Long-term Functional Outcome In Patients Research Articles

Differential Impact of Etiology on Long-term Functional Outcomes of Patients With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Differential Impact of Etiology on Long-term Functional Outcomes of Patients With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Long-term functional outcome after decompressive suboccipital craniectomy for space-occupying cerebellar infarction

ObjectivesSuboccipital decompressive craniectomy (SDC) is considered the best treatment option in patients with space-occupying cerebellar infarction and clinical signs of deterioration. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term functional outcome in patients one year after SDC for space-occupying cerebellar infarction, and secondly, to determine factors associated with outcome. Patients and methodsAll patients treated with SDC due to space-occupying cerebellar infarction between January 2009 and October 2015 were included in the study. Data was retrospectively collected from patient records, CT/MRI scans and surgical protocols. Long-term functional outcome was determined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mRS ≥ 4 was defined as unfavorable outcome. ResultsTwenty-two patients (16 male, 6 female) were included in the study. Median age was 53 years. Nine patients were treated with external ventricular drainage as an initial treatment attempt prior to SDC. Median time from symptom onset (stroke ictus) to initiation of the SDC surgery was 48 h (IQR 28–99 hours) and median GCS before SDC was 8 (IQR 5–10). At follow up, median mRS was 3 (IQR 2–6). Outcome was favorable (mRS 0–3) in 12 patients and unfavorable in 10 (3 with major disability, 7 dead). Brainstem infarction and bilateral cerebellar infarction were associated with unfavorable outcome. ConclusionsIn this small study, functional long-term outcome in patients with space-occupying cerebellar infarction treated by SDC was acceptable and comparable to previously published results (favorable outcome in 54% of patients). Brainstem infarction and bilateral cerebellar infarction were associated with unfavorable outcome.

Two-year mortality and functional outcomes in combat-related penetrating brain injury: battlefield through rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVEThere are limited data concerning the long-term functional outcomes of patients with penetrating brain injury. Reports from civilian cohorts are small because of the high reported mortality rates (as high as 90%). Data from military populations suggest a better prognosis for penetrating brain injury, but previous reports are hampered by analyses that exclude the point of injury. The purpose of this study was to provide a description of the long-term functional outcomes of those who sustain a combat-related penetrating brain injury (from the initial point of injury to 24 months afterward).METHODSThis study is a retrospective review of cases of penetrating brain injury in patients who presented to the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, from January 2010 to March 2013. The primary outcome of interest was Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at 6, 12, and 24 months from date of injury.RESULTSA total of 908 cases required neurosurgical consultation during the study period, and 80 of these cases involved US service members with penetrating brain injury. The mean admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 8.5 (SD 5.56), and the mean admission Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 26.6 (SD 10.2). The GOS score for the cohort trended toward improvement at each time point (3.6 at 6 months, 3.96 at 24 months, p > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, admission GCS score ≤ 5, gunshot wound as the injury mechanism, admission ISS ≥ 26, and brain herniation on admission CT head were all associated with worse GOS scores at all time points. Excluding those who died, functional improvement occurred regardless of admission GCS score (p < 0.05). The overall mortality rate for the cohort was 21%.CONCLUSIONSGood functional outcomes were achieved in this population of severe penetrating brain injury in those who survived their initial resuscitation. The mortality rate was lower than observed in civilian cohorts.

Does external beam radiation therapy to the pelvis portend worse ileal pouch outcomes? An international multi-institution collaborative study.

Short-term morbidity and long-term functional outcome of patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) exposed to pelvic external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) remains unknown. We report the largest series to date regarding the effects of pelvic EBRT on: (i) 30-day postoperative outcomes; and (ii) long-term functional outcome following IPAA. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who received EBRT before or after IPAA between 1980 and 2017 across three international inflammatory bowel disease referral centres. Nineteen patients were included. Indications for EBRT were rectal adenocarcinoma (n=13), prostate adenocarcinoma (n=4) or anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) (n=2). EBRT was given prior to IPAA in 12 (63%) patients and after IPAA in seven (37%). In EBRT before IPAA, patients had a median of 5 (range: 4-8) daytime bowel movements, 1 (range: 0-5) night-time bowel movement, no daytime incontinence, and only one patient used pads at a median follow up of 25(range: 11-163) months; one patient underwent pouch excision 15months after IPAA. In EBRT after IPAA, patients reported a median of 8 (range: 5-10) daytime and 2 (range: 0-5) night-time bowel movements, 80% had either daytime or night-time incontinence and 80% used pads at a median follow up of 90(range: 25-315) months. Pelvic EBRT administered prior to IPAA is associated with acceptable long-term function outcome. However, when pelvic EBRT is given to an IPAA insitu, most patients experience poor long-term pouch function without pouch failure.

Disorders of Consciousness due to Traumatic Brain Injury: Functional Status Ten Years Post-Injury.

Few studies have assessed the long-term functional outcomes of patients with a disorder of consciousness due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study examined functional status during the first 10 years after TBI among a cohort with disorders of consciousness (i.e., coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state). The study sample included 110 individuals with TBI who were unable to follow commands prior to inpatient rehabilitation and for whom follow-up data were available at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years post-injury. The sample was subdivided into those who demonstrated command-following early (before 28 days post-injury) versus late (≥ 28 days post-injury or never). Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years following TBI was used to measure functional outcomes. Measureable functional recovery occurred throughout the 10-year period, with more than two thirds of the sample achieving independence in mobility and self-care, and about one quarter achieving independent cognitive function by 10 years. Following commands prior to 28 days was associated with greater functional independence at all outcome time-points. Multi-trajectory modeling of recovery of three FIM subscales (self-care, mobility, cognition) revealed four distinct prognostic groups with different temporal patterns of change on these subscales. More than half the sample achieved near-maximal recovery by 1 year post-injury, while the later command-following subgroups recovered over longer periods of time. Significant late functional decline was not observed in this cohort. Among a cohort of patients unable to follow commands at the time of inpatient rehabilitation, a substantial proportion achieved functional independence in self-care, mobility, and cognition. The proportion of participants achieving functional independence increased between 5 and 10 years post-injury. These findings suggest that individuals with disorders of consciousness may benefit from ongoing functional monitoring and updated care plans for at least the first decade after TBI.

Long-Term Functional Outcome of Telestroke Patients Treated Under Drip-and-Stay Paradigm Compared with Patients Treated in a Comprehensive Stroke Center: A Single Center Experience.

Objective:The purpose of this study is to compare long-term functional outcome for patients who receive intravenous alteplase (tPA) at a primary stroke center (spoke) through telestroke consultations and remain at the spoke (drip-and-stay) with that for patients who receive tPA at the comprehensive stroke center (hub).Methods:Data on baseline characteristics, stroke severity on presentation, door to needle (DTN) time, the rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and long-term outcomes for all patients evaluated at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) hub and MUSC telestroke network spoke sites between January 2016 and March 2017 were collected. Eligible patients received tPA at either the spoke or hub location during the study period. Patients who received mechanical thrombectomy were excluded from the study. Functional outcome was assessed with 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Descriptive statistics were used to compare patient demographics and clinical outcomes across the two groups.Results:Total of 426 were identified (60 hub patients and 366 drip-and-stay patients). There were no significant differences in patient age, sex, admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), sICH, or DTN times between the two groups. mRS of 0-2 at 90 days was achieved in 37 (61.7%) of the hub and in 255 (69.7%) in the drip-and-stay patients (p = 0.216). On regression analysis, there was no difference in the adjusted relative risk of having a lower mRS between drip-and-stay and hub patients (incidence rate ratio 1.14, p = 0.278, 95% confidence interval [0.9-1.43]).Conclusion:Our study shows no difference in the long-term functional outcome for patients who received tPA through telestroke consultation and remained at spoke hospitals (drip-and-stay) compared with patients who received tPA at the hub.

A Long-Term Study of Application of Joshi's External Stabilizing System in Displaced Intra-articular Distal End Radius Fractures

Background Fractures of the distal end radius are a common upper extremity fracture. Intra-articular distal end radius fractures are recognized as very complex injuries with a variable prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term functional outcome of patients treated with Joshi's external stabilizing system (JESS) for displaced intra-articular distal end radius fractures. Materials and Methods A total of 170 patients with intra-articular distal end radius fracture were treated with JESS from 2014 to 2017. The patients were followed up at 2, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1, and 2 years (final) after the surgery. The assessment of pain, range of motion, grip strength, and satisfaction were assessed at 6 months, 1, and 2 years (final) follow-up and scored according to modified Mayo wrist scoring system. Results The good and/or excellent results were found in 82.2% of cases. We observed that patients with age less than 50 years had greater prognosis as compared with patients with more than 50 years of age. Final outcome was also found better in males as compared with females at 6 months, 1, and 2 years postoperatively. Conclusion JESS is an effective treatment technique for intra-articular distal end radius fractures in our community. On long-term follow-up of the patients treated with JESS for intra-articular distal end radius fractures, the functional and radiological outcomes were good with low complication rate.

