| 1. |
- Deland, Lily, et al.
(författare)
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Discovery of a rare GKAP1-NTRK2 fusion in a pediatric low-grade glioma, leading to targeted treatment with TRK-inhibitor larotrectinib
- 2021
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Ingår i: Cancer Biology & Therapy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1538-4047 .- 1555-8576. ; 22:3, s. 184-195
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here we report a case of an 11-year-old girl with an inoperable tumor in the optic chiasm/hypothalamus, who experienced several tumor progressions despite three lines of chemotherapy treatment. Routine clinical examination classified the tumor as a BRAF-negative pilocytic astrocytoma. Copy-number variation profiling of fresh frozen tumor material identified two duplications in 9q21.32–33 leading to breakpoints within the GKAP1 and NTRK2 genes. RT-PCR Sanger sequencing revealed a GKAP1-NTRK2 exon 10–16 in-frame fusion, generating a putative fusion protein of 658 amino acids with a retained tyrosine kinase (TK) domain. Functional analysis by transient transfection of HEK293 cells showed the GKAP1-NTRK2 fusion protein to be activated through phosphorylation of the TK domain (Tyr705). Subsequently, downstream mediators of the MAPK- and PI3K-signaling pathways were upregulated in GKAP1-NTRK2 cells compared to NTRK2 wild-type; phosphorylated (p)ERK (3.6-fold), pAKT (1.8- fold), and pS6 ribosomal protein (1.4-fold). Following these findings, the patient was enrolled in a clinical trial and treated with the specific TRK-inhibitor larotrectinib, resulting in the arrest of tumor growth. The patient’s condition is currently stable and the quality of life has improved significantly. Our findings highlight the value of comprehensive clinical molecular screening of BRAF-negative pediatric low-grade gliomas, to reveal rare fusions serving as targets for precision therapy.
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| 2. |
- Deland, Lily, et al.
(författare)
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Novel TPR::ROS1 Fusion Gene Activates MAPK, PI3K and JAK/STAT Signaling in an Infant-type Pediatric Glioma.
- 2022
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Ingår i: Cancer genomics & proteomics. - : Anticancer Research USA Inc.. - 1109-6535 .- 1790-6245. ; 19:6, s. 711-726
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although fusion genes involving the proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase ROS1 are rare in pediatric glioma, targeted therapies with small inhibitors are increasingly being approved for histology-agnostic fusion-positive solid tumors.Here, we present a 16-month-old boy, with a brain tumor in the third ventricle. The patient underwent complete resection but relapsed two years after diagnosis and underwent a second operation. The tumor was initially classified as a low-grade glioma (WHO grade 2); however, methylation profiling suggested the newly WHO-recognized type: infant-type hemispheric glioma. To further refine the molecular background, and search for druggable targets, whole genome (WGS) and whole transcriptome (RNA-Seq) sequencing was performed.Concomitant WGS and RNA-Seq analysis revealed several segmental gains and losses resulting in complex structural rearrangements and fusion genes. Among the top-candidates was a novel TPR::ROS1 fusion, for which only the 3' end of ROS1 was expressed in tumor tissue, indicating that wild type ROS1 is not normally expressed in the tissue of origin. Functional analysis by Western blot on protein lysates from transiently transfected HEK293 cells showed the TPR::ROS1 fusion gene to activate the MAPK-, PI3K- and JAK/STAT- pathways through increased phosphorylation of ERK, AKT, STAT and S6. The downstream pathway activation was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry on tumor tissue slides from the patient.We have mapped the activated oncogenic pathways of a novel ROS1-fusion gene and broadened the knowledge of the newly recognized infant-type glioma subtype. The finding facilitates suitable targeted therapies for the patient in case of relapse.
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| 3. |
- Almotairi, Fawaz, et al.
