Clinical neurology and neurosurgery
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Dec 2020
Observational StudyClinical characteristics and admission patterns of stroke patients during the COVID 19 pandemic: A single center retrospective, observational study from the Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
To compare ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients with COVID-19 to non-COVID-19 controls, and to describe changes in stroke admission patterns during the pandemic. ⋯ Stroke continues to occur during this pandemic and stroke pathways have been affected by the pandemic. Stroke occurs in approximately 5% of patients with COVID-19. COVID-19 associated ischemic stroke occurs in predominantly male patients who are younger, with fewer vascular risk factors, can be more severe, and have higher rates of LVO. Despite an increase in LVO during the pandemic, treatment with mechanical thrombectomy has not increased. COVID-19 associated hemorrhagic stroke does not differ from non-COVID-19 hemorrhagic stroke patients.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Nov 2020
Disparities in inpatient costs and outcomes after elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at safety-net hospitals.
Characterizing disparities that exist at safety-net hospitals is crucial for crafting national healthcare reform policies. Healthcare disparities in performing elective neurosurgical procedures like anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at safety-net hospitals have not yet been examined. ⋯ Safety net hospitals had greater inpatient costs, but no greater LOS or odds of inpatient adverse events after elective ACDF. These results demonstrate a need for policies that reduce the cost of performing ACDFs at SNHs.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Nov 2020
Multicenter Study Observational StudyThe longitudinal impact of COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgical practice.
This observational cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on neurosurgical practice. ⋯ Our study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic decreased the number of procedures performed in neurosurgery practice. The load of emergency neurosurgery procedures did not change throughout the three periods, which reflects the need to designate ample resources to cover emergencies. Notably, with strict screening for COVID -19 infections, neurosurgical procedures could be safely performed during the early pandemic phase. We recommend to restart performing neurosurgical procedures once the pandemic gets stabilized to avoid possible post pandemic health-care system intolerable overload.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Nov 2020
Burnout and career satisfaction among attending neurosurgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed significant changes to physician workflow and healthcare delivery. This national survey investigated the impact of the pandemic on burnout and career satisfaction among U.S. attending neurosurgeons. ⋯ Factors related to the novel COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to changes in workflow among U.S. attending neurosurgeons. Despite these changes, we report decreased burnout and high career satisfaction among U.S. neurosurgeons. Understanding modifiable stressors among neurosurgeons during the pandemic may help to identify effective future interventions to mitigate burnout and improve career satisfaction.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Nov 2020
Proposal for a new scoring system for spinal degeneration: Mo-Fi-Disc.
We aimed to develop a new scoring system for spinal degeneration including Modic changes, fatty infiltration (fi) in the paraspinal muscles, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), briefly Mo-fi-disc, using current radiological classification systems. We also aimed to understand whether Mo-fi-disc could predict patients with more intense low back pain (LBP). ⋯ Patients with more intense LBP had higher 'Mo-fi-disc' scores. This scoring system suggests an easy and objective classification to evaluate the spinal degeneration.