Perioperative treatment progress of Parkinson's disease with hip fracture

To review the progress of perioperative treatments for patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures. The related literature of treatments for patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures were reviewed and analyzed from the aspects such as the perioperative management, selection of operation ways, and prognosis. The patients of Parkinson's disease are more likely to sustain hip fractures because of postural instability and osteoporosis. The perioperative treatments for patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures should be determined by orthopedists, neurologist, anesthesiologist, and physical therapist. There is still controversy about the selection of operation and surgical approach. And the prognosis of patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures are associated with the severity of Parkinson's disease. There are few clinical studies about the patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures. The mid-term and long-term functional outcomes of patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures are unsufficient. And the best treatments of patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures need to be further explored.

Patients with Diffuse Axonal Injury Can Recover to a Favorable Long-Term Functional and Quality of Life Outcome.

Functional outcome and quality of life are difficult to predict in patients with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The primary aim of this cross-sectional cohort study was to assess the long-term functional outcome in patients with DAI and to identify prognostic factors. Second, health-related quality of life (HRQL) at long-term follow-up was assessed. Patients ≥16 years of age with TBI and DAI (admitted 2008-2014) were included. Clinical and imaging data were collected. The primary outcome parameter was the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) at long-term follow-up. Second, the HRQL was assessed with the Quality Of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) questionnaire. DAI was diagnosed in 185 patients. Long-term functional outcome was obtained in 134 patients (72%), median follow-up was 54 months (range 14-100); and 51% had a favorable outcome (GOSE 6-8). Independent prognostic factors were age, pupillary reaction, Hb, DAI grading, and return of consciousness ≤7 days. Sixty-two percent had a good HRQL, after a median follow-up of 57 months (range 14-100) with age as an independent prognostic factor. More than half of patients with DAI had a favorable functional outcome and a good HRQL at long-term follow-up. Also in patients with a DAI grade 3, a favorable outcome was seen. HRQL is a clinically relevant outcome measure because it reflects perceived outcome by patients. Independent prognostic variables for functional outcome were factors obtained in the acute phase after injury, whereas age was an independent prognostic factor for HRQL.

Functional Effects of the Adams Procedure: A Retrospective Intervention Study.

Background Injury to the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) causes swelling and ulnar-sided wrist pain. The Adams procedure stabilizes the DRUJ and shows promising short-term results. Purpose We studied the long-term functional outcome in patients who underwent the Adams procedure. We also tested the null hypothesis that there would be no difference in range of motion (ROM) and grip strength between the operated wrist compared to the unaffected side. Patients and Methods We identified 74 consecutive patients that were operated from March 2005 to February 2014. Twenty-three patients responded to our invitation and underwent clinical follow-up. Three patients had a re-do of the Adams procedure after presenting with postoperative DRUJ instability, one was excluded due to additional wrist surgery not related to the initial procedure. Wrist functionality in the remaining 22 patients was examined by measuring ROM in all planes and grip strength of the operated and non-operated hand. Functional outcome was measured by asking patients to complete the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) outcome measure and the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). Results After a mean follow-up time of 5.0 years (standard deviation [SD] 2.0), we found that supination, pronation, and grip strength were significantly decreased in the operated wrist. Postoperative DASH and PRWHE-scores averaged 13.1 (SD 18.6) and 20.3 (SD 15.1), respectively. Conclusion The Adams procedure affects, but largely restores pronation and supination, and clinical examination, DASH, and PRWHE scores indicate that the Adams procedure leaves patients with upper extremity functionality comparable to a healthy population. Level of Evidence Level IV.