(författare)
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Acute deterioration of adults with Chiari I malformation associated with extensive syrinx
- 2020
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Ingår i: British Journal of Neurosurgery. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0268-8697 .- 1360-046X. ; 34:1, s. 13-17
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Chiari I malformation (CMI) is usually a chronic disorder, although it may also present as a life-threatening condition with need for urgent decompression. Studies of acute deterioration of CMI are scarce. The identification of preoperative radiological factors that predict acute deterioration in adult patients with CMI facilitates planning of early decompression and decreases CMI-related morbidity. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study of all adult patients with CMI who were referred to Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden and underwent occipitocervical decompression in the period 2006-2016. In total, 65 consecutive patients were included and data regarding the preoperative degree of tonsillar herniation and syrinx (size, length and degree of rostral extension) were registered. Acute deterioration and the need for urgent surgical decompression within 24 h of hospitalisation were noted. Results: Three patients presented with acute deterioration of symptoms (4.6%) and showed an increased length and size of syrinx and more rostral extension of syrinx as compared to non-acute patients with CMI. Conclusion: Our study highlights the incidence of acute deterioration of CMI and shows the importance of assessing preoperative size, length and rostral extension of CMI-associated syrinx as indicators of acute deterioration so that CMI patients can be assigned to early surgical decompression.
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| 4. |
- Almotairi, Fawaz, et al.
(författare)
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Chiari I malformation—neuropsychological functions and quality of life
- 2020
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 162:7, s. 1575-1582
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To assess the neuropsychological (NP) functioning and quality of life (QOL) before and 3months after surgery on adults with Chiari I malformation (CMI). Patients and methods: All adult patients who had been diagnosed with CMI were invited to participate. Those who participated were assessed using a Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) and NP examinations. Their QOL was assessed using the self-reported life satisfaction checklist, LiSat-11 and the five-dimensional EuroQol measurement of health outcome, EQ-5D-5L. All assessments were carried out both before and 3months after surgery was performed. Demographic data and comorbidities were also registered. Results: Of the 11 patients who underwent NP assessment, the majority demonstrated cognitive functioning within the normal range. However, postoperatively, their performance in verbal learning, psychomotor speed, colour naming speed and the ability to manage interference through response selection and inhibition (aspects of executive functioning) was significantly improved. Thirteen patients completed QOL assessments. When LiSat-11 item domains were compared with those of healthy subjects, patients reported a lower level of satisfaction with their life quality both before and after surgery. However, the EQ-5D-5L measurements, i.e., the descriptive system and the visual analogue, indicated that their QOL of life was significantly improved after surgery. Conclusion: There is scarcely any literature documenting effects of surgery on the QOL of CMI patients. The study we present here breaks new ground by comparing pre- and postoperative NP functions in CMI. We also examine the value of surgery for improving both NP functions and QOL in CMI. © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.
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| 5. |
- Bartley, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of Irrigation Fluid Temperature on Recurrence in the Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma A Randomized Clinical Trial
- 2023
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Ingår i: Jama Neurology. - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 2168-6149 .- 2168-6157.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ImportanceThe effect of a physical property of irrigation fluid (at body vs room temperature) on recurrence rate in the evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) needs further study.ObjectiveTo explore whether irrigation fluid temperature has an influence on cSDH recurrence.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a multicenter randomized clinical trial performed between March 16, 2016, and May 30, 2020. The follow-up period was 6 months. The study was conducted at 3 neurosurgical departments in Sweden. All patients older than 18 years undergoing cSDH evacuation during the study period were screened for eligibility in the study.InterventionsThe study participants were randomly assigned by 1:1 block randomization to the cSDH evacuation procedure with irrigation fluid at room temperature (RT group) or at body temperature (BT group).Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary end point was recurrence requiring reoperation within 6 months. Secondary end points were mortality, health-related quality of life, and complication frequency.ResultsAt 6 months after surgery, 541 patients (mean [SD] age, 75.8 [9.8] years; 395 men [73%]) had a complete follow-up according to protocol. There were 39 of 277 recurrences (14%) requiring reoperation in the RT group, compared with 16 of 264 recurrences (6%) in the BT group (odds ratio, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.38-4.66; P < .001). There were no significant differences in mortality, health-related quality of life, or complication frequency.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, irrigation at body temperature was superior to irrigation at room temperature in terms of fewer recurrences. This is a simple, safe, and readily available technique to optimize outcome in patients with cSDH. When irrigation is used in cSDH surgery, irrigation fluid at body temperature should be considered standard of care.
