be associated to potentially fatal neurological complications; therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors for its development and the impact they have on the outcome of COVID-19 patients. To determine the risk factors for developing fatal neurological complications and their outcome in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Case control study based on hospitalized patients was conducted from July 15th 2021 to December 15th 2021. Cases and controls were COVID-19 confirmed patients with and without severe neurological manifestations. Age, comorbid conditions, vaccination status, Blood Sugar Random (BSR), D-dimers levels, anticoagulation type and dosage were taken as predictors (exposure variables) for developing neurological complications. In the case-only (subgroup) analysis, 28-day mortality were analyzed using the same predictors including admission hypoxemia. Chi square test and regression model were built to calculate OR with 95%CI. Among 383 patients (median age, 56 years [IQR, 24-110]; 49.9% men); 95 had neurological complications (cases) and 288 did not (controls). Development of neurological complications among COVID-19 related hospitalizations was significantly associated with old age >71 yrs. (cases, 23.2%; controls, 13.5%; OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.28-8.55), presence of diabetes mellitus (37.9% vs. 24%; OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), admission hyperglycemia (BSR 351-600 mg/dl), (29.5% vs. 7.6%; OR, 3.11; 95%CI, 1.54-6.33), raised D-dimer levels 5000-10,000 ng/ml (41% vs. 11.8%; OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 3.02-8.9), prophylactic dose anticoagulation (43.2% vs. 28.1%; OR, 1.9; 95%CI, 1.2-3.1), and unvaccinated status of COVID-19 patients (90.5% vs. 75.6%; OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.44-6.25). Neurological complications with COVID-19 were associated with increased likelihood of death or invasive mechanical ventilation by day 28 (86.3% vs. 45.1%; OR, 7.66; 95% CI, 4.08-14.4). In case-only analysis (median age, 56 years [IQR, 27,110]; 50.5% women), 67 (70.5%) had CVE, 21 (22.1%) had Encephalitis, and 7 (7.4%) had GBS as neurological manifestations. 28-day mortality among these patients was strongly associated with a lower likelihood of vaccination. (6.1% cases vs. 30.8% controls; OR, .146; 95%CI, .033- .64), being younger 17-45 yrs. (12.2% vs. 46.2%; OR, .162; 95%CI, .045-.58), having no comorbid condition (19.5% vs. 61.5%; OR, .151; 95%CI, .044- .525), having cerebrovascular events and GBS as type of neurological manifestation (76.8% vs.30.8%; OR, 7.46; 95%CI, 2.06-26.96), (2.4% vs. 38.4%; OR, .04; 95%CI, .007- 0.24) respectively, and presence of hypoxemia at admission (91.5% vs. 15.4%; OR, 58.92; 95%CI, 10.83-320.67). Old age, presence of Diabetes Mellitus, unvaccinated status of patients, high BSR at admission, high D-dimers, and prophylactic dose anticoagulation were identifies as increased risk factors for developing serious neurological complications among COVID-19 patients. Neurological problems in COVID-19 patients raised death risk 7.6-fold. The most common neurological complication was cerebrovascular events, followed by encephalitis and GBS. Unvaccinated status, cerebrovascular events, and admission hypoxemia are associated with an increased likelihood of 28-day mortality among these patients.

Neurological Manifestations and Their Effect on Outcome in Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