Surgical Evacuation of Spontaneous Cerebellar Hemorrhage: Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Suboccipital Craniotomy, Stereotactic Aspiration, and Thrombolysis and Endoscopic Surgery

Current surgical therapies for spontaneous intracerebellar hemorrhage (SCH) include suboccipital craniotomy (SC), stereotactic aspiration and thrombolysis (SAT), and endoscopic surgery (ES). Evidence comparing the therapeutic effects of these 3 methods is scarce. The safety and efficacy of SC, SAT, and ES for SCH are still uncertain. 75 patients with SCH who received SC, SAT, or ES were reviewed retrospectively. Baseline parameters before the operation, evacuation rate, perihematoma edema, postoperative complications, and cumulative case fatalities were collected. Also, 12 months after ictus, the long-term functional outcomes in patients with regard to fourth ventricle compression and age were judged, respectively, by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The SAT was less effective in evacuating hematoma than were SC and ES. The perihematoma edema on postoperative day 7 and surgical complications were highest in the SC group. The functional outcome represented by mRS was better in the SAT group than in the SC and ES groups for patients with fourth ventricle compression grade 1. For patients with fourth ventricle compression grades 2 and 3, the ES group achieved the best functional outcome. Patients older than 60 years benefited less from SC than from ES and SAT. SAT may be suitable for SCH patients with fourth ventricle compression grade 1, and ES may be suitable for SCH patients with fourth ventricle compression grades 2 and 3. Aged patients benefit less from SC than from SAT and ES.

Does functional outcome depend on the quality of the fracture fixation? Mid to long term outcomes of ankle fractures at two university teaching hospitals

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to assess the adequacy of reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures and the long-term functional outcomes of patients treated in two university teaching hospitals by general orthopaedic surgeons. MethodWe performed a retrospective study involving two large trauma units in the UK, reviewing all operatively treated unstable ankle fractures performed in one centre between 1st October 2006 and 31st December 2007 and another centre between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2009. All patients were contacted by postal follow up at a minimum of 6-years using the Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Results261 patients underwent operative treatment for ankle fractures during the study period at the two hospitals. 107 patients responded to the questionnaire. Analysis of patients’ functional outcome by fracture type reveals that the outcome scores decrease as the complexity of the ankle fracture increases. A significant finding within subgroup analysis found that trimalleolar fractures (B3) have worse outcomes than bimalleolar fractures (B2 and C); which in turn have worse outcomes than isolated lateral malleolar fractures (B1). Analyzing the outcome of patients based on the severity of malreduction revealed that Pettrone’s value was inversely proportional to the OMAS. ConclusionWe have found a significant reduction in patient reported function in patients whose fractures were malreduced at time of surgery.

Long-term functional outcome in patients with acquired infections after acute spinal cord injury. (P4.322)

Long-term functional outcome in patients with acquired infections after acute spinal cord injury. (P4.322)

Abstract 194: Machine Learning-Based Model Can Predict Stroke Outcome

Introduction: Prediction of outcome in stroke patients can help both physicians and patients in making treatment decisions and managing prognostic expectations. Machine learning techniques are being increasingly used in the field of medical research. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that models developed with machine learning techniques are useful for predicting long-term functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The model was developed with a prospective cohort of acute ischemic stroke patients. This cohort registers stroke patients who were admitted within 7 days from the onset of symptoms. For this study, we included all patients admitted between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014. We excluded patients with pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score &gt;2 or missing 3-month mRS score. Univariate analysis was performed to guide in variable selection for machine learning models. Machine learning models were trained to classify patients likely to have unfavorable outcome, defined as 3-month mRS score &gt;2. Developed models included artificial neural network, random forest, support vector machine, and logistic regression models. Area under the receiver-operated characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare effectiveness of each model. Google’s TensorFlow and scikit-learn toolkit were used for training of machine learning models. Results: Total of 3,524 patients were admitted during the study period. After excluding 454 patients with unavailable 3-month mRS scores, 60 patients with pre-stroke mRS score &gt;2, and 87 patients with missing laboratory tests or clinical data, 2,923 patients were finally enrolled. Of the 2,923 patients, 695 (24%) patients had unfavorable outcome (mRS&gt;2) at 3 months. The AUC was 0.888 for Artificial neural network model, 0.810 for random forest model, 0.836 for support vector machine model, and 0.842 for logistic regression model. We calculated the AUC of ASTRAL score for reference, which showed 0.839 in our study group. Conclusion: Machine learning models, particularly the artificial neural network model, achieved high accuracy of prediction for functional outcome in stroke. This study showed the feasibility of machine learning approach for predicting outcomes in stroke.

