Neurosurgery
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It remains unclear if minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) is comparable to traditional, open TLIF because of the limitations of the prior small-sample-size, single-center studies reporting comparative effectiveness. ⋯ For single-level grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, MI-TLIF was associated with less disability, higher quality of life, and higher patient satisfaction compared with traditional, open TLIF. MI-TLIF was associated with higher rates of RTW, less blood loss, but longer operative times. Though we utilized multivariable adjusted analyses, these findings may be susceptible to selection bias.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance immune recognition of tumors by interfering with the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed death 1 (PD1) pathways. In the past decade, these agents brought significant improvements to the prognostic outlook of patients with metastatic cancers. Recent data from retrospective analyses and a few prospective studies suggest that checkpoint inhibitors have activity against brain metastases from melanoma and nonsmall cell lung cancer, as single agents or in combination with radiotherapy. ⋯ In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of clinical data supporting the use of anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 agents in brain metastases. We also touch upon specific considerations on the assessment of intracranial responses in patients and immunotherapy-specific toxicities. We conclude that a subset of patients with brain metastases benefit from the addition of checkpoint inhibitors to standard of care therapeutic modalities, including radiotherapy and surgery.
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Multivariate risk prediction models individualize prediction of adverse outcomes, assisting perioperative decision-making. There are currently no models specifically designed for the neurosurgical population. ⋯ NZRISK-NEURO is a robust multivariate calculator created specifically for neurosurgery, enabling physicians to generate data-driven individualized risk estimates, assisting shared decision-making and perioperative planning.
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Observational Study
Predicting Long-Term Outcomes After Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Using Decision Tree Modeling.
Despite advances in the treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), predicting the long-term outcome of aSAH remains challenging, although essential. ⋯ Decision tree model is a simple tool for predicting long-term outcomes after poor-grade aSAH and may be considered for treatment decision-making.
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High school (HS) sport-related concussions (SRCs) remain a public health concern in the United States. ⋯ Headache was the most commonly reported symptom. Notable group differences in the prevalence of amnesia, loss of consciousness, and SRT may be associated with more severe SRCs, warranting further attention.