There is a need for a better understanding of the relation of various neurological symptoms and complications with manifestations and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hence, we planned this study to get an insight into the relation of neurological manifestations and COVID-19. This was a retrospective study. All patients ≥18 years in age, admitted with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 were included in the study. Their clinical records were accessed for collecting demographic and laboratory data. The data collected were analyzed for prevalence and pattern of neurological symptoms at admission and neurological complications developed during hospitalization. It was also analyzed to find the relation of neurological manifestations with duration of hospital stay, requirement of bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) or ventilator, severity of disease, development of neurological complications, and mortality. A total of 440 patients were included. The mean age was 59.28 ± 13.28 years. The most common neurological symptom at presentation was headache while the most common neurological complications were altered sensorium, cerebrovascular stroke, seizure, and encephalitis. Significantly, more patients with neurological complications than those without had severe disease and needed ventilation. Duration of hospitalization was significantly longer (16.26 ± 5.15 vs 12.73 ± 4.89, p = 0.0173) and mortality was also significantly higher (OR 6.59, 95% CI 2.23-19.43; p = 0.0006) in patients with neurological manifestations. The presence of neurological manifestations is associated with greater morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and thus warrants more aggressive treatment. However, a study of association of individual neurological manifestation with severity of COVID-19 will provide a more meaningful insight regarding the approach to the management of such patients.

CLINICAL-MORPHOMETRIC RATIO OF DEGENERATIVE-DYSTROPHIC PROCESSES OF THE CERVICAL SPINE IN HUMANS AND ANIMALS IN SPINAL CHANNEL STENOSIS

Relevance. Spinal stenosis is a common manifestation of degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the cervical spine (CS). In most cases it occurs with the development of neurological complications in the form of secondary spondylogenic myelopathy, radicular dysfunction, pain. Isolated studies indicate that this type of damage occurs in some animals.&#x0D; Objective: a comparative analysis of clinical, radiological and morphometric data on degenerative-dystrophic lesions in human and domestic animals on the background of degenerative changes in bone structures that provoke stenosis of the spinal canal with the development of spondylogenic myelopathy.&#x0D; Material and methods. The retrospective analysis included 65 patients (25 men, 40 women) with neurological symptoms who underwent computed tomography during 2018-2021. Prospectively, a study was performed with the participation of 75 domestic animals with similar symptoms (19 dogs of large breeds weighing more 20 kg, 42 dogs of small and medium breeds weighing less 20 kg, and 14 cats.&#x0D; Results. There was a close correlation of symptoms in humans and large dogs in the presence and degree of narrowing of the canal: in cases of stenosis of the ventricles in humans (75.3%), large breeds of dogs (78.9%), patients had similar neurological symptoms. The maximum decrease in the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal was found more at the level of the C6 vertebral body in both humans and animals, weighing more than 20 kg. The mass share of stenotic changes was mainly registered in men (84.0% vs. 70.0% in women). In addition, according to the Pavlov-Torg morphometric index, the width of the spinal canal in men was smaller than in women. Stenosis of the spinal canal was mainly registered in large breeds of dogs (78.9%), which almost completely coincided with the morphometry in humans (75.4%).&#x0D; Conclusions. The data of our research indicate the possibility of using large breeds of dogs in predicting the course of degenerative-dystrophic changes in humans, because physiological and pathophysiological processes in dogs are on average 7 times faster than in humans. The severity of the process, the clinic and morphometric data of CS animals depend on the species, breed, weight, age, and common factors in the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in humans and some groups of animals may be aging in general and the spine in particular.

Post COVID-19 Vaccination-Associated Neurological Complications.

PurposeNeurological sequelae after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. We investigated the possible pathogenesis behind the development of neurological complications within a short period after Saudi residents received a COVID-19 vaccine.Patients and MethodsWe evaluated 18 patients who recently received a COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty and Vaxzevria vaccines) and presented with neurological complications to the Saudi German Hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Neurologists assessed the patients’ clinical presentation, radiological investigations, and laboratory findings.ResultsThree patients who received the first dose of the Vaxzevria vaccine experienced severe cerebral venous thrombosis, two of them were complicated by intracranial hemorrhage. Their laboratory investigations showed very high d-dimers and severe thrombocytopenia, which have been linked to higher mortality and poor outcome. Ischemic stroke occurred in eight cases (44.4%) with a predominance in older male patients. Three patients presented with seizures, two had optic neuritis. Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) occurred in two male patients following vaccination with Comirnaty.ConclusionNeurological complications after COVID-19 vaccinations are very rare, and only a few cases have been reported worldwide. The shared pathophysiological basis between COVID-19 viral infection and COVID-19 vaccines stands behind the very rare neurological complications resulting from the hypercoagulable state triggered by the general inflammatory condition. We suspect some differences in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke caused by COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccines, which render COVID-19 vaccine-associated ischemic stroke more responsive to treatment. To date, no definitive association between the vaccine and GBS has been proven by any strong evidence, but it has recently been added as a very rare side effect of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. No possible links of Miller Fisher syndrome to COVID-19 vaccines have been reported before the one reported in this study.

