| 1. |
- Fahlström, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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A grading scale for surgically treated patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage : The Surgical Swedish ICH Score
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Neurosurgery. - Rolling Meadows, IL United States : American Association of Neurological Surgeons. - 0022-3085 .- 1933-0693. ; 133:3, s. 800-807
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE The authors aimed to develop the first clinical grading scale for patients with surgically treated spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS A nationwide multicenter study including 401 ICH patients surgically treated by craniotomy and evacuation of a spontaneous supratentorial ICH was conducted between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. All neurosurgical centers in Sweden were included. All medical records and neuroimaging studies were retrospectively reviewed. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were identified by logistic regression. A risk stratification scale (the Surgical Swedish ICH [SwICH] Score) was developed using weighting of independent predictors based on strength of association. RESULTS Factors independently associated with 30-day mortality were Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p = 0.00015), ICH volume ≥ 50 mL (p = 0.031), patient age ≥ 75 years (p = 0.0056), prior myocardial infarction (MI) (p = 0.00081), and type 2 diabetes (p = 0.0093). The Surgical SwICH Score was the sum of individual points assigned as follows: GCS score 15–13 (0 points), 12–5 (1 point), 4–3 (2 points); age ≥ 75 years (1 point); ICH volume ≥ 50 mL (1 point); type 2 diabetes (1 point); prior MI (1 point). Each increase in the Surgical SwICH Score was associated with a progressively increased 30-day mortality (p = 0.0002). No patient with a Surgical SwICH Score of 0 died, whereas the 30-day mortality rates for patients with Surgical SwICH Scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 5%, 12%, 31%, and 58%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The Surgical SwICH Score is a predictor of 30-day mortality in patients treated surgically for spontaneous supratentorial ICH. External validation is needed to assess the predictive value as well as the generalizability of the Surgical SwICH Score.
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| 2. |
- Fahlström, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Differences in neurosurgical treatment of intracerebral haemorrhage: a nation-wide observational study of 578 consecutive patients
- 2019
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 161:5, s. 955-965
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundSupratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) carries an excessive mortality and morbidity. Although surgical ICH treatment can be life-saving, the indications for surgery in larger cohorts of ICH patients are controversial and not well defined. We hypothesised that surgical indications vary substantially among neurosurgical centres in Sweden.ObjectiveIn this nation-wide retrospective observational study, differences in treatment strategies among all neurosurgical departments in Sweden were evaluated.MethodsPatient records, neuroimaging and clinical outcome focused on 30-day mortality were collected on each operated ICH patient treated at any of the six neurosurgical centres in Sweden from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015.ResultsIn total, 578 consecutive surgically treated ICH patients were evaluated. There was a similar incidence of surgical treatment among different neurosurgical catchment areas. Patient selection for surgery was similar among the centres in terms of patient age, pre-operative level of consciousness and co-morbidities, but differed in ICH volume, proportion of deep-seated vs. lobar ICH and pre-operative signs of herniation (p<.05). Post-operative patient management strategies, including the use of ICP-monitoring, CSF-drainage and mechanical ventilation, varied among centres (p<.05). The 30-day mortality ranged between 10 and 28%.ConclusionsAlthough indications for surgical treatment of ICH in the six Swedish neurosurgical centres were homogenous with regard to age and pre-operative level of consciousness, important differences in ICH volume, proportion of deep-seated haemorrhages and pre-operative signs of herniation were observed, and there was a substantial variability in post-operative management. The present results reflect the need for refined evidence-based guidelines for surgical management of ICH.
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| 3. |
- Hanrahan, John, et al.
(författare)
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Hands train the brain-what is the role of hand tremor and anxiety in undergraduate microsurgical skills?