Abstract WMP105: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Antiepileptic Drugs for Seizure Prophylaxis on Long-Term Functional Outcomes in Patients With Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke that leads to development of seizures in up to 2%-40% of patients. Seizure prophylaxis in ICH remains controversial and it is unclear if the benefits of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) outweigh the risk of potential adverse drug effects. The objective of this analysis is to assess the effect of AED on seizure prevention and long term functional outcomes in patients with acute ICH. Methods: Our group conducted a meta-analysis using the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed of the PubMed, the Cochran Library, and EMBASE databases using the keywords “Anticonvulsants”, “Intracerebral Hemorrhage”, and related subject headings. Articles were screened and included if they assessed the impact of AEDs on long-term functional outcomes in ICH population using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall effect sizes were evaluated with forest plots and publication bias was assessed with the Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Long term functional outcomes were assessed at ≥ 3 months post-ICH with either the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or the modified Rankin Score (mRS). Results: A total of 3,912 articles were identified during the intimal review. After screening, 54 articles remained for full review and 6 articles were included in the final analysis. The quality assessment criteria ranged from moderate to high for evidence synthesis. A total of 3,193 patients were included in the analysis. There were no significant association between the use of AEDs after ICH and poor outcome defined as mRS ≥3 or NIHSS ≥15 (OR 1.53 [95% CI: 0.81-2.88] p=0.18, I 2 =81.7%). Only one trial evaluated the effect AEDs had in prevent post-ICH seizures. Publication bias was not observed in the analysis (Egger’s bias=2.23, P=0.23). Conclusion: In conclusion, the use of prophylactic AEDs was not associated with improved or worse functional outcomes after acute ICH.

Hexapod Stacked Transport for Tibial Infected Nonunions With Bone Loss: Long-Term Functional Outcomes.

To analyze long-term functional outcomes in patients with posttraumatic infected tibial nonunions having undergone bone transport with hexapod external fixator. Retrospective cohort study. Level 1 trauma center. Thirty-eight patients with infected nonunions of the tibia. Resection of nonunion with application of stacked hexapod external fixator for bone transport. Functional outcome was measured using the short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (sMFA). Parameters measured included age, sex, presence of diabetes, smoking, use of a free flap, bone defect size, length in frame, external fixation index, and direction of lengthening. The mean sMFA score for the entire group was 27.1. Average patient age was 46.8 ± 12.7 years, 74% patients were male, 8% were diabetic, and 29% were smokers. Seventeen patients had soft-tissue defects that required a free flap. Smokers had higher degrees of disability compared with nonsmokers (39 ± 16 vs. 22 ± 14, P = 0.011). Patients requiring adjunctive stabilization had worse functional scores compared with those who did not receive adjunctive stabilization (33 ± 17 vs. 22 ± 15, P = 0.049). Sixteen patients returned 2 sMFA surveys at different time points after completion of bone transport. Initial average sMFA score was 26.5 at a mean of 25.3 months; subsequent sMFA scores averaged 19.4 at a mean of 98.8 months. Stacked hexapod external fixator bone transport is a reliable technique for infected nonunion of the tibia with bone loss. Improved sMFA scores can be expected from 2 to 8 years, suggesting full recovery takes longer than previously anticipated. Limb salvage with hexapod bone transport is justified over time. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Functional outcome of non-surgical and surgical management for de novo degenerative lumbar scoliosis: a mean follow-up of 10\xa0years