The prognosis and recovery of major postoperative neurological deficits after corrective surgery for scoliosis : an analysis of 65 cases at a single institution.

The outcome following the development of neurological complications after corrective surgery for scoliosis varies from full recovery to a permanent deficit. This study aimed to assess the prognosis and recovery of major neurological deficits in these patients, and to determine the risk factors for non-recovery, at a minimum follow-up of two years. A major neurological deficit was identified in 65 of 8,870 patients who underwent corrective surgery for scoliosis, including eight with complete paraplegia and 57 with incomplete paraplegia. There were 23 male and 42 female patients. Their mean age was 25.0 years (SD 16.3). The aetiology of the scoliosis was idiopathic (n = 6), congenital (n = 23), neuromuscular (n = 11), neurofibromatosis type 1 (n = 6), and others (n = 19). Neurological function was determined by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale at a mean follow-up of 45.4 months (SD 17.2). the patients were divided into those with recovery and those with no recovery according to the ASIA scale during follow-up. The incidence of major deficit was 0.73%. At six-month follow-up, 39 patients (60%) had complete recovery and ten (15.4%) had incomplete recovery; these percentages improved to 70.8% (46) and 16.9% (11) at follow-up of two years, respectively. Eight patients showed no recovery at the final follow-up. The cause of injury was mechanical in 39 patients and ischaemic in five. For 11 patients with misplaced implants and haematoma formation, nine had complete recovery. Fisher's exact test showed a significant difference in the aetiology of the scoliosis (p = 0.007) and preoperative deficit (p = 0.016) between the recovery and non-recovery groups. A preoperative deficit was found to be significantly associated with non-recovery (odds ratio 8.5 (95% confidence interval 1.676 to 43.109); p = 0.010) in a multivariate regression model. For patients with scoliosis who develop a major neurological deficit after corrective surgery, recovery (complete and incomplete) can be expected in 87.7%. The first three to six months is the time window for recovery. In patients with misplaced implants and haematoma formation, the prognosis is satisfactory with appropriate early intervention. Patients with a preoperative neurological deficit are at a significant risk of having a permanent deficit. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2022;104-B(1):103-111.

Dynamics of cytokine production during immunization with polio vaccine with DTP in vivo

Immunization with whole-cell adsorbed diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP) can cause various undesirable effects. The most common complications are febrile seizures, neuromyalgic syndrome and, in more severe cases, various encephalopathies. The listed complications are quite dangerous, especially in childhood, when primary DTP immunization is carried out. Many studies indicate that the development of these pathological processes is often associated with the action of various cytokines produced in response to vaccination. There are specific pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, the high levels of which are associated with the development of neurological complications after DTP vaccination. For example, IL-6 and IL-1 are often associated with the development of febrile seizures and encephalopathies. On the other hand, there are clinical data indicating a decrease in the incidence of complications after concomitant administration of vaccines. Thus, it is of particular interest to study the cytokine profile after the combined administration of DTP with another vaccine, which in some cases leads to a decrease in the number of complications and better tolerance of the vaccine. The vaccine against polio infection is currently one of the safest, but its effect on the level of cytokines is extremely poorly understood. Moreover, due to the fact that these drugs have been used for a long time and the interest in them is not as high as before, the number of new experimental works specifically on the cytokine profiles of many vaccines is limited. Basically, all existing work is aimed at studying various pathological processes associated with the introduction of a vaccine preparation. This leads to the fact that the mechanism of the formation of the immune response remains not fully understood. The aim of this work was to study the effect of combined vaccine administration on the cytokine profile. Results were obtained for the following cytokines: IL-2, RANTES, Eotaxin, MIP-1β, IL-12p40, IL-4, IL-6, IL-1α, and G-CSF determined in murine serum samples after combined administration of DTP and polio vaccine to the experimental animals. The cytokine profile was determined using Bio-Rad MAGPIX fluorescence reader. The study revealed and described the patterns of changes in the cytokine profile, both with the administration of the poliomyelitis vaccine alone, or in combination with the DTP vaccine. The results obtained in this work may be further used for more detailed studies on the mechanism of the immune response formation upon combined administration of vaccines and further improvement of existing drugs.

Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in the development of neurological complications in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019

BackgroundEvidence show that Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been associated with neurological complications in the viral infections. Here in the current investigation, we intended to reveal if MMPs are potentially involved in the development of neurological symptoms in the patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsThe levels of MMPs, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules were evaluated in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 10 COVID-19 patients with neurological syndrome (NS) and 10 COVID-19 patients lacking NS. Monocytes from the CSF samples were treated with TNF-α and the secreted levels of MMPs were determined. ResultsThe frequency of monocytes were increased in the CSF samples of COVID-19 patients with NS compared to patients without NS. Levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL7, CCL12, CXCL8, and CX3CL1, MMPs MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-12, and adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin were significantly increased in the CSF samples of COVID-19 patients with NS compared with patients without NS. Treatment of CSF-derived monocytes obtained from COVID-19 patients with NS caused increased production of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-12. ConclusionsHigher levels of inflammatory cytokines might promote the expression of adhesion molecules on blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB), resulting in facilitation of monocyte recruitment. Increased levels of CSF chemokines might also help to the trafficking of monocytes to CSF. Inflammatory cytokines might enhance production of MMPs from monocytes, leading to disruption of BCSFB (and therefore further infiltration of inflammatory cells to CSF) in COVID-19 patients with NS.

The utility of intraoperative neuromonitoring on simple posterior lumbar fusions—analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

Several studies have demonstrated the utility of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) including somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and electromyography (EMG), in decreasing the risk of neurologic injury in spinal deformity procedures. However, there is limited evidence supporting the routine use of IOM in elective posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF). The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was analyzed for the years 2012-2015 to identify patients undergoing elective PLF with (n=22,404) or without (n=111,168) IOM use. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the impact of IOM on length of stay, total charges, and development of neurologic complications. These analyses controlled for age, gender, race, income percentile, primary expected payer, number of reported comorbidities, hospital teaching status, and hospital size. The overall use of IOM in elective PLFs was found to have increased from 14.6% in the year 2012 to 19.3% in 2015. The total charge in hospitalization cost for all patients who received IOM increased from $129,384.72 in 2012 to $146,427.79 in 2015. Overall, the total charge of hospitalization was 11% greater in the IOM group when compared to those patients that did not have IOM (P<0.001). IOM did not have a statistically significant impact on the likelihood of developing a neurological complication. While there may conceivably be benefits to the use of this technology in complex revision fusions or pathologies, we found no meaningful benefit of its application to single-level index PLF for degenerative spine disease.

A protocol for the management of hyponatremia peri-liver transplant reduces post-transplant neurological complications.