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| 6. |
- Bartley, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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Is a drainage time of less than 24 h sufficient after chronic subdural hematoma evacuation?
- 2023
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 165, s. 711-715
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundIt is well established that the use of a postoperative drain after chronic subdural hematoma surgery reduces recurrence rates, and it is common to use a postoperative drain for longer than 24 h. It is unclear whether this is superior to a shorter drainage time of less than 24 h. Our aim was to compare a postoperative drainage longer or shorter than 24 h after chronic subdural hematoma evacuation.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective single centre study, 207 adult patients undergoing chronic subdural hematoma evacuation with a postoperative drainage longer (LDT-group) or shorter (SDT-group) than 24 h were compared regarding recurrence, mortality within 6 months and complications requiring hospital admission within 30 days. Length of hospital stay was also recorded. An active subgaleal drain was used. In addition to the retrospective cohort, we also studied the total volume drained per hour after cSDH surgery in a prospective cohort of 10 patients.ResultsRecurrence occurred in 12/96 (12.5%) in the LDT-group and in 13/111 (11.7%) patients in the SDT-group (p = 0.15). There was no significant difference between groups regarding recurrence, complications or mortality. The prospective cohort showed that most of the drainage occurred within the first hours after surgery.ConclusionOur data show that a postoperative drainage duration of less than 24 h does not lead to an increase in recurrence, complications or mortality compared to a drainage time of more than 24 h. A shorter drainage duration (< 24 h) after cSDH surgery facilitated earlier mobilisation and shorter hospital stay.
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| 7. |
- Bartley, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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The influence of irrigation fluid temperature on recurrence in the evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Acta neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0942-0940 .- 0001-6268. ; 162, s. 485-488
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) are one of the most common conditions requiring neurosurgical treatment. The reported recurrence after surgery is 3-21.5% with closed system drainage. In clinical practice, irrigation fluids at body temperature (37°C) and at room temperature (22°C) are routinely used in the evacuation of cSDH. Our hypothesis was that irrigation at body temperature might have more beneficial effects on coagulation and solubility of the chronic subdural hematoma than irrigation at room temperature. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different intraoperative irrigation fluid temperatures on recurrence rates.This was a retrospective study where we included all consecutive patients from a defined geographical area of western Sweden between September 2013 and November 2014. In the course of 6months, we performed intraoperative irrigation at body temperature (37°C, BT-group) during burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma. This was then compared with the previous 6-month period, when irrigation fluid at room temperature (22°C, RT-group) was used. The primary endpoint was same-sided recurrence in need of reoperation within 6months.Recurrence occurred in 11 of 84 (13.1%) patients in the RT-group compared with 4 of 88 (4.5%) in the BT-group (p=0.013). There were no significant between-group differences regarding age, sex, duration of surgery, frequency of bilateral hematomas, hematoma density, and use of anticoagulant/antithrombotic therapy.Our study demonstrates that intraoperative irrigation fluid at body temperature is associated with lower recurrence rates compared with irrigation fluid at room temperature. To investigate this further, a prospective randomized controlled trial has been initiated (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT0275235).ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0275235.
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| 8. |
- Corell, Alba, et al.
(författare)
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Successful adaptation of twinning concept for global neurosurgery collaborations-a validation study
- 2024
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Ingår i: ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. - : Springer. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 166:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction Globally, many regions have an urgent, unmet need of neurosurgical care. A multi-step neurosurgical twinning technique, International Neurosurgical Twinning Modeled for Africa (INTIMA), was proved to be successful during a previous mission to Neurosurgical Unit, Enugu, Nigeria. The Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC) performed a developmental mission together with the local neurosurgical unit in The Gambia, adopting the INTIMA model.Methods A multidisciplinary team visited for a 2-week collaborative mission at the Neurosurgical Department of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, The Gambia. The mission followed the data of neurosurgical operations during and after the mission as well as about the operations 3 months prior to and after the mission was collected.Results During the mission, a total of 22 operations was carried out, the most common being degenerative spinal conditions (n = 9). In the 3 months following the mission, 43 operations were performed compared to 24 during the 3 months leading up to the mission. The complexity of the performed procedures increased after the mission. An operating microscope (Moller-Wedel) was donated and installed and the neurosurgeons on site underwent training in microneurosurgery. The surgical nurses, nurses at the postoperative ward, and the physiotherapists underwent training. A biomedical engineer serviced multiple appliances and devices improving the patient care on site while training local technicians.Conclusion This study validated the use of the INTIMA model previously described in a mission by Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC). The model is sustainable and produces notable results. The core strength of the model is in the multidisciplinary team securing all the aspects and steps of the neurosurgical care. Installation of an operating microscope opened for further microsurgical possibilities, improving the neurosurgical care in The Gambia.
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| 9. |
- Danielsson, Anna, 1973, et al.
(författare)
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Accumulation of DNA methylation alterations in paediatric glioma stem cells following fractionated dose irradiation
- 2020
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Ingår i: Clinical Epigenetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1868-7075 .- 1868-7083. ; 12:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Radiation is an important therapeutic tool. However, radiotherapy has the potential to promote co-evolution of genetic and epigenetic changes that can drive tumour heterogeneity, formation of radioresistant cells and tumour relapse. There is a clinical need for a better understanding of DNA methylation alterations that may follow radiotherapy to be able to prevent the development of radiation-resistant cells. Methods We examined radiation-induced changes in DNA methylation profiles of paediatric glioma stem cells (GSCs) in vitro. Five GSC cultures were irradiated in vitro with repeated doses of 2 or 4 Gy. Radiation was given in 3 or 15 fractions. DNA methylation profiling using Illumina DNA methylation arrays was performed at 14 days post-radiation. The cellular characteristics were studied in parallel. Results Few fractions of radiation did not result in significant accumulation of DNA methylation alterations. However, extended dose fractionations changed DNA methylation profiles and induced thousands of differentially methylated positions, specifically in enhancer regions, sites involved in alternative splicing and in repetitive regions. Radiation induced dose-dependent morphological and proliferative alterations of the cells as a consequence of the radiation exposure. Conclusions DNA methylation alterations of sites with regulatory functions in proliferation and differentiation were identified, which may reflect cellular response to radiation stress through epigenetic reprogramming and differentiation cues.
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| 10. |
- Farahmand, Dan, et al.
(författare)
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Endoscopic versus open microsurgery for colloid cysts of the third ventricle
- 2023
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Ingår i: British Journal of Neurosurgery. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0268-8697 .- 1360-046X. ; 37:1, s. 59-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose The surgical approach for colloid cysts of the third ventricle mainly consists of endoscopic or microscopic approach but few studies compare the neurologic outcomes and complications related to the different approaches. We retrospectively reviewed our results after resection of colloid cysts of the third ventricle using endoscopic surgery (ES) compared to open microsurgery (OS). Methods Fifty-one patients were included in the study of which 17 patients underwent ES. Colloid cyst size and Evans' index were evaluated on CT or MRI scans. Presenting symptoms, neurologic outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups and analysed using Fisher's exact test. Operative time and days of hospital stay were compared between the two groups, using independent sample t-test. The median follow-up time was 96 days and did not differ significantly between the groups. Results Shorter mean operative time (p = 0.04) and fewer days of hospital stay (p < 0.01) were found in the endoscopic group compared to the open microsurgical group. Presenting symptoms, neurological outcomes and postoperative complications were similar in the two groups. Conclusions ES showed similar neurologic outcomes and complications compared to OS for colloid cysts of the third ventricle. ES showed significantly shorter operative times and hospital stays compared to OS.
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| 11. |
- Fekete, Boglarka, et al.
(författare)
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What predicts survival in glioblastoma? A population-based study of changes in clinical management and outcome.
- 2023
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Ingår i: Frontiers in surgery. - 2296-875X. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Despite multimodal treatment, the median survival time is 15-16 months and 5-year survival rate 5%-10%. The primary goal of this study was to identify prognostic factors for survival in an unselected population of patients operated for glioblastoma. The secondary goal was to explore changes in outcome and the clinical management of this patient group over time.We identified 222 consecutive adults operated for glioblastoma between November 2012 and June 2016 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, serving a health care region in the western part of Sweden with 1.900.000 inhabitants. Clinical variables were identified and tested as predictors for prognosis in extended Poisson regression models. The results were compared with a previously published cohort from 2004 to 2008, before current standard of care based on molecular tumor diagnosis was fully implemented.Median overall survival was 1.07 years, which was significantly longer than in the 2004-2008 cohort (1.07 vs. 0.73 y, age- and sex adjusted HR=1.89, p<0.0001). Variables associated with longer survival in the multivariable model were MGMT promoter hypermethylation, non-central tumor location, complete resection of enhancing tumor, WHO performance status 0-1, unilateral tumor location, fewer lobes involved, younger age and no comorbidities.The median survival for patients with glioblastoma treated according to current standard treatment has moderately but significantly increased, with MGMT promoter hypermethylation as the strongest predictor for survival.
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| 12. |
- Herdell, V., et al.
(författare)
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Surgical outcomes of pediatric brain tumors in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
- 2022
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Ingår i: Brain and Spine. - : Elsevier BV. - 2772-5294. ; 2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Pediatric Brain Tumors (PBT) are a common cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Contrary to high-income countries (HIC), survival rates in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC) remains low despite advances in neurosurgical care and diagnostics over the past decades. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the surgical outcomes for PBT in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the distribution of PBT types.Methods: A systematic review was conducted on PubMed, for all available literature on the surgical outcomes of PBT in Sub-Saharan Africa, published before May 3, 2022. Two reviewers performed abstract, full text screening and data collection independently, resolving any conflicts by consensus.Results: The search yielded 256 studies, of which 22 met the inclusion criteria, amounting to a total of 243 pa-tients. Nigeria was the country with most data. Only subgroups of patients could be extracted from 12 studies, and variables of interest in 6 studies had inconsistent sample sizes. The age centered around 9 years, and there were approximately equal number of girls and boys. The most common tumor was medulloblastoma, followed by craniopharyngioma and astrocytoma. There was large heterogeneity in the reporting of outcomes, and a trend was difficult to discern, considering the large number of different tumor types and different extents of resection.Discussion and conclusion: Data is insufficient and inconsistent, precluding statistical conclusions. There is a need for more studies in the field.
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| 13. |
- Lilja-Lund, Otto, 1981-
(författare)
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A population-based study on neuropsychological and morphological signs of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
- 2022
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is typically manifested in people over 65 years. The condition of gait disturbances, incontinence, and cognitive dysfunction can be reversed in up to 80% of the cases by ventricular shunting. Neuropsychological testing and standardized brain imaging of signs of iNPH are essential to detect and define the progression. The aims of this thesis were to develop a radiological iNPH scale, examine how morphological features relate to symptoms of iNPH, investigate if dual-task testing (e.g., walking and talking) is helpful in detecting iNPH, and monitor developing symptoms over two years.METHOD: The studies include 168 participants (median [range] age 73 [66–92]) at baseline (2014/2015) and 104 participants (age 75 [68–91]) at follow-up (2016/2017) from the general population. Neuropsychological tests of executive functions, memory, and motor performance, and computed tomography (CT) for brain imaging were used.RESULTS: Seven morphological features were combined into a scoring scale for iNPH. The total score correlated with clinical symptoms (r = -0.40, p <.001). All core symptoms were associated to wider temporal horns (TH) (p <.01). Participants with iNPH stopped walking to talk more frequently (p = .044). Participants who developed iNPH during the study worsened more on declarative memory (ES -0.37).DISCUSSION: The Radscale was related to symptoms of iNPH and the TH to all main clinical features. Difficulties walking while recalling a previous event, worsened declarative memory, and expanding ventricular space surrounding the hippocampus were noticeable signs of iNPH. Memory functions are important to recognize in iNPH.
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| 14. |
- Schepke, Elizabeth, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of the growth pattern of medulloblastoma on short-term neurological impairments after surgery: results from the prospective multicenter HIT-SIOP PNET 4 study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Neurosurgery-Pediatrics. - 1933-0707. ; 25:4, s. 425-433
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE Extensive resection of a tumor in the posterior fossa in children is associated with the risk of neurological deficits. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the short-term neurological morbidity in children after medulloblastoma surgery and relate this to the tumor's growth pattern and to the extent of resection. METHODS In 160 patients taking part in the HIT-STOP PNET 4 (Hyperfractionated Versus Conventionally Fractionated Radiotherapy in Standard Risk Medulloblastoma) trial, neurosurgeons prospectively responded to questions concerning the growth pattern of the tumor they had resected. The extent of resection (gross, near, or subtotal) was evaluated using MRI. The patients' neurological status before resection and around 30 days after resection was recorded. RESULTS Invasive tumor growth, defined as local invasion in the brain or meninges, cranial nerve, or major vessel, was reported in 58% of the patients. After surgery almost 70% of all patients were affected by one or several neurological impairments (e.g., impaired vision, impaired extraocular movements, and ataxia). However, this figure was very similar to the preoperative findings. Invasive tumor growth implied a significantly higher number of impairments after surgery (p = 0.03) and greater deterioration regarding extraocular movements (p = 0.012), facial weakness (p = 0.048), and ataxia in the arms (p = 0.014) and trunk (p = 0.025) compared with noninvasive tumor growth. This deterioration was not dependent on the extent of resection performed. Progression-free survival (PFS) at 5 years was 80% +/- 4% and 76% +/- 5% for patients with invasive and noninvasive tumor growth, respectively, with no difference in the 5-year PFS for extent of resection. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative neurological impairments and invasive tumor growth were strong predictors of deterioration in short-term neurological outcome after medulloblastoma neurosurgery, whereas the extent of resection was not . Neither tumor invasiveness nor extent of resection influenced PFS. These findings support the continuation of maximal safe resection in medulloblastoma surgery where functional risks are not taken in areas with tumor invasion.
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| 15. |
- Uche, E. O., et al.
(författare)
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Global neurosurgery over a 60-year period : Conceptual foundations, time reference, emerging Co-ordinates and prospects for collaborative interventions in low and middle income countries
- 2022
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Ingår i: BRAIN AND SPINE. - : Elsevier BV. - 2772-5294. ; 2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: We evaluated salient initiatives invested in global neurosurgery over a 60-year period.Research question: What are the Phases, Achievements, Challenges, and Lessons of Global Neurosurgery.Methods: A 60-year retrospective study from 1960 to 2020 analyzing the major phases, lessons, and progress notes. We reviewed the foundational need questions and innovated tools used to answer them.Results: Three phases defining our study period were identified. In the early phase, birthing academic units and the onset of individual volunteerism were dominant concepts. The 2nd phase is summarized by the rise of volunteerism and surgical camps. The third phase is heralded by advocacy and strategies for achieving care equity.The defining moment is the Lancet commission for global surgery summit in 2015. Lessons include the need for evaluation of the resources of recipient and donor locations using novel global surgery tools.Conclusion: Global neurosurgery over the 60-year study period is summarized by indelible touchstones of personal and group efforts as well as triumphs derived from innovations in the face of formidable challenges.
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| 16. |
- Uche, Enoch O., et al.
(författare)
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Improving capacity and access to neurosurgery in sub-Saharan Africa using a twinning paradigm pioneered by the Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration
- 2020
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Nature. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 162:5, s. 973-981
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundThe unmet need for neurosurgery in sub-Saharan Africa is staggering. Resolving this requires strategies that synergize salient local resources with tailored foreign help. This study is a trial of a twinning model adopted by the Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC).MethodsA multi-step neurosurgical twinning technique, International Neurosurgical Twinning Modeled for Africa (INTIMA), developed through a collaboration between African and Swedish neurosurgical teams was adopted for a neurosurgical mission in March 2019. The pioneering steps are evaluated together with data of treated patients prospectively acquired using SPSS Chicago Inc., Version 23. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests, while inferences were evaluated at 95% level of significance.ResultsThe SANC global neurosurgery mission targeted microsurgical brain tumor resection. Fifty-five patients were operated on during the mission and subsequent 3 months. Patients’ ages ranged from 3 months to 69 years with a mean of 30.6 ± 2.1 years 95% CL. Seven cases were performed during the first mission, while 48 were performed after the mission. Compared to 3 months before SANC when only 9 brain tumors were resected, more tumors were resected (n = 25) within the 3 consecutive months from the mission (X2 = 14.2, DF = 1, P = 0.000). Thirty-day mortality following tumor resection was also lower, X2 = 4.8, DF = 1, P = 0.028.ConclusionImprovements in capacity and short-term outcome define our initial pioneering application of a neurosurgical twinning paradigm pioneered by SANC.
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| 17. |
- Uche, E. O., et al.
(författare)
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Pediatric brain tumor care in a Sub-Saharan setting: current poise of a precariously loaded dice
- 2021
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Ingår i: British Journal of Neurosurgery. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0268-8697 .- 1360-046X. ; 35:2, s. 174-180
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate the current status of pediatric brain tumor (PBT) care and identify determinants and profiles of survival and school attendance Methods: An 8-year institution-based prospective longitudinal study. All cases investigated with neuroimaging and treated were enrolled. Data was analyzed with SPSS (Inc) Chicago IL, USA version 23. Chi Square test, One-way ANOVA and confidence limits were used to evaluate associations at the 95% level of significance. Ethical approval for our study was obtained Health Research Ethics Committee of our hospital. Results: Among 103 patients enrolled, 92 satisfied our study criteria. There were 45 males and 39 females, M: F = 0.8. The mean age was 9.5 ± 2.1 years 95%CI with a range of 7 months to 16 years. The most common symptom was headache for supratentorial lesions (73%) and gait disturbance (80.2%) for infratentorial lesions. More tumors were supratentorial in location 51 (55.4%), 35 (38.1%) were infratentorial and 6 (6.5%) were transtentorial. Craniopharyngiomas (n = 23), medulloblastomas (n = 22) and astrocytomas (n = 15) were the most common tumors. Hemoglobin genotype (AA and AS) had some influence on tumor phenotype FT, P = 0.033. 76 cases were microsurgically resected while 16 patients were treated with radiotherapy alone. The 30-day mortality for operated cases is 7.2 ± 0.7%. Overall 1-year and 5-year survival was 66.7 and 52.3%, respectively. School attendance, performance and outcome varied among treatment subgroups. Conclusion: Survival profile in this series suggests some improvement in comparison to previous studies from our region, Hemoglobin genotype profiles may signature paediatric brain tumor phenotypes in our setting. © 2020, © 2020 The Neurosurgical Foundation.
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| 18. |
- Uche, Enoch Ogbonnaya, et al.
(författare)
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Pilot application of Lecture-Panel-Discussion Model (LPDM) in global collaborative neurosurgical education : a novel training paradigm innovated by the Swedish African Neurosurgery Collaboration
- 2022
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Ingår i: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer Nature. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 164:4, s. 967-972
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Disruptions in global surgery educational routines by the COVID-19 pandemic have elicited demands for alternative formats for rendering qualitative neurosurgical education. This study presents application of a novel model of online neurosurgical course, the Lecture-Panel-Discussion Model (LPDM). Methods This is a cross-sectional survey of participants who attended the Swedish African Neurosurgery Collaboration (SANC)-100A course. Participants evaluated the course through an online self-administered questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from very poor-1, poor-2, average (fair)-3, good-4, to excellent-5. SANC-100A comprises a tripod of Lectures, Panel review, and interactive case Discussion. This model (LPDM) was innovated by SANC and applied at the Enugu International Neurosurgery course in February 2021. Results There were 71 attendees, 19 were course faculty, while 52 were participants. Thirty-five attended from Nigeria, 11 from Sweden, 3 from Malawi, 2 from Senegal, and 1 from the UK. Among 44 participants who completed the questionnaire, there were 9 fellows and 35 residents. The overall median course Likert rating was 4.65 +/- 0.1. The median overall rating for course events was similar between day 1 (Likert score = 4.45) and day 2 (Likert score = 4.55), U = 55, Z score = 1.10, P = 0.27. The median rating for lectures was 4.50 +/- 0.2 and varied from 4.40 on day 1 to 4.55 on day 2. The median rating for panel review was 4.60 +/- 0.1 and varied from 4.55 on day 1 to 4.65 on day 2. Interactive case discussions were rated 4.80 on both course days. There was a significant variability in the rating profiles of the course tripod: U = 24.5, P = 0.03. Fifty-one (98%) participants believe LPDM was COVID-19-compliant, while 90% believe the course was beneficial to training and practice. Conclusion Initial application of LPDM is rewarded with both high acceptance and high rating among participants.
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- Uche, Enoch Ogbonnaya, et al.
(författare)
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Scaling Up Global Collaborations for Neurosurgical Education and Care Capacity Development in West Africa : Are There Low-Hanging Fruits Where It Tolls?
- 2020
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Ingår i: World Neurosurgery. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 1878-8750 .- 1878-8769. ; 139, s. 512-518
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Six decades after birth, the path to sustainable neurosurgical education and care in West Africa remains slow paced. We highlight plain sailing local attributes and global interventions for accelerated progress. METHODS: This was a 20-year study of neurosurgical practice and training status from 1999 to 2018. We prospectively evaluated development of neurosurgical units between 2009 and 2018 and compared with retrospective data both from 1999 to 2018 and from the origin of West African neurosurgery in 1962. RESULTS: The number of neurosurgeons rose from 1 in 1962 to 221 in 2018 with a mean of 3.95 neurosurgeons per year. Between 1998 and 2018, the subregional annual neurosurgeon birthrate varied significantly between 0.72 and 3.95. In 1998, 7 countries contributed to a neurosurgeon population of 26. In 2018, 13 countries contributed to a total of 221 neurosurgeons. The period 2009-2018 recorded the highest growth of neurosurgeons with a neurosurgeon birthrate of 7.5. Nigeria accounts for 51.6% (200.9 million) of the West African population and has 57% (11) of the 19 fully accredited training centers, while Ghana and Senegal account for 7.7% and 4.3% of the West African population, respectively, and each has 11% of the training centers. The 10-year unit procreativity index for the period 2009-2018 was 1.3, with Nigeria accounting for 0.7 (53.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The low unit procreativity index across West Africa, a major cause of the low neurosurgeon birthrate, can be resolved using tailored kindling and procreative strategies.
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