- 2018
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : SPRINGER WIEN. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 160:9, s. 1673-1679
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Physiological hand tremor occurs naturally, due to oscillations of the upper extremities. Tremor can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety, interfering with fine motor tasks and potentially impact on surgical performance, particularly in microsurgery. We investigated the link between tremor, anxiety and performance in a neurosurgical module as part of an international surgical course.Methods: Essential Skills in the Management of Surgical Cases (ESMSC) course recruits medical students from European Union (EU) medical schools. Students are asked to suture the dura mater in an ex vivo swine model, of which the first suture completed was assessed. Questionnaires were distributed before and after the module, eliciting tremor risk factors, self-perception of tremor and anxiety. Johnson O'Connor dexterity pad was used to objectively measure dexterity. Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) was used to assess skills-based performance. Anxiety was assessed using the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS). Tremor was evaluated by four qualified neurosurgeons.Results: Forty delegates participated in the study. Overall performance decreased with greater subjective perception of anxiety (p = 0.032, rho = -0.392). Although increasing scores for tremor at rest and overall WTAS score were associated with decreased performance, this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Tremor at rest did not affect dexterity (p = 0.876, rho = -0.027).Conclusions: Physiological tremor did not affect student performance and microsurgical dexterity in a simulation-based environment. Self-perception of anxiety affected performance in this module, suggesting that more confident students perform better in a simulated neurosurgical setting.
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| 4. |
- Hanrahan, John, et al.
(författare)
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Increasing motivation and engagement in neurosurgery for medical students through practical simulation-based learning
- 2018
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Ingår i: Annals of Medicine and Surgery. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 2049-0801. ; 34, s. 75-79
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) is an essential adjunct to modern surgical education. Our study aimed to evaluate the educational benefit and motivational impact of a pilot practical neurosurgical module.Materials and methods: 38 clinical medical students from several EU Medical Schools attended an international surgical course focused on teaching and learning basic surgical skills. We designed a pilot neurosurgical workshop instructing students to insert an intracranial pressure bolt using an ex vivo pig model. Each delegate was assessed by two consultant neurosurgeons using a validated assessment tool. Structured questionnaires were distributed on completion of the module.Results: Delegate performance increased (p<0.001) with no difference in performance improvement across year of study (p=0.676) or medical school (p=0.647). All delegates perceived this workshop as a potential addition to their education (median 5/5, IQR=0), and indicated that the course provided motivational value towards a neurosurgical career (median 4/5, IQR=1), with no difference seen between year of study or medical school (p>0.05).Conclusion: Our pilot neurosurgical workshop demonstrated the educational value of practical SBL learning for motivating students towards a surgical career. Homogeneous views across year of study and medical school underline the value of developing a unified strategy to develop and standardise undergraduate surgical teaching with a practical focus.
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| 5. |
- Hessington, Amel, et al.
(författare)
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Favorable clinical outcome following surgical evacuation of deep-seated and lobar supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage : a retrospective single-center analysis of 123 cases
- 2018
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : SPRINGER WIEN. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 160:9, s. 1737-1747
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the role of surgical treatment remains controversial, particularly in deep-seated ICHs. We hypothesized that early mortality and long-term functional outcome differ between patients with surgically treated lobar and deep-seated ICH.Method: Patients who underwent craniotomy for ICH evacuation from 2009 to 2015 were retrospectively evaluated and categorized into two subgroups: lobar and deep-seated ICH. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate long-term functional outcome.Result: Of the 123 patients operated for ICH, 49.6% (n = 61) had lobar and 50.4% (n = 62) deep-seated ICH. At long-term follow-up (mean 4.2 years), 25 patients (20.3%) were dead, while 51.0% of survivors had a favorable outcome (mRS score <= 3). Overall mortality was 13.0% at 30 days and 17.9% at 6 months post-ictus, not influenced by ICH location. Mortality was higher in patients >= 65 years old (p = 0.020). The deep-seated group had higher incidence and extent of intraventricular extension, younger age (52.6 +/- 9.0 years vs. 58.5 +/- 9.8 years; p < 0.05), more frequently pupillary abnormalities, and longer neurocritical care stay (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with good outcome was 48.0% in deep-seated vs. 54.1% in lobar ICH (p = 0.552). In lobar ICH, independent predictors of long-term outcome were age, hemorrhage volume, preoperative level of consciousness, and pupillary reaction. In deep-seated ICHs, only high age correlated significantly with poor outcome.Conclusions: At long-term follow-up, most ICH survivors had a favorable clinical outcome. Neither mortality nor long-term functional outcome differed between patients operated for lobar or deep-seated ICH. A combination of surgery and neurocritical care can result in favorable clinical outcome, regardless of ICH location.