Rapid changes in serum sodium (ΔSNa) peri-liver transplant (LT) predispose to post-LT neurological complications (NC). We aimed to assess whether implementation of a protocol directed at limiting peri-LT ΔSNa reduced post-LT NC. A retrospective single-center review of adult LT recipients from 1/2016 to 10/2017 was performed. Patients with hyponatremia (SNa<135mEq/L) within 7days of LT were analyzed in two eras: pre-protocol (1/2016-9/2016) and post-protocol (10/2016-10/2017). The primary outcome was the development of NC within 1month of LT. Perioperative ΔSNa (ΔSNaPost-LT) was assessed as a secondary outcome. Among 85 and 107 patients who underwent LT pre- and post-protocol, 39 (46%) and 42 (39%) were hyponatremic within 7days of LT, respectively. Significantly fewer patients in the post-protocol era developed NC vs. pre-protocol (7.1% vs. 25.6%, p=.02). Additionally, fewer LT recipients in the post-protocol era developed ΔSNaPost-LT≥10mEq/L (9.5% vs. 30.7%, p=.02). Intraoperatively, more patients post-protocol received hypotonic saline (33.3% vs. 2.6%, p<.01). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that transplantation in the post-protocol era was associated with significantly reduced odds (odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.50) of developing NC. In conclusion, the implementation of a multidisciplinary protocol aimed at reducing ΔSNa peri-LT was independently associated with a reduction in post-LT NC.

Periacetabular Pelvic Osteotomy in Treatment of Patients with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Background. Pelvic osteotomies are widely used for treatment of young active patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) Type I according to the Crowe or type A according to Hartofilakidis classifications and the absence of severe degenerative cartilage lesions. Nowadays, Ganz periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is the most common choice of surgeons around the world in treatment of such patients.The aim of the study was to evaluate the radiological and functional results of Ganz periacetabular osteotomy in patients with DDH.Material and Methods. A single-center retrospective analysis of 49 Ganz PAO was performed in 43 patients aged 36±9 years. The radiological evaluation criteria were Wiberg (AW), Lequesne (AL), Tonnis (AT) angles, and joint medialization. The results of treatment were evaluated using the Harris scale, iHOT-12, and VAS before treatment and 1 year after, the presence of complications was also monitored.Results. The average follow-up period was 35±15 months (from 1.0 to 6.9 years). Radiological parameters improved after surgery compared to preoperative ones: AW +19.9° (17.1° vs. 37.0°), AT -11.5° (19.9° vs. 8.4°), AL +14.1° (25.1° vs. 39.2°), joint medialization -5.5 mm (14.3 mm vs. 8.8 mm) (p0.001). Functional results and quality of life of patients also improved: the Harris scale +35.6 points (47 vs 83 points), iHOT-12 +40.9 points (44 vs 85 points), pain level -2.8 points (5 vs 2 points) (p0.001). Various complications developed in 20 out of 49 cases (40.8%). Neurological complications were resolved conservatively (22.4%). A direct correlation was evaluated between the surgical treatment of DDH in childhood and the development of neurological complications after PAO (R = 0.76; p0.001). In 9 cases out of 49 (18.4%), revision surgery was required: in 3 — total hip replacement, in 2 — reorientation of the acetabulum, in 4 — arthroscopic fixation of the anterior articular lip. In 93.9% of cases native hip joint surfaces were preserved.Conclusion. Ganz PAO has good reconstructive capabilities and sufficient efficiency. The operation allows to restore the coverage of the femoral head with the acetabulum, delays total hip replacement and provides improved functional results.

COL1A1 polymorphism and neurological complications in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and their associations with altered bone mineral density

BackgroundOsteoporosis and neurological complications are consequences of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Collagen type I alpha 1 gene (COL1A1) polymorphism is associated with osteoporosis. This study aimed to detect the COL1A1 polymorphism and the neurological complications in ALL patients and their association with decreased lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMDLS). This study included 100 pediatric ALL patients and 100 controls. All participants were subjected to laboratory assessment and assessment of BMDLS at the start of the study and 3 years later. COLIA1 genotyping was done once for all participants.ResultsAt the start of the study, there was a significant decrease in osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and BMDLS levels in the patients. G/T variants and “T” alleles were significantly more detected in the patients (34% and 35% respectively); also, significant differences were detected between patients with polymorphism (G/T and T/T) and those without polymorphism (G/G) regarding OC, ALP, and BMDLS. After 3 years, significant decrement in BMDLS, OC, and ALP was detected in the patients. Twenty-four patients had neurological complications and seven patients had bone fractures. Those patients had significant decrement in BMDLS, OC, and ALP levels. As regards COL1A1 gene polymorphism, the GT and TT variants were significantly detected in fractured patients, while there was no significant difference regarding GT and TT variants in the patients with neurological complications. T allele, neurological complications, high-risk stratification, and age were significantly associated with decreased BMDLS. T allele was the most significant risk factor.ConclusionCOLIA1 gene polymorphism, decreased BMDLS, and neurological complications were significantly detected in pediatric ALL patients. COLIA1 gene polymorphism is a significant risk factor for decreased BMDLS in pediatric ALL patients. There is no significant relation between COLIA1 gene polymorphism and the development of neurologic complications.

