World Neurosurg
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The diagnosis and timely treatment of shunt infections (SI) in children is of paramount importance. In some cases, the standard cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) variables will not be sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of SI. CSF lactate (LCSF) has been found to assist in differentiating bacterial from nonbacterial meningitis in non-neurosurgical patients. To the best of our knowledge, the use of lactate in diagnosing or confirming the presence of SI has not yet been discussed. The goal of the present study was to describe the role of LCSF levels in children with shunts and Ommaya reservoirs and to evaluate its role in the accurate diagnosis of shunt-related infection. ⋯ LCSF levels can be used as an additional chemical marker for the diagnosis and confirmation of SIs. An LCSF value of <2.95 mmol/L had a high negative predictive value.
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The present study examined the differences in outcomes of cervical spinal surgery for patients with and without a major psychiatric comorbidity using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database. ⋯ Psychiatric comorbidity was associated with an increased risk of non-home discharge and a longer length of stay for patients undergoing surgical intervention for cervical myelopathy. However, we did not find an associated increased risk of in-hospital mortality, complications, or total hospital charges. Psychiatric comorbidity should not be weighed against patients who require surgical treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and special attention should be given to postoperative care and discharge planning for this unique patient population.
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The globus pallidus internus (GPi) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) are therapeutic targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of isolated dystonia. We conducted a meta-regression analysis on long-term studies of bilateral DBS in the GPi and STN to compare the relative effects of the 2 approaches. ⋯ A shorter disease duration correlated positively with better DBS outcomes. The STN appeared to be an optimized stimulation target for the treatment of isolated dystonia, although randomized controlled trials are needed to compare the treatment efficacy of GPi DBS and STN DBS.
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Clinical examination, including pre- and postoperative assessment of olfaction function, should be included in evaluating surgical outcomes in patients with pituitary adenomas. Most of the studies are lacking assessment of olfactory function. ⋯ Assessment of olfactory function should be included in the analysis of pituitary adenoma surgery results. This prospective study showed low risk of olfaction deterioration if an endoscopic endonasal approach is used without any mucosal flaps for skull base reconstruction. Further studies that include objective olfaction assessment are warranted.
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To analyze the effects of direct vertebral rotation (DVR) on radiologic outcomes in the treatment of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after selective thoracic fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation. ⋯ For correcting single thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by selective thoracic fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation, the addition of DVR to the surgical procedure showed comparable radiologic outcomes compared with non-DVR procedures.