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| 6. |
- Holmström, Ulrika, et al.
(författare)
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Cerebrospinal fluid levels of GFAP and pNF-H are elevated in patients with chronic spinal cord injury and neurological deterioration
- 2020
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Nature. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 162:9, s. 2075-2086
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Years after a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), a subset of patients may develop progressive clinical deterioration due to intradural scar formation and spinal cord tethering, with or without an associated syringomyelia. Meningitis, intradural hemorrhages, or intradural tumor surgery may also trigger glial scar formation and spinal cord tethering, leading to neurological worsening. Surgery is the treatment of choice in these chronic SCI patients. Objective We hypothesized that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma biomarkers could track ongoing neuronal loss and scar formation in patients with spinal cord tethering and are associated with clinical symptoms. Methods We prospectively enrolled 12 patients with spinal cord tethering and measured glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and phosphorylated Neurofilament-heavy (pNF-H) in CSF and blood. Seven patients with benign lumbar intradural tumors and 7 patients with cervical radiculopathy without spinal cord involvement served as controls. Results All evaluated biomarker levels were markedly higher in CSF than in plasma, without any correlation between the two compartments. When compared with radiculopathy controls, CSF GFAP and pNF-H levels were higher in patients with spinal cord tethering (p <= 0.05). In contrast, CSF UCH-L1 levels were not altered in chronic SCI patients when compared with either control groups. Conclusions The present findings suggest that in patients with spinal cord tethering, CSF GFAP and pNF-H levels might reflect ongoing scar formation and neuronal injury potentially responsible for progressive neurological deterioration.
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| 7. |
- Holmström, Ulrika, et al.
(författare)
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Neurosurgical untethering with or without syrinx drainage results in high patient satisfaction and favorable clinical outcome in post-traumatic myelopathy patients
- 2018
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Ingår i: Spinal Cord. - : NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. - 1362-4393 .- 1476-5624. ; 56:9, s. 873-882
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Study design: Retrospective data collection and patient-reported outcome measures.Objectives: To investigate surgical outcome, complications, and patient satisfaction in patients with chronic SCI and symptomatic post-traumatic progressive myelopathy (PPM) who underwent neurosurgical untethering and/or spinal cord cyst drainage with the aim of preventing further neurological deterioration.Setting: Single-center study at an academic neurosurgery department.Methods: All SCI patients who underwent neurosurgery between 1996 and 2013 were retrospectively included. All medical charts and the treating surgeon's operative reports were reviewed to identify surgical indications, surgical technique, and post-operative complications. A questionnaire and an EQ-5D-instrument were used to assess patient's self-described health status and satisfaction at long-term follow-up.Results: Fifty-two patients (43 men, 9 women) were identified, of whom five were dead and one was lost to follow-up. Main indications for surgery were pain (54%), motor (37%), or sensory (8%) impairment, and spasticity (2.0%). Overall complications were rare (8%). At follow-up, the subjectively perceived outcome was improved in 24 and remained unchanged in 21 patients. Thus, the surgical aim was met in 87% of patients. Of the 46 eligible patients, 38 responded to the questionnaire of whom 65% were satisfied with the surgical results. Patients with cervical lesions were more satisfied with the surgical treatment than patients with thoracic/thoracolumbar lesions (p = 0.05).Conclusions: Neurosurgical untethering and/or cyst drainage in chronic SCI patients and PPM resulted in a high degree of patient satisfaction, particularly in cervical SCI patients with minimal complications.
