World Neurosurg
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Although shunting has been shown to ameliorate symptoms in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has yet to be fully elucidated. Patient and caregiver subjective life satisfaction and HRQoL represent crucial indicators for assessing the well-being of individuals facing chronic illnesses, including iNPH. This study aimed to systematically analyze the existing data about HRQoL in iNPH-treated patients to evaluate the role of surgical treatment in such a scenario. ⋯ Despite that iNPH has been recognized as a potentially reversible neurological disorder, the available data about the impact of shunting on the HRQoL are unsatisfactory. To improve the well-informed clinical decision-making, it is essential to reach additional high-quality evidence regarding the effect of shunting on HRQoL. New prospective studies, using validated instruments specifically tailored for assessing HRQoL in patients with iNPH, and improved reporting standards are needed. Current evidence suggests that although shunting can provide initial benefits, affected patients may experience long-term impairment in HRQoL.
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Radiomics is a machine-learning method that extracts features from medical images. The objective of the present systematic review was to assess the quality of existing studies that use radiomics methods to predict functional outcomes in patients after acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ The quality of the included studies was low to moderate. With increasing use of radiomics, future studies should attempt to adhere to and report established radiomics quality guidelines.
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Review Meta Analysis
Percutaneous Curved Vertebroplasty Versus Unilateral Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty (PCVP), a modified traditional unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty (UPVP) technique, is increasingly being used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs); however, its advantages remain controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether PCVP is superior to traditional UPVP in treating OVCFs. ⋯ PCVP was superior to UPVP in terms of reducing the bone cement leakage rate and providing long-term pain relief. Further trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to verify these findings owing to the potential risk of bias.
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With a varying annual incidence across populations, traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) remains a public health concern of utmost importance, especially in developing countries with an incidence rate ranging from 12.7 to 29.7 per million people and a postulated increase in the number of patients living with undesirable complications of this condition. It is against this background that we reviewed the literature to bring to light the epidemiology, burden, management, and outcomes of TSCIs across Africa. ⋯ The incidence of the traumatic condition in certain parts of Africa is significantly higher than in other parts of the world, suggesting the need for an urgent call to action regarding addressing its key drivers.
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Review Case Reports
Clinical Considerations and Outcomes for Spine Surgery Patients with a History of Transplant: A Systematic Scoping Review.
The objective of this study was to investigate the perioperative management and outcomes of patients with a prior history of successful transplantation undergoing spine surgery. ⋯ This is the first systematic scoping review examining the population of transplant patients with subsequent unrelated spine surgery. There is significant heterogeneity in the outcomes of post-transplant spine surgery patients. Given the inherent complexity of managing this group and elevated mortality and complications compared to the general spine surgery population, further investigation into their clinical care is warranted.