Rate Of Neurological Deficits Research Articles

Safety Time and Optimal Temperature of Unilateral Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center 15-Year Experience.

The optimal level of hypothermia and safe time of unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (uACP) in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair remain controversial. To analyze the association of uACP time and circulatory arrest temperature with surgical outcomes of ATAAD. We retrospectively analyzed 263 patients who had undergone ATAAD repair between 2006 and 2020 using uACP. The patients were stratified by three chronologically equivalent periods (period 1, 2006 to 2010; period 2, 2011 to 2015; period 3, 2016 to 2020) to demonstrate the decade-long evolution of surgical strategy and outcomes. The mean age of the patients was 59.4 ± 12.5 years, and 68.8% were male. The hospital mortality rates were 15.1%, 12.9%, and 11.0% from period 1 to 3 (p = 0.740). The median circulatory arrest temperatures were 20, 23, and 25 °C (p < 0.001), respectively, and the median uACP times were 72, 59, and 41 minutes (p < 0.001). The incidence rates of postoperative permanent neurologic deficits were 13.2%, 10.9%, and 18.3% (p = 0.312), and those of transient neurologic deficits were 9.4%, 10.9%, and 11.9% (p = 0.936), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that uACP time ≥ 60 minutes was an independent predictor of hospital mortality rather than postoperative stroke. ROC curve analysis estimated an optimal cutoff value of 52 minutes of uACP time when the circulatory arrest temperature was ≥ 25 °C to predict hospital mortality (area under the curve: 0.72). Unilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion time was associated with hospital mortality after ATAAD surgery. A safe threshold of 50 to 60 minutes of uACP should be considered.

Early and late outcomes of type A acute aortic dissection with common carotid artery involvement

ObjectiveThe relationship between common carotid artery (CCA) involvement in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and postoperative outcomes remains unclear. We investigated outcomes and described our current advanced strategy. MethodsOf 492 patients who underwent surgical repair for ATAAD between September 1999 and February 2021, CCA involvement was identified in 114. Eighty of these 114 patients (70.2%) were classified as having a thrombosed CCA and 34 (29.8%) were classified as nonthrombosed. To prevent postoperative cerebral malperfusion, we initiated a strategy of early reperfusion and direct reconstruction of dissected and thrombosed CCAs regardless of neurologic symptoms. ResultsFifty-five patients (48.2%) showed preoperative neurologic symptoms. No significant differences between the thrombosed and nonthrombosed groups were seen in postoperative mortality (20.0% vs 11.8%; P = .421) or frequency of postoperative modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥5 (30.0% vs 17.6%; P = .245). The rate of postoperative neurologic deficit was significantly higher (48.8% vs 23.5%; P = .013) and long-term survival rate was significantly lower (5 years; 59.1 ± 6.3% vs 77.9 ± 7.4%; 10 years: 50.0 ± 7.9% vs 72.3 ± 8.7%; P = .041) in the thrombosed group. Risk factors for mRS ≥5 from multivariable analysis included occluded thrombosed CCA, preoperative coma, preoperative shock, and prolonged operation time. Fifteen patients were treated with the early reperfusion and direct reconstruction strategy; postoperative mortality 13.3% (2 patients). No patients showed cerebral reperfusion syndrome. ConclusionsIn patients with CCA involvement, a thrombosed false lumen, especially an occluded CCA, resulted in worse outcomes regardless of preoperative neurologic symptoms. Further study is needed to evaluate the efficacy of the current strategy.

Surgical complications of endoscopic approach to skull base: analysis of 584 consecutive patients.

Endoscopic techniques have been widely applied for challenging cranial base surgeries in recent years. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of using the endoscopic endo-nasal route for various skull base pathologies in terms of postoperative complications. A total of 584 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic skull base surgery were studied. Peri- and post-operative complications and risk factors affecting the occurrence of these complications were evaluated. 648 endoscopic skull base surgical procedures were performed on 584 patients (47.8% females and 52.2% males) with the mean age of 41.2years. Pituitary adenoma (69.3%) was the most common pathology. Post-operative mortality was 2.0%. The rates of post-operative permanent neurological deficit (one case of 6th nerve injury, two 12th nerve injuries and one hemiparesis) and visual deterioration were 0.6% and 1.5%, respectively. Ten patients (1.7%) were complicated with meningitis and it was the cause of death in 3. Systemic complications not directly attributable to skull base surgical access occurred in 2% (11 patients) with 5 mortalities. The rate of intra-operative vascular injury was 1% and among them one patient died due to PCA injury. The most common post-operative complications were diabetes insipidus (12.5%), anterior pituitary dysfunction (10.6%) and CSF leak (3.6%), respectively. In general, reoperation, malignant lesions, and level IV of surgical complexity were associated with a higher incidence of complications. Endoscopic endo-nasal approach can be a safe and less-morbid first-line treatment of patients with various skull base lesions.

Stereotactic radiosurgery versus active surveillance for incidental, convexity meningiomas: a matched cohort analysis from the IMPASSE study.

The optimal treatment strategy of asymptomatic, convexity meningiomas, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to define the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of patients with asymptomatic convexity meningiomas. Data of SRS-treated patients from 14 participating centers and patients managed conservatively for an asymptomatic, convexity-located meningioma were compared. Local tumor control rate and development of new neurologic deficits were evaluated in the active surveillance and in the SRS-treated cohorts. In the unmatchedcohorts, there were 99 SRS-treated patients and 140 patients managed conservatively for an asymptomatic, convexity meningioma. Following propensity score matching for age, there were 98 patients in eachcohort. In the matched cohorts, tumor control was achieved in 99% of SRS-treated, and in 69.4% of conservatively managed patients (p < 0.001). New neurological deficits occurred in 2.0% of patients in each of the matched cohorts(p = 1.00).Increasing age was predictive of tumor growth [(OR 1.1; 95% CI (1.04 -1.2), (p < 0.001)]. This is one of the first reports to suggest that SRS is a low risk and effective treatment strategy for asymptomatic incidentally discovered convexity meningiomas. In this study, tumor control was achieved in significantly more patients after radiosurgery compared to those managed with active surveillance. SRS may be offered at diagnosis of an asymptomatic convexity meningioma and should be recommended when meningioma growth is noted on follow-up.

The utility of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in surgical treatment for spinal arteriovenous malformations: A historical control study

ObjectiveThis study sought to investigate the utility of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in the surgical treatment for spinal arteriovenous malformations (SAVMs). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 39 patients who underwent surgical treatment for SAVMs. Twenty-eight patients who received multimodal IONM (transcranial electrical motor-evoked potentials [MEPs], somatosensory-evoked potentials, continuous electromyography, and bulbocavernosus reflex [BCR]) between 2011 and 2020 were compared to 11 historical controls between 2003 and 2011. The rates of postoperative neurological deficits (PNDs), neurophysiological warnings, and their characteristics were analyzed. ResultsPNDs were developed in 10.7% and 54.5% of patients in the IONM and historical control (non-IONM) groups, respectively (p = 0.008). Moreover, not applying IONM was the only significant risk factor for the development of PNDs in the logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 10.0, p = 0.007). In the IONM group, a total of three electrophysiological warnings were observed, and two of these were true positives; one patient complained of leg motor weakness after surgery with loss of the abductor halluces MEPs. The other patient experienced disappearance of the BCR during surgery and newly developed urinary retention. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of IONM warnings for detecting PNDs were 66.7%, 96.0%, 66.7%, and 96.0%, respectively. ConclusionsThe neurological outcome of the IONM group was significantly better than that of the historical control group in the surgical treatments for SAVMs. SignificanceMultimodal IONM could be a useful tool to detect neurological damage with relatively high accuracy in this type of surgery.

Spontaneous spinal cord infarction in Austria: a two-center comparative study.

Background:Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a neurological emergency associated with high rates of persistent neurological deficits. Knowledge about this rare but potentially treatable condition needs to be expanded.Objective:To describe the characteristics of spontaneous SCI in a large retrospective series of patients treated at two tertiary care centers in Austria.Methods:We performed a descriptive and comparative analysis of spontaneous SCI treated at the University Hospitals of Salzburg and Graz between the years 2000 and 2020. The analysis included pre- and in-hospital procedures, clinical presentation, etiology, diagnostic certainty, reperfusion therapy, and functional outcome at discharge.Results:We identified 88 cases, 61% were ascertained in the second half of the study period. The median age was 65.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 56–74], 51.1% were women. Anterior spinal artery infarction was the predominant syndrome (82.9%). Demographics, vascular comorbidities, and clinical presentation did not differ between the centers. The most frequent etiology and level of diagnostic certainty were distinct, with atherosclerosis (50%) and definite SCI (42%), and unknown (52.5%) and probable SCI (60%) as front runners in Salzburg and Graz, respectively. Patients arrived after a median of 258.5 min (IQR = 110–528) at the emergency room. The first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord was performed after a median of 148 min (IQR = 90–312) from admission and was diagnostic for SCI in 45%. Two patients received intravenous thrombolysis (2.2%). The outcome was poor in 37/77 (48%).Conclusion:Demographics, clinical syndromes, and quality benchmarks for spontaneous SCI were consistent at two Austrian tertiary care centers. Our findings provide the foundation for establishing standards for pre- and in-hospital care to improve outcomes.

Intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection of high-grade glioma leads to greater extent of resection with better outcomes: a systematic review.

High-grade gliomas (HGG) are the most aggressive and common malignant brain tumors in adults. They have a dismally fatal prognosis. Even if gross total resection of the enhancing tumor is achieved, inevitably, invading tumor cells that are indistinguishable to the un-aided eye are left behind, which eventually leads to tumor recurrence. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an increasingly utilized intraoperative fluorescent imaging agent for patients with HGG. It enhances visualization of HGG tissue. Despite early promising randomized clinical trial data suggesting a survival benefit for 5-ALA-guided surgery, the growing body of literature must be analyzed to confirm efficacy on patient outcomes. To perform a systematic review of the literature to evaluate whether there is a beneficial effect upon survival and extent of resection due to the utilization of 5-ALA in HGG surgery. Literature regarding 5-ALA usage in HGG surgery was reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two databases, PubMed and SCOPUS, were searched for assorted combinations of the keywords "5-ALA," "high-grade glioma," "5-aminolevulinic acid," and "resection" in July 2020 for case reports and retrospective, prospective, and randomized clinical trials assessing and analyzing 5-ALA intraoperative use in patients with HGG. Entailed studies on PubMed and SCOPUS were found for screening using a snowball search technique upon the initially searched papers. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded from our PRISMA table. 3756 previously published studies were screened, 536 of which were further evaluated, and ultimately 45 were included in our systematic review. There were no date restrictions on the screened publications. Our literature search was finalized on July 16, 2020. We found an observed increase in the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the 5-ALA group compared to the white light group, as well as an observed increase in the OS and PFS of complete resections compared to incomplete resections. Of the studies that directly compared the use of 5-ALA to white light (13 of the total analyzed 45, or 28.9%), 5-ALA lead to a better PFS and OS in 88.4 and 67.5% of patients, respectively. When the studies that reported postoperative neurologic outcomes of surgeries using 5-ALA vs. white light were analyzed, 42.2% of subjects demonstrated 5-ALA use was associated with less post-op neurological deficits, whereas 34.5% demonstrated no difference between 5-ALA and without. 23.3% of studies showed that intraoperative 5-ALA guided surgeries lead to more post-op neurological deficits. Utilization of 5-ALA was found to be associated with a greater extent of resection in HGG surgeries, as well as longer OS and PFS. Postop neurologic deficit rates were mixed and inconclusive when comparing 5-ALA groups to white light groups. 5-ALA is a useful surgical adjunct for resection of HGG when patient safety is preserved.

Extent of resection in glioblastoma: a 10-year local survival analysis

Abstract Aims The impact on extent of resection (EOR) in glioblastoma has been well documented. It is clear that gross-total resection (GTR) confers best overall survival (OS), however the minimum EOR required to confer a survival benefit over biopsy is debated. Recent studies favour partial resection (PR) over biopsy for IDH-wildtype, MGMT-unmethylated tumours. We describe our experiences locally with these principles in mind. Method Retrospective evaluation of a single surgeon cohort. All patients over 18 years old, undergoing a surgical treatment for histologically confirmed GBM in the stated period were included. We collected information on demographics, tumour volume, EOR, complications, adjuvant therapies, molecular profile, and OS. We used log rank tests and Cox Proportional Hazards Models to identify factors associated with OS. Results The patient and tumour characteristics of our cohort were similar to those documented in the literature. The mean age was 56.6 years. 72 patients underwent biopsy and 202 had debulking surgery. Median OS was 11 months. Of those debulked, gross-total resection was achieved in 41 patients (20%); associated median OS was 29 months. Patients receiving partial resection (defined as EOR &amp;lt;80%) had no clear survival benefit over patients undergoing biopsy (median OS 6 vs 5 months) but had a higher rate of post-op neurological deficit (3% vs 12%). Tumour molecular profile appeared to influence survival outcome in a manner comparable to worldwide experience. Conclusion In our experience, partial resection is not a justifiable surgical aim in the typical glioblastoma cohort. The limited benefit that it may confer over biopsy appears to be outweighed by the risk of neurological deficit that affects quality and probably quantity of life. This finding applies to our glioblastoma population in general as well as those specifically with an MGM-unmethylated tumour.

63 The “Brighton Connector”: A Simple, Reproducible and Cost-Effective Technique for Bilateral Antegrade Cerebral Perfusion During Aortic Arch Surgery

Abstract Aim Surgery of the aortic arch presents significant technical and physiological challenges. Selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) during arch surgery has been shown to improve mortality and neurological outcomes in these patients. At our centre, we aimed to develop a safe, reliable, and cost-effective technique to provide bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion without the need of another pump head. Method We developed our system using equipment that is included in the accessory packaging for the Sorin Xtra cell saver system, which is readily available in cardiac surgical units nationwide, but often discarded as it is not required. An EOPA arterial return cannula and the TRUE FLOW RDB SACP cannula were joined using our novel connection. Results A single surgeon has used the “Brighton Connector” for 6 patients in the last two years. All patients made a satisfactory recovery with a 0% rate of mortality or permanent neurological deficit. Conclusions All components in our circuit are already approved for use in cardiac theatres, and the connection tubing would normally be discarded, making our method cost neutral. We demonstrate through a case series that mortality and neurological outcomes are good and comparable with other techniques.

Combined Pipeline Embolization Device with Endoscopic Endonasal Fascia Lata/Muscle Graft Repair as a Salvage Technique for Treatment of Iatrogenic Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

The incidence of internal carotid artery (ICA) injury associated with endoscopic endonasal approaches to the pituitary is less than 1%. While parent vessel sacrifice has historically been the choice of treatment, vessel-preserving endovascular techniques have been reported. Although flow diversion offers endoluminal reconstruction, its major limitation is the delay in obtaining complete occlusion. We describe the use of a combined Pipeline embolization device (PED) with endoscopic endonasal repair using a fascia lata/muscle graft to treat an iatrogenic ICA pseudoaneurysm and report long-term radiographic follow-up. Further investigation into the utility of directed endoscopic endonasal repair of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms initially treated with PED is necessary, especially given the need of post-PED anticoagulation and the rate of permanent neurological deficit after ICA sacrifice.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

ObjectiveTo review the evidence for the use of electromyography (EMG), motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) strategies during lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), as well as discuss the limitations associated with each technique. MethodsA comprehensive review of the literature and compilation of findings relating to clinical studies investigating the efficacy of EMG, MEP, SSEP, or combined IONM strategies during LLIF. ResultsThe evidence for the use of EMG is mixed with some studies demonstrating the efficacy of EMG in preventing postoperative neurologic injuries and other studies demonstrating a high rate of postoperative neurologic deficits with EMG monitoring. Multimodal IONM strategies utilizing MEPs or saphenous SSEPs to monitor the lumbar plexus may be promising strategies based on results from a limited number of studies. ConclusionThe use of traditional EMG during LLIF remains without consensus. There is a growing body of evidence utilizing multimodal IONM with MEPs or saphenous SSEPs demonstrating a possible decrease in postoperative neurologic injuries after LLIF. Future prospective studies, with clear definitions of neurologic injury, that evaluate different multimodal IONM strategies are needed to better assess the efficacy of IONM during LLIF.

Gluteal compartment syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionGluteal compartment syndrome is a rare but devastating condition with limited characterization in the literature. The purpose of our systematic review, case series, and meta-analysis is to synthesize the current literature and provide recommendations on how to prevent gluteal compartment syndrome, identify at-risk patients, and avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. MethodsInternational Classification of Disease codes were used to identify patients at our institution. PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify case reports between 1972 and March 1st, 2018. Cases were analyzed based on demographics, etiology, presentation, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Results139 cases – 13 from our institution and 126 previously published – were included. The most common etiologies were postoperative (41%), prolonged immobilization secondary to substance abuse or loss of consciousness (35%) and trauma (19%). 89% were male, mean age was 45 years (range, 16-74), and mean body mass index was 41 kg/m2. Rhabdomyolysis and sciatic neuropathy were identified in 94% and 74% of patients, respectively. Fasciotomy was performed in 80% of patients. Overall, 93% of patients survived. However, 41% of patients suffered prolonged neurologic dysfunction. In patients with an initial neurologic deficit, there was a higher rate of permanent neurological deficit in patients treated medically than those treated surgically (12/14 vs 29/61, p=0.0153), but no statistical difference in mortality (0/14 vs 4/61, p=1). In patients without initial neurologic deficit, there were no statistical differences in rates of permanent neurological deficit (0/7 vs 2/20, p=1) or mortality (0/7 vs 3/20, p=0.545) between those receiving medical or surgical treatment. DiscussionGluteal compartment syndrome is an orthopaedic emergency that may be more prevalent and associated with higher morbidity and mortality than previously recognized. Risk factors may include prolonged surgical duration, immobilization secondary to substance abuse, and pelvic trauma. Intraoperative precautions and postoperative surveillance are recommended in obese patients undergoing prolonged procedures. Fasciotomies improve neurologic outcomes in patients presenting with an initial neurologic deficit. In patients who are neurologically intact on presentation, medical management with neurologic function surveillance may be the optimal initial treatment. Fasciotomies do not impact mortality. Additionally, a treatment algorithm is provided.

P-IM003. The utility of intraoperative Neurophysiological monitoring in surgical correction for spinal arteriovenous shunts: A historical control study

Introduction . This study aimed to investigate the utility of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in surgical correction for spinal arteriovenous shunts (SAVSs). Methods . We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients underwent surgical correction for SAVSs. 29 patients who underwent multimodal IONM (transcranial electrical motor-evoked potentials [tcMEP], somatosensory-evoked potentials [SSEP], continuous electromyography, and bulbocavernosus reflex [BCR]) from 2011 to 2020 were compared to 13 historical controls (non-IONM groups) from 2003 to 2009. The rates of postoperative neurological deficits, neurophysiological warnings, and their characteristics were analyzed. Postoperative neurological deficits were evaluated at one month, six months, and one year after surgery, respectively. Results . Among 42 patients, postoperative neurological deficit rates were 13.8% and 46.2% in the IONM and non-IONM groups, respectively (p = 0.046). In total, 5 warnings were observed during IONM (3 tcMEP; 1 tcMEP and SSEP; 1 BCR). Three cases were true-positive. The amplitude of right abductor halluces MEP decreased during surgery in patient 1 who had no weakness of the right leg previously. After surgery, weakness of right leg was newly observed in patient 1. Patient 2 who had both leg weakness previously got worse both leg weakness than before surgery. Her left abductor halluces MEP disappeared and never recovered during surgery. Patient 3 had normal bladder function before surgery. His baseline BCR was successfully recorded but the end of the surgery, the bilateral BCR was completely disappeared. He had severe urinary retention after surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of IONM warnings for detecting postoperative neurological complications were 75.0%, 92.0%, 60.0%, and 95.8% respectively. Conclusion . The utility of IONM in surgical correction for SAVSs has not been evaluated due to its rarity. This is the first study to provide results revealing that IONM helps to improve postoperative neurological outcome through comparison with non-IONM group in surgical correction for SAVSs.

Triggered Electromyography is a Useful Intraoperative Adjunct to Predict Postoperative Neurological Deficit Following Lumbar Pedicle Screw Instrumentation

Study Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.Objectives:Malposition of pedicle screws during instrumentation in the lumbar spine is associated with complications secondary to spinal cord or nerve root injury. Intraoperative triggered electromyographic monitoring (t-EMG) may be used during instrumentation for early detection of malposition. The association between lumbar pedicle screws stimulated at low EMG thresholds and postoperative neurological deficits, however, remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess whether a low threshold t-EMG response to lumbar pedicle screw stimulation can serve as a predictive tool for postoperative neurological deficit.Methods:The present study is a meta-analysis of the literature from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase identifying prospective/retrospective studies with outcomes of patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion with t-EMG testing.Results:The total study cohort consisted of 2,236 patients and the total postoperative neurological deficit rate was 3.04%. 10.78% of the patients incurred at least 1 pedicle screw that was stimulated below the respective EMG alarm threshold intraoperatively. The incidence of postoperative neurological deficits in patients with a lumbar pedicle screw stimulated below EMG alarm threshold during placement was 13.28%, while only 1.80% in the patients without. The pooled DOR was 10.14. Sensitivity was 49% while specificity was 88%.Conclusions:Electrically activated lumbar pedicle screws resulting in low t-EMG alarm thresholds are highly specific but weakly sensitive for new postoperative neurological deficits. Patients with new postoperative neurological deficits after lumbar spine surgery were 10 times more likely to have had a lumbar pedicle screw stimulated at a low EMG threshold.

331 The Role of Prophylactic and Therapeutic Fasciotomy in Acute Limb Presentations

Abstract Introduction Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency that can be of traumatic or non-traumatic nature. Missed or delayed diagnosis can cause significant morbidity. The aim of this systematic review was to assess outcomes following prophylactic and therapeutic fasciotomies performed for acute limb presentations. Method This systematic review was undertaken following a predefined protocol registered with PROSPERO, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Searches of MEDLINE and Embase databases retrieved 623 articles; 19 articles were included in the study. A qualitative synthesis was performed due to heterogeneity between the studies. Results Overall mortality rates of 0–19 % were reported for traumatic causes and 24.5–27% for non-traumatic causes. In general, comparative studies reported lower amputation rates (0–21.7% vs 6.6–50%) and neurological deficit rates in the prophylactic versus therapeutic fasciotomy arms (8.8–18% vs 12.5–42%). Complication rates of up to 42% and 35% were reported in traumatic and non-traumatic cases respectively, which included wound infection, nerve injury and ischaemic contractures. Conclusions Prophylactic fasciotomies appear to have superior outcomes than therapeutic ones. There is insufficient evidence for a specific time cut-off for the performance of therapeutic fasciotomies; retrospective analysis of outcomes via a fasciotomy registry may help to guide future practice.

P44 Direct and Combined Revascularization Versus Indirect Revascularization in the Treatment of Moyamoya Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

IntroductionThere is currently no definite consensus regarding the surgical treatment of moyamoya disease (MMD). This study aimed to compare direct and combined versus indirect bypasses with regard to perioperative complications in pediatric and adult patients with MMD.MethodsSystematic searches of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central were undertaken. Primary outcome measures analyzed included perioperative complications defined as any major adverse events within 30 days after bypass surgery.Results2490 studies were identified. 20 reporting 2982 patients were eventually included in our meta-analysis. Pooled mean age was 37.5 years (95%CI:33.5–41.5) and 7.4 years (95%CI:4.1–10.7) in adult and pediatric patients respectively. For adult patients, perioperative stroke rate was comparable between direct/combined bypass and indirect bypass (OR = 1.26 [95%CI:0.81–1.96], p = 0.300 for indirect bypass). For pediatric patients, perioperative stroke rate was comparable between direct/combined bypass and indirect bypass (OR = 2.43[95%CI:0.74–7.94], p = 0.143 for indirect bypass). No difference was found in perioperative mortality between direct/combined bypass and indirect bypass for adult patients (OR = 1.16[95%CI:0.07–19.00], p = 0.915 for indirect bypass). There was no difference in perioperative mortality between direct/combined bypass and indirect bypass (OR = 1.39 [95%CI:0 –Inf], p = 1.00 for indirect bypass) in pediatric patients. There was no significant difference in perioperative neurological deficit rates between direct/combined bypass and indirect bypass (OR = 1.27[95%CI:0.68–2.39], p = 0.451 for indirect bypass).Discussions/ConclusionsOur meta-analysis provides statistical evidence suggesting that both direct and indirect bypasses can be equally effective in preventing stroke, with similar rates of perioperative complications in pediatric and adult patients.

Relational Family Therapy in the Treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors and their Relatives

Sudden cardiac arrest is the most common single cause of death in the contemporary world, but the proportion of survivors is increasing thanks to modern intensive methods of hospital treatment. However, data show that survivors experience high rates of neurological and cognitive deficits and poorer emotional well-being, which is a major challenge in treating these individuals and encouraging their integration in everyday life. These issues range from a number of emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression, to lower levels of participation in social life and a low rate of return to their workplace. The need for security and support increases because of the feelings of insecurity, vulnerability and fear of the recurrence of symptoms. Relatives/caregivers who report emotional problems and a higher level of post-traumatic stress are physically and mentally burdened, too. Hence, sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening event which is traumatic for survivors and their close relatives. It triggers strong emotional responses that are characteristic of all types of trauma (reliving the trauma, avoidance, negative thoughts and mood, increased agitation). People who have survived trauma thus suffer long-term effects, which are reflected in various dysfunctional behaviours and activities due to inadequate regulation of affective states. Because of these issues, there is a need for effective interventions that can psychologically help patients and relatives after surviving sudden cardiac arrest. In this paper, we will present the model of Relational Family Therapy, which can enable survivors and their relatives to appropriately emotionally-affectively process this experience and thus more appropriately integrate into a new way of life. With the qualitative research method of task analysis, we will show the process of change, which is based on the establishment of a new regulation of affect and allows in-depth processing of difficult emotional states after this event.

Abstract P781: Ischemic Postconditioning Protects Against Hemorrhagic Transformation Induced by Hyperglycemia in Ischemic Stroke

Background: Hyperglycemia occurs in over 40% of ischemic stroke patients, which induces hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and worsens stroke outcomes. The management of hyperglycemia with insulin did not show favorable outcomes. Thus, strategies for managing hyperglycemia-exacerbated stroke injury are urgently needed. We previously demonstrated that ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) (repeated transient interruption of cerebral blood flow during reperfusion) can reduce brain infarct size and improve neurological outcomes. In this study, we hypothesized that IPostC can reduce HT in ischemic stroke with acute hyperglycemia. Method: Male mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 hour, followed by reperfusion to mimic ischemic stroke. Glucose was injected before MCAO to induce hyperglycemia. IPostC was initiated upon reperfusion with 3 cycles of 30-second reperfusion followed by 10 seconds of MCA occlusion. Brain infarct was visualized by TTC staining and quantitated using Image J. Hemorrhagic transformation was evaluated by hemorrhagic scores. Result: Acute hyperglycemia significantly increased the brain infarct size (by 25%, p&lt;0.01), brain edema (p&lt;0.001) and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) (average HT scores: 0.75 in MCAO group vs 15.6 in MCAO plus hyperglycemia group, p&lt;0.001), Mice with hyperglycemia also exhibited more severe neurological deficit and higher mortality rate at 24 hours after MCAO. 2) IPostC treatment significantly reduced brain infarct size (p&lt;0.01), brain edema (p&lt;0.05) and attenuated HT (p&lt;0.001). Neurological deficit and mortality rate was reduced with IPostC treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IPostC can counteract the effects of acute hyperglycemia and reduce brain injury, edema and HT after stroke. Grant/Other Support: NIH Grant R01NS064136C

Single-Position Prone Transpsoas Lateral Interbody Fusion Including L4L5: Early Postoperative Outcomes

The lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) was a revolutionary approach devised by Luiz Pimenta that allowed the surgeon to access the lumbar spine through the major psoas muscle. Although the traditional LLIF had enabled enormous advances, the technique has its drawbacks. A new concept to perform the traditional LLIF has been proposed, with the patient being prone to decubitus with slightly extended legs. Our study aims to analyze the early outcomes of patients who had undergone the prone transpsoas (PTP) for degenerative spine pathologies including the L4/5 level. This study was multicentric, retrospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative, and observational. Only participants who received PTP in L4/5, with no more than 3 levels of intersomatics and fixation no further than S1, were included. The primary outcomes were the onset of new neurologic deficits and postoperative complications. Also, surgery details, such as blood loss and surgery duration, were measured. Neurologic deficits were accessed at the postoperative visit, which ranged from 7 to 14 days after surgery. Twenty-seven patients fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the majority receiving PTP only in L4/5 (66.6%). The mean surgery time was 182, with 29 minutes of mean transpsoas time. Of the patients, only 1 presented the onset of a motor deficit, while 3 patients presented a new sensory deficit. Five complications occurred, none intraoperative and 5 postoperative, with only 1 directly correlated with the access. The prone transpsoas is safe and feasible for approaching the L4/5 disk, presenting with a low rate of complication and new-onset neurologic deficits.

Postoperative outcomes and surgical ratio at a newly established epilepsy center: The first 100 procedures

PurposeTo describe the patients’ characteristics, surgical ratio, and outcomes following epilepsy surgery at the newly established Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main. MethodsWe retrospectively studied the first 100 consecutive patients, including adult (n = 77) and pediatric (n = 23) patients, with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent resective or ablative surgical procedures at a single, newly established epilepsy center. Patient characteristics, seizure and neuropsychological outcomes, histopathology, complications, and surgical ratio were analyzed. ResultsThe mean patient age was 28.8 years (children 10.6 years, adults 34.2 years). The mean epilepsy duration was 11.9 years (children 3.9 years, adults 14.3 years), and the mean follow-up was 1.5 years. At the most recent visit, 64% of patients remained completely seizure free [Engel IA]. The rates of perioperative complications and unexpected new neurological deficits were 5%, each. The proportion of patients showing deficits in one or more cognitive domains increased six months after surgery and decreased to presurgical proportions after two years. Symptoms of depression were significantly decreased and quality of life was significantly increased after surgery. The surgical ratio was 25.3%. ConclusionSimilar postsurgical outcomes were achieved at a newly established epilepsy center compared with long-standing epilepsy centers. The lower time to surgery may reflect a general decrease in time to surgery over the last decade or the improved accessibility of a new epilepsy center in a previously underserved area. The surgical ratio was not lower than reported for established centers.