Prophylaxis of complications in postoperative period in patients, suffering stenosis of carotid arteries

Objective. To analyze the surgical treatment results in patients, suffering carotid arteries stenosis, using endarterectomy in combination with conservative therapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Results of treatment were analyzed in 58 patients, suffering hemodynamically significant stenosis of carotid arteries and/or presence of embologenic pluck, in whom from 2017 to 2019 yrs in V. T. Zaytsev Institute of General and Urgent Surgery NAMS of Ukraine, Kharkov intraoperative supportive conservative therapy, taking into account the risk for development of the cerebral ischemia and the reperfusion syndrome, was conducted.&#x0D; There were 52 (89.7%) men and 6 (10.3%) women. Middle age of the patients operated on have constituted (65 ± 15) yrs.&#x0D; Results. Basing on the literature data analyzed as well as on investigation of the thrombocytes aggregation in patients in perioperative period the algorithm of supportive conservative therapy was elaborated: injection of 5000 IU heparin 5 min before the internal carotid artery clamping under the ICT control; injection of Citicoline 1000 mg 5 min before the internal carotid artery clamping to the patients with neurological deficiency in accordance to the neurological test data and with application of a temporary by-pass. In all the patients in postoperative period the complications were absent. Control of the carotid arteries passability and the ischemia zone state on the 14th day was conducted, the carotid arteries stenosis was not revealed. Nonsignificant complications, such as the stressed hematoma, demanding postoperative wound revision and hemostasis performance, were observed in 4 patients. In 2 patients postoperative period was complicated by the hypoglossal nerve paresis because of its squeezing by hematoma.&#x0D; Conclusion. Citicoline injection before the carotid artery clamping in the carotid endarterectomy with a temporary by-pass permits to lower the risk for development of neurological complications, and while development of postoperative reperfusion syndrome –to reduce its signs.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) From the Point of View of Neurologists: Observation of Neurological Findings and Symptoms During the Combat Against a Pandemic.

Some respiratory viruses have long been known to cause neurological involvement. A novel coronavirus, leading to severe acute respiratory syndrome, also called coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), seems to be a new member of neuroinvasive viruses. While severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) keeps on spreading around the world rapidly, reports about the neurological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2, increases day by day. It is reported that a variety of symptoms and syndromes such as headache, dizziness, confusion, ataxia, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, neuropathic pain and myopathy are common especially in more severe COVID-19 patients. It is also suggested that the development of neurological complications is strongly associated with a poor outcome. On the other hand, hyposmia can be the unique symptom in COVID-19 carriers and this can serve as a marker for identifying the otherwise asymptomatically infected patients. It is thought that SARS-CoV-2 may cause neurological symptoms through direct or indirect mechanisms. Nevertheless, neuroinvasion capability of SARS-CoV2 is confirmed by the presence of the virus, in the cerebrospinal fluid of a COVID-19 patient with encephalitis, and this is proven by gene sequencing. In conclusion, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to be aware of the possible neurological complications of the disease. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to report neurological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 and possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Due to the high homology of SARS-CoV-2 with other human coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, reviewing the neurological involvement also associated with these coronaviruses will provide an idea about the long-term complications of COVID-19.