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| 8. |
- Jakobsson, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Long-Term Functional Outcome and Quality of Life After Surgical Evacuation of Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Results from a Swedish Nationwide Cohort
- 2022
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Ingår i: World Neurosurgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-8750 .- 1878-8769. ; 70
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To investigate long-term survival, neurologic outcome, and quality of life in patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) treated with craniotomy and hematoma evacuation. Methods: A nationwide multicenter retrospective analysis of 341 patients who underwent craniotomy and evacuation of supratentorial ICH between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, was performed. Baseline characteristics associated with 6-month mortality and long-term mortality were investigated. Survivors received a questionnaire about their state of health from which EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were obtained. Predictors of mortality, unfavorable outcome, and life quality were analyzed. Results: The mean follow-up time was 55.2 months. Predictors of 6-month mortality in multiple regression analysis were age ≥75 years, previous myocardial infarction, lower level of consciousness, and mechanical ventilation. Predictors of long-term mortality were higher age and mechanical ventilation. At follow-up, 49.5% of survivors had a favorable neurologic outcome (mRS ≤3). Predictors of an unfavorable functional outcome were higher age and ICH volume ≥50 mL. The mean EQ-5D health index was 0.719, and the mean EQ-5D visual analog scale score was 53.9. In multiple regression, only a higher mRS score was significantly associated with worse life quality. Conclusions: Knowledge about survival, functional outcome, and life quality as well as their predictors in this specific patient group is previously primarily described in short-term follow-up. This multicenter study provides novel information in the long-term perspective, which is important for improved surgical decision-making and prognostication.
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| 9. |
- Picetti, Edoardo, et al.
(författare)
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Early management of adult traumatic spinal cord injury in patients with polytrauma : a consensus and clinical recommendations jointly developed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) & the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)
- 2024
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Ingår i: World Journal of Emergency Surgery. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1749-7922. ; 19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The early management of polytrauma patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a major challenge. Sparse data is available to provide optimal care in this scenario and worldwide variability in clinical practice has been documented in recent studies.Methods: A multidisciplinary consensus panel of physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of tSCI polytrauma patients with different specializations was established. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) endorsed the consensus, and a modified Delphi approach was adopted.Results: A total of 17 statements were proposed and discussed. A consensus was reached generating 17 recommendations (16 strong and 1 weak).Conclusions: This consensus provides practical recommendations to support a clinician's decision making in the management of tSCI polytrauma patients.
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| 10. |
- Skoglund, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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The Neurological Wake-up Test Does not Alter Cerebral Energy Metabolism and Oxygenation in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
- 2014
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Ingår i: Neurocritical Care. - New York : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1541-6933 .- 1556-0961. ; 20:3, s. 413-426
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The neurological wake-up test (NWT) is used to monitor the level of consciousness in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, it requires interruption of sedation and may elicit a stress response. We evaluated the effects of the NWT using cerebral microdialysis (MD), brain tissue oxygenation (PbtiO2), jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO(2)), and/or arterial-venous difference (AVD) for glucose, lactate, and oxygen in patients with severe TBI. Seventeen intubated TBI patients (age 16-74 years) were sedated using continuous propofol infusion. All patients received intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) monitoring in addition to MD, PbtiO2 and/or SjvO(2). Up to 10 days post-injury, ICP, CPP, PbtiO2 (51 NWTs), MD (49 NWTs), and/or SjvO(2) (18 NWTs) levels during propofol sedation (baseline) and NWT were compared. MD was evaluated at a flow rate of 1.0 mu L/min (28 NWTs) or the routine 0.3 mu L/min rate (21 NWTs). The NWT increased ICP and CPP levels (p < 0.05). Compared to baseline, interstitial levels of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glutamate, glycerol, and the lactate/pyruvate ratio were unaltered by the NWT. Pathological SjvO(2) (< 50 % or > 71 %; n = 2 NWTs) and PbtiO2 (< 10 mmHg; n = 3 NWTs) values were rare at baseline and did not change following NWT. Finally, the NWT did not alter the AVD of glucose, lactate, or oxygen. The NWT-induced stress response resulted in increased ICP and CPP levels although it did not negatively alter focal neurochemistry or cerebral oxygenation in TBI patients.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P, et al.
