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Abstract: Background The diagnosis of glioblastoma (GBM) in infants aged ≤ 1 year is extremely rare, and its comparability to the more common adult diagnosis is underexplored. Correspondingly, the objective of this study was to interrogate a national cancer database to elucidate the typical survival and clinical profile of this demographic. Methods All GBM patients aged ≤ 1 year in the U.S. National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2005 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were summarized, and overall survival (OS) was modeled using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. Results A total of 86 patients satisfied criteria for entry into study, making up 0.08% of all GBM diagnoses in the database. There were 32 (37%) females and 54 (63%) males. Irrespective of treatment, median OS was 67.3 months (95% CI, 46–91), which was distinct from all other ages and pediatric age groups. There were 74 (86%) treated by surgery, 51 (59%) treated by chemotherapy, and 17 (20%) treated by radiation therapy. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that Hispanic status (HR = 3.41, P = 0.02) and the presence of comorbidity (HR = 3.24, P = 0.01) independently predicted shorter OS, whereas treatment with chemotherapy (HR = 0.18, P < 0.01) independently predicted longer OS. Neither extent of surgery nor radiation therapy demonstrated independent statistical significance. Conclusion Infantile GBM should be viewed as a distinct GBM entity with a longer OS than other pediatric and adult patients. Chemotherapy is a statistically significant component in the treatment of this demographic, and the value of surgical treatment is likely universal. Future studies into understanding the biological and genetic profile of infantile GBM are needed to advance both pediatric and adult fields. PubDate: 2021-10-13
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Abstract: Abstract Moyamoya angiopathy, a rare cerebrovascular condition, can be primary (moyamoya disease) or secondary (moyamoya syndrome). Genetic factors, such as the ring finger protein 213 (RNF213), have been associated with moyamoya disease. However, X-linked moyamoya angiopathy/moyamoya syndrome and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism associated with moyamoya syndrome are rare. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with transient bilateral hemiparesis, recurrent seizures and cognitive decline. He previously had surgery for left-sided cryptorchidism and had been diagnosed with “epileptic attacks” or “functional movement disorders” in previous hospital admissions. Magnetic resonance angiography of the brain showed narrowing of supraclinoid portion of internal carotid arteries, as well as of middle and anterior cerebral arteries, and the presence of multiple collaterals. These findings were suggestive of moyamoya angiopathy. Laboratory investigations and karyotyping revealed a diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome. This case presents a unique association of moyamoya angiopathy and Klinefelter syndrome in a boy from a poor socio-economic background, where the diagnosis and adequate treatment were delayed due to a lack of awareness and expertise. PubDate: 2021-10-10
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Abstract: Study design Case series, literature review, and technical note. Objectives To compare two different approaches to treat the spinal deformity with split cord malformation type I (SCM I). To present a new method of one-stage surgical treatment of congenital spinal deformity with wide bony septum (SCM I). Methods Analysis of the literature on the different types of combined surgical treatment of spinal deformities with SCM I was performed. We have provided our own data on 27 patients treated for congenital spinal deformity and SCM I, one of which underwent Schwab IV type osteotomy at the apex of the deformity through the bony septum and pedicles. Inclusion criteria were presence of spinal deformity in combination with SCM 1, performed surgery to correct spinal deformity, and follow-up period of at least 2 years. Results The result of the literature review was controversial and requires additional research. The average age of patients was 8.8 ± 6.6 years old. One-stage treatment of SCM I and spinal deformity was performed in 10 patients (group I) and two-stage in 14 patients (group II). Three patients with severe myelodysplasia, SCM I, and congenital kyphoscoliosis underwent correction of spinal deformity without SCM I removing (group III). The group I had the longest surgery duration (mean 289 ± 75 min) and largest blood loss (mean 560 ± 386 ml), a high percentage of deformity correction (mean 69.6%), and the highest rate of complications (60%). The most optimal was the two-stage treatment with the mean surgery duration 191 ± 137 min, mean blood loss 339 ± 436 ml, mean correction rate 63%, and frequency of complications 21%. The average follow-up time was 6.0 ± 2.6 years. Conclusions One stage surgery associated with a large surgical invasion and a large number of complications. It can be used in some cases, for example when the wide bony septum (SCM I) is localized at the apex of the congenital scoliosis or kyphosis. In all other cases, it is worth adhering to a two-stage treatment. Many new works demonstrate the relative safety and effectiveness of deformity correction without removing the SCM. In our opinion, indications for treatment of spinal deformity without SCM I removing can be the need to perform a shortening ostetomy outside the SCM zone. The remaining cases require a thorough assessment and a balanced decision. PubDate: 2021-10-09
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Abstract: Introduction Medulloblastoma is the commