Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics
-
J Neurosurg Pediatr · Mar 2020
Factors associated with syrinx size in pediatric patients treated for Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia: a study from the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium.
Factors associated with syrinx size in pediatric patients undergoing posterior fossa decompression (PFD) or PFD with duraplasty (PFDD) for Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) with syringomyelia (SM; CM-I+SM) are not well established. ⋯ These data suggest that PFDD and age are independently associated with radiological syrinx improvement, although forthcoming results from the PFDD versus PFD randomized controlled trial (NCT02669836, clinicaltrials.gov) will best answer this question.
-
J Neurosurg Pediatr · Feb 2020
Does pre-resection endoscopic third ventriculostomy prevent the need for post-resection CSF diversion after pediatric posterior fossa tumor excision? A historical cohort study and review of the literature.
Children with posterior fossa tumors (PFTs) may present with hydrocephalus. Persistent (or new) hydrocephalus is common after PFT resection. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is sometimes performed prior to resection to 1) temporize hydrocephalus prior to resection and 2) prophylactically treat post-resection hydrocephalus. The objective of this study was to establish, in a historical cohort study of pediatric patients who underwent primary craniotomy for PFT resection, whether or not pre-resection ETV prevents the need for post-resection CSF diversion to manage hydrocephalus. ⋯ Pre-resection ETV did not reliably prevent the need for post-resection CSF diversion. ETV was more likely to fail in children with ependymoma and those with higher mCPPRH scores. Based on the findings of this study, the authors will change the practice at their institution; pre-resection ETV will now be performed based on a newly defined protocol.
-
J Neurosurg Pediatr · Jan 2020
Preoperative computed tomography perfusion in pediatric moyamoya disease: a single-institution experience.
Moyamoya disease is a progressive occlusive arteriopathy for which surgical revascularization is indicated. In this retrospective study, the authors investigated the use of preoperative CT perfusion with the aim of establishing pathological data references. ⋯ Pathological hemispheres in these children with moyamoya disease demonstrated increased MTT, TTP, and CBV and decreased CBF. The authors' results suggest that preoperative CT perfusion may, with high sensitivity, be useful in deciphering perfusion mismatch in brain tissue in children with moyamoya disease. More severe angiographic disease displays a more distinct correlation, allowing surgeons to recognize when to intervene in these patients.
-
J Neurosurg Pediatr · Jan 2020
ReviewPrimary prevention of road traffic accident-related traumatic brain injuries in younger populations: a systematic review of helmet legislation.
Road traffic accidents are the most frequent cause of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly among young populations worldwide. Helmets are proven to prevent injuries; however, estimates of helmet compliance are low globally. Surgical/critical care management of TBI is often used to treat these injuries, but primary prevention should be recommended. A key component in promoting TBI prevention among pediatric and young populations is through helmet legislation. The authors investigated helmet policies for motorcycles and bicycles globally to provide recommendations for how related legislation may impact TBI and guide advocacy in pediatric neurosurgery. ⋯ Compulsory use laws are the optimal primary intervention; however, concurrent programs to support financial access to helmets, change cultural attitudes, increase health literacy, and improve road infrastructure will augment legislative benefits. Pediatric neurosurgeons are caretakers of children suffering from TBI. Although extensive study has explored the surgical management of TBI, the authors believe that primary prevention is instrumental to improving outcomes and reducing injury. All helmet laws are not equal; based on these findings, a comprehensive, context-specific approach is the key to success, especially in resource-limited countries.
-
J Neurosurg Pediatr · Jan 2020
Case ReportsInnovative approach to the difficult ventricular shunt using pleural access device for maintenance drainage: case report.
Patients with complex medical problems and multiple failed ventricular shunts require continued innovation for hydrocephalus management. The authors report the case of a 4-year-old boy with refractory hydrocephalus and secondary reduced ability to absorb CSF in both the pleural and peritoneal cavities following renal transplantation. ⋯ Fluid was successfully aspirated via the pleural port with relief of symptoms over a period of 16 months without complication. The authors demonstrate that a previously undescribed approach to distal shunting can prevent neurological sequelae of shunt failure and permit noninvasive maintenance drainage for patients in whom symptomatic pleural effusion is a recurrent complication.