Neurosurgery
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Case-control (case-control, case-controlled) studies are beginning to appear more frequently in the neurosurgical literature. They can be more robust, if well designed, than the typical case series or even cohort study to determine or refine treatment algorithms. The purpose of this review is to define and explore the differences between case-control studies and other so-called nonexperimental, quasiexperimental, or observational studies in determining preferred treatments for neurosurgical patients.
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The BRAF mutation has been identified as a potent target for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have demonstrated promising results against melanoma brain metastases (BM). ⋯ In the setting of widespread use of BRAFi, the presence of a BRAF mutation is an independent predictor of better prognosis in patients with melanoma BM that underwent SRS. The effect of BRAFi is optimal when treatment is initiated at least 1 wk following SRS. BRAFi may increase the frequency of asymptomatic ICH.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Comparison of Outcomes Following Anterior vs Posterior Fusion Surgery for Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Analysis From Quality Outcomes Database.
The choice of anterior vs posterior approach for degenerative cervical myelopathy that spans multiple segments remains controversial. ⋯ Patients undergoing anterior approaches for 3 to 5 level degenerative cervical myelopathy had shorter hospital LOS compared to those undergoing posterior decompression and fusion. Also, patients in both groups exhibited similar long-term PROs, readmission, and RTW rates. Further investigations are needed to compare the differences in longer term reoperation rates and functional outcomes before the clinical superiority of one approach over the other can be established.