BackgroundNo studies have evaluated the long-term results of non-surgical and surgical management in de novo degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DNDLS). This study reports on the long-term functional outcome of patients being treated for DNDLS by non-surgical and surgical management.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of a single center database of DNDLS patients that underwent surgical or usual non-surgical management between 1996 and 2007. In a total of 88 patients, 50 (57%) underwent non-surgical and 38 (43%) surgical management. Baseline demographic, radiological-, clinical-, and surgical-related variables were collected. An Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) 2.0 questionnaire was sent to all patients after written informed consent.ResultsTwenty-nine of 88 patients participated in the study, 15 (52%) had undergone surgical and 14 (48%) non-surgical management with a mean follow-up of 10.9 years (range 8–15 years). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between non-surgical and surgical patients at baseline for age, body mass index, coronal Cobb angle, and clinical data. None of the non-surgical patients had undergone surgery during follow-up. In the surgical group, 40% had revision surgery. There was no significant difference in ODI total scores between groups at final follow-up (p = 0.649). A larger proportion of patients in the non-surgical group reported an ODI total score of ≤ 22, reflecting minimal disability (43 versus 20%; p = 0.245).ConclusionsThis is the first study that describes the long-term 10-year functional outcome of non-surgical and surgical management in a cohort of patients with DNDLS. No significant difference in functional outcome was found between groups after a mean follow-up of 10 years. Despite the significant potential for selection bias, these results indicate that non-surgical management of patients with DNDLS may lead to adequate functional outcome after long periods of time, with no crossover to surgery. Further study is warranted to define which patients may benefit most from which management regimen.

Vocational outcome in cerebral venous thrombosis: Long-term follow-up study.

Few studies have investigated long-term functional outcome in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). We aimed to evaluate return to work (RTW) after CVT and its association with self-reported life satisfaction, quality of life, health, participation, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. From hospital records, we identified all patients diagnosed with CVT in Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 1996 and 2016 and invited all survivors to a clinical follow-up visit >1year after onset. Primary outcome was RTW within the follow-up period which was defined as ≥50% of gainful work or equivalent activity. Patients that were >62years when they developed CVT were excluded. Cox regression analyses identified associated factors to RTW and Mann-Whitney U tests compared distributions of self-reported questionnaires on life satisfaction and health. Of 62 eligible and consenting patients (median age: 41.5years (28.75-51.0); 61.3% female), 44 (71.0%) did RTW within the follow-up period (median 135months, IQR 64-197). Median time to RTW was 7.0months (IQR 1.4-12.7). Female sex (HR=0.50, 95% CI=0.25-0.99, P=.049) and parenchymal lesion detected during acute hospital stay (HR=0.45, 95% CI=0.24-0.82, P=.009) were significantly associated with no RTW. Patients with RTW reported significantly higher life satisfaction, quality of life, health, participation and lesser impact of fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Return to work after CVT is associated with higher life satisfaction, participation, and health. Parenchymal lesion in acute phase and female sex were associated with no RTW. Despite the young age of the patients, a significant portion did not regain working ability.

Journal Club: Long-term functional outcome in patients with acquired infections after acute spinal cord injury.

Infections, particularly pneumonia, are the primary cause of mortality in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).1 Several factors may contribute to the high rate of infections in the SCI population, including motor paralysis and reduced reflexes resulting in aspiration, invasive procedures, and so-called SCI-induced immune depression syndrome (SCI-IDS).2,3 SCI-IDS is thought to occur when the connection between the CNS and the immune system are disrupted by a lesion in the spinal cord, resulting in a decrease in immune function.3 In addition to increased morbidity and mortality, infections after SCI may affect neurologic recovery.2,3 A recent study found that infections impaired the return of muscle strength up to 1 year postinjury; however, the long-term consequences remain uncertain.2

Long-term functional outcome after untethering surgery for a tethered spinal cord in patients with anorectal malformations

Anorectal malformation (ARM) is associated with a tethered spinal cord (TSC). Long-term functional outcome of untethering surgery for TSC in patients with ARM has not been well evaluated. Patients aged 7years and older who underwent repair of ARM and spinal magnetic resonance imaging from January 1995 to December 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Untethering surgery was performed in all patients who were diagnosed with TSC, regardless of the presence or of neurological symptoms. Clinical symptoms reflecting anorectal, urinary, and lower limb function were compared between patients complicated with TSC (TSC group, n=17) and those without TSC (non-TSC group, n=14). The median age at functional evaluation was 11.7 and 12.9years in the TSC and non-TSC groups, respectively (p=0.52). Untethering surgery for TSC was performed at a median age of 1.3years. Preoperative urinary and lower limb dysfunction, except for vesicoureteral reflux in the TSC group in one patient, was improved after surgical detethering. Current anorectal function was comparable between the groups. Long-term functional outcome in patients with ARM and TSC undergoing untethering surgery is equivalent to that in those without TSC. Prophylactic surgical detethering for patients with ARM and TSC can be a treatment of choice to maximize neurological functional outcome.