(författare)
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Amyloid-β Peptides and Tau Protein as Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal and Interstitial Fluid Following Traumatic Brain Injury : A Review of Experimental and Clinical Studies
- 2013
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Neurology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-2295. ; 4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors frequently suffer from life-long deficits in cognitive functions and a reduced quality of life. Axonal injury, observed in many severe TBI patients, results in accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Post-injury enzymatic cleavage of APP can generate amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, a hallmark finding in Alzheimer's disease (AD). At autopsy, brains of AD and a subset of TBI victims display some similarities including accumulation of Aβ peptides and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Most epidemiological evidence suggests a link between TBI and AD, implying that TBI has neurodegenerative sequelae. Aβ peptides and tau may be used as biomarkers in interstitial fluid (ISF) using cerebral microdialysis and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following clinical TBI. In the present review, the available clinical and experimental literature on Aβ peptides and tau as potential biomarkers following TBI is comprehensively analyzed. Elevated CSF and ISF tau protein levels have been observed following severe TBI and suggested to correlate with clinical outcome. Although Aβ peptides are produced by normal neuronal metabolism, high levels of long and/or fibrillary Aβ peptides may be neurotoxic. Increased CSF and/or ISF Aβ levels post-injury may be related to neuronal activity and/or the presence of axonal injury. The heterogeneity of animal models, clinical cohorts, analytical techniques, and the complexity of TBI in the available studies make the clinical value of tau and Aβ as biomarkers uncertain at present. Additionally, the link between early post-injury changes in tau and Aβ peptides and the future risk of developing AD remains unclear. Future studies using methods such as rapid biomarker sampling combined with enhanced analytical techniques and/or novel pharmacological tools could provide additional information on the importance of Aβ peptides and tau protein in both the acute pathophysiology and long-term consequences of TBI.
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| 13. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P., et al.
(författare)
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Association of the bleeding time test with aspects of traumatic brain injury in patients with alcohol use disorder
- 2020
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : SPRINGER WIEN. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 162:7, s. 1597-1606
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background-aim Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can occur concomitantly and be associated with coagulopathy that influences TBI outcome. The use of bleeding time tests in TBI management is controversial. We hypothesized that in TBI patients with AUD, a prolonged bleeding time is associated with more severe injury and poor outcome. Material and methods Moderate and severe TBI patients with evidence of AUD were examined with bleeding time according to IVY bleeding time on admission during neurointensive care. Baseline clinical and radiological characteristics were recorded. A standardized IVY bleeding time test was determined by staff trained in the procedure. Bleeding time test results were divided into normal (<= 600 s), prolonged (> 600 s), and markedly prolonged (>= 900 s). Normal platelet count (PLT) was defined as > 150,000/mu L. This cohort was compared with another group of TBI patients without evidence of AUD. Results Fifty-two patients with TBI and AUD were identified, and 121 TBI patients without any history of AUD were used as controls. PLT was low in 44.2% and bleeding time was prolonged in 69.2% of patients. Bleeding time values negatively correlated with PLT (p < 0.05). TBI patients with markedly prolonged values (>= 900 s) had significantly increased hematoma size, and more frequently required intracranial pressure measurement and mechanical ventilation compared with those with bleeding times < 900 s (p < 0.05). Most patients (88%) with low platelet count had prolonged bleeding time. No difference in 6-month outcome between the bleeding time groups was observed (p > 0.05). Subjects with TBI and no evidence for AUD had lower bleeding time values and higher platelet count compared with those with TBI and history of AUD (p < 0.05). Conclusions Although differences in the bleeding time values between TBI cohorts exist and prolonged values may be seen even in patients with normal platelet count, the bleeding test is a marker of primary hemostasis and platelet function with low specificity. However, it may provide an additional assessment in the interpretation of the overall status of TBI patients with AUD. Therefore, the bleeding time test should only be used in combination with the patient's bleeding history and careful assessment of other hematologic parameters.
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| 14. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P., et al.
(författare)
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Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of glial and axonal injury in cervical spondylotic myelopathy
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. - : AMER ASSOC NEUROLOGICAL SURGEONS. - 1547-5654 .- 1547-5646. ; 34:4, s. 632-641
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE Degenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a major cause of spinal cord dysfunction with an unpredictable prognosis. Βiomarkers reflecting pathophysiological processes in CSM have been insufficiently investigated. It was hypothesized that preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker levels are altered in patients with CSM and correlate with neurological status and outcome. METHODS CSF biomarkers from patients with CSM and controls were analyzed with immunoassays. Spinal cord changes were evaluated with MRI. The American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ), and the EQ-5D questionnaire were applied prior to and 3 months after surgery. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Twenty consecutive CSM patients with a mean age of 67.7 ± 13 years and 63 controls with a mean age of 65.2 ± 14.5 years (p > 0.05) were included in the study. In the CSM subjects, CSF neurofilament light subunit (NF-L) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentrations were higher (p < 0.05), whereas fatty acid–binding protein 3 (FABP3), soluble amyloid precursor proteins (sAPPα and sAPPβ), and amyloid β (Aβ) peptide (Aβ38, Aβ40, and Aβ42) concentrations were lower than in controls (p < 0.05). Aβ peptide levels correlated positively with symptom duration. Preoperative JOACMEQ lower extremity function and CSF NF-L levels correlated positively, and the JOACMEQ bladder function correlated negatively with sAPPα and sAPPβ (p < 0.05). CSF NF-L and FABP3 levels were higher in patients with improved outcome (EQ-5D visual analog scale difference > 20). CONCLUSIONS CSF biomarkers of glial and axonal damage, inflammation, and synaptic changes are altered in symptomatic CSM patients, indicating that axonal injury, astroglial activation, and Aβ dysmetabolism may be present in these individuals. These findings reflect CSM pathophysiology and may aid in prognostication. However, future studies including larger patient cohorts, postoperative biomarker data and imaging, and longer follow-up times are required to validate the present findings.
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| 15. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P., et al.
(författare)
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Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of white matter injury and astrogliosis are associated with the severity and surgical outcome of degenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy
- 2022
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Ingår i: Spine Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1529-9430 .- 1878-1632. ; 22:11, s. 1848-1856
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Degenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy (DCM) is the commonest form of spinal cord injury in adults. However, a limited number of clinical reports have assessed the role of biomarkers in DCM. PURPOSE: We evaluated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in patients scheduled for DCM surgery and hypothesized that CSF biomarkers levels (1) would reflect the severity of preoperative neurological status; and (2) correlate with radiological appearance; and (3) correlate with clinical outcome. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective clinical and laboratory study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twenty-three DCM patients, aged 66.4±12.8 years and seven controls aged 45.4±5.3 years were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: The American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire and EuroQol 5-dimensions were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months post-surgery. METHODS: We measured preoperative biomarkers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], neurofilament light [NFL], phosphorylated neurofilament-H [pNF-H] and Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1) in CSF samples collected from patients with progressive clinical DCM who underwent surgical treatment. Biomarker concentrations in DCM patients were compared with those of cervical radiculopathy controls. RESULTS: The median symptom duration was 10 (interquartile range 6) months. The levels of GFAP, NFL, pNF-H, Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 were significantly higher in the DCM group compared to controls (p=.044, p=.002, p=.016, and p=.006, respectively). Higher pNF-H levels were found in patients with low signal on T1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging sequence compared to those without (p=.022, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.780, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.59–0.98). Clinical improvement following surgery correlated mainly with NFL and GFAP levels (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that CSF biomarkers of white matter injury and astrogliosis may be a useful tool to assess myelopathy severity and predict outcome after surgery, while providing valuable information on the underlying pathophysiology.
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| 16. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P., et al.
(författare)
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Current opportunities for clinical monitoring of axonal pathology in traumatic brain injury
- 2017
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Neurology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-2295. ; 8
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a multidimensional and highly complex disease commonly resulting in widespread injury to axons, due to rapid inertial acceleration/deceleration forces transmitted to the brain during impact. Axonal injury leads to brain network dysfunction, significantly contributing to cognitive and functional impairments frequently observed in TBI survivors. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a clinical entity suggested by impaired level of consciousness and coma on clinical examination and characterized by widespread injury to the hemispheric white matter tracts, the corpus callosum and the brain stem. The clinical course of DAI is commonly unpredictable and it remains a challenging entity with limited therapeutic options, to date. Although axonal integrity may be disrupted at impact, the majority of axonal pathology evolves over time, resulting from delayed activation of complex intracellular biochemical cascades. Activation of these secondary biochemical pathways may lead to axonal transection, named secondary axotomy, and be responsible for the clinical decline of DAI patients. Advances in the neurocritical care of TBI patients have been achieved by refinements in multimodality monitoring for prevention and early detection of secondary injury factors, which can be applied also to DAI. There is an emerging role for biomarkers in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and interstitial fluid using microdialysis in the evaluation of axonal injury in TBI. These biomarker studies have assessed various axonal and neuroglial markers as well as inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, modern neuroimaging can detect subtle or overt DAI/white matter changes in diffuse TBI patients across all injury severities using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, and positron emission tomography. Importantly, serial neuroimaging studies provide evidence for evolving axonal injury. Since axonal injury may be a key risk factor for neurodegeneration and dementias at long-term following TBI, the secondary injury processes may require prolonged monitoring. The aim of the present review is to summarize the clinical short- and long-term monitoring possibilities of axonal injury in TBI. Increased knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology achieved by advanced clinical monitoring raises hope for the development of novel treatment strategies for axonal injury in TBI.
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| 17. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P., et al.
(författare)
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Improved outcome of patients with severe thalamic hemorrhage treated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage and neurocritical care during 1990-1994 and 2005-2009
- 2013
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 155:11, s. 2105-2113
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Patients with thalamic hemorrhage, depressed level of consciousness and/or signs of elevated intracranial pressure may be treated with neurocritical care (NCC) and external ventricular drainage (EVD) for release of cerebrospinal fluid. Forty-three patients with thalamic hemorrhage treated with NCC from 1990 to 1994 (n = 21) and from 2005-2009 (n = 22) were evaluated. Outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at discharge from our unit and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) for long-term outcome. Patients' age was 59.5 +/- 7 years in 1990-1994, and 58.2 +/- 9 years in 2005-2009. The median (25th and 75th percentile) GCS score on admission for the two time periods was 9 (6-12) and 9 (4-14), respectively. Long-term follow-up was assessed at a mean of 37.1 (range 19-65) months after disease onset for the 1990-1994 cohort and at 37.4 (range 14-58) months for the 2005-2009 cohort. Compared to patients from 1990 to 1994, patients from 2005 to 2009 had a significantly better outcome (median mRS [25th and 75th percentile]: 5 [4-6] vs. 4 [2-4.5]; p < 0.01). Most patients (13/21, 62 %) treated from 1990 to 1994 had unchanged or lower GCS scores during their NCC stay in contrast to 7/22 (32 %) from 2005 to 2009. At the last follow-up, 13/21 (62 %) patients from 1990 to 1994 were dead in comparison to 4/21 (19 %) from 2005 to 2009 (p < 0.05). Negative prognostic factors were the 120 h post-admission GCS score in the 1990-1994 patient cohort (p = 0.07) and high age in the recent cohort (p = 0.04). Patients with thalamic hemorrhage and depressed level of consciousness on admission had a worse outcome in the early 1990s compared with the late 2000s, which may at least be partially attributed to refined neurocritical care.
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| 18. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P, et al.
(författare)
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Management of symptomatic sacral perineural cysts with microsurgery and a vascularized fasciocutaneous flap
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong). - : AME Publishing Company. - 2414-469X .- 2414-4630. ; 4:3, s. 602-609
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The optimal treatment of symptomatic perineural (Tarlov) cysts is controversial. Numerous surgical techniques have been proposed with conflicting results. A series of Tarlov cysts treated with a novel surgical approach is presented.Methods: Patients with surgically treated symptomatic perineural cysts during 2013-2016 were included. The main indications for surgery were persistent radicular symptoms, pelvic pain, urinary and/ or bowel disturbances. At surgery, the cyst was opened and fenestrated. The cyst wall was then closed with packing, fibrin glue and a pedicled vascularized fasciocutaneous flap rotated into the area for obliteration of the dead space. Patients were followed-up with clinical visits and repeat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.Results: Seven consecutive patients were included. The mean age was 50.3 years (range, 25-80 years) and the mean duration of symptoms was 49.3 months (range, 3-130 months). With one exception, all patients had urine and/or bowel problems (incontinence) preoperatively. A lumbar drain was inserted in five patients. The mean follow-up period was 15.4 months. Symptoms improved in 4/7 patients, in two cases no clinical difference was noted while one patient deteriorated. In two cases, a spinal cord stimulator was eventually implanted. In all seven cases, a significantly decreased cyst size was noted on MRI.Conclusions: Cyst fenestration and the use of a vascularized fasciocutaneous flap successfully obliterated all cysts, with satisfactory clinical efficacy. Larger and comparative studies are warranted to clarify the long-term effects of this surgical technique in patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P., et al.
(författare)
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Prognostic factors and long-term outcome following surgical treatment of 76 patients with spontaneous cerebellar haematoma
- 2012
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 154:7, s. 1189-1195
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although large spontaneous cerebellar haematomas are associated with high mortality, surgical treatment may be life-saving. We evaluated the clinical outcome and identified prognostic factors in 76 patients with cerebellar haematoma, all treated with suboccipital decompression, haematoma evacuation and external ventricular drainage. Patients receiving surgical and neurocritical care treatment within a 10-year period were included. Level of consciousness during hospitalisation was evaluated using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Predictive prognostic factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Prior to surgery, the median GCS score was 8.6 (range 3-13). At discharge it had improved to 12.1 (4-15) (p < 0.05). The median long-term follow-up period was 70.5 (22-124) months. At 6 months post-surgery, 19 patients were dead and 28 patients had a good outcome (mRS < 3). In the long term (70.5 months), 31 patients (41.9 %) were dead and the outcome was good in 27 patients (37.8 %). Although approximately 25 % of patients > 65 years old had a favourable outcome, age was the strongest negative predictor for a bad outcome at 6 months and long term (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). The level of consciousness before surgery did not influence the 6-month or long-term outcome (p = 0.39 and p = 0.65, respectively). Although mortality was high, significant complications from the treatment were rare and most survivors had a good outcome, reaching functional independence. High age was the strongest prognostic factor for an unfavourable outcome.
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| 21. |
- Tsitsopoulos, Parmenion P., et al.
(författare)
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Surgical treatment of patients with unilateral cerebellar infarcts : clinical outcome and prognostic factors
- 2011
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 153:10, s. 2075-2083
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There are limited data on the long-term outcome and on factors influencing the prognosis in patients with cerebellar infarcts treated with surgical decompression. Thirty-two patients (age 64.3 +/- 9.9 years) with expansive unilateral cerebellar infarcts were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were treated with ventriculostomy, suboccipital decompressive craniectomy and removal of the necrotic tissue. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Reaction Level Scale (RLS) scores evaluated the level of consciousness during hospitalization, while the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used for the 6-month and long-term outcome. Predicting factors were analyzed using a univariate logistic regression model. The median time from ictus to surgery was 48.4 h (range 8-120 h). Before surgery, the median GCS score was 9 (3-13). At discharge, the GCS score improved to 13.6 (7-15) (p < 0.05 compared to preoperative scores). At the long-term follow-up (median 67.5 months), ten patients were dead, and 77% of survivors had a good outcome (mRS score of a parts per thousand currency sign2). The number of days on a ventilator and the GCS score prior to surgery and at discharge were strong predictors of clinical outcome (p < 0.05), although one third of patients with a GCS a parts per thousand currency signaEuro parts per thousand 8 at the time of surgery had a good long-term outcome. In patients a parts per thousand yen70 years old, 50% had a good long-term outcome, and advanced age was not associated with a bad result (p > 0.05). Our results imply that surgical evacuation of significant cerebellar infarctions may be considered also in patients with advanced age and/or a decreased level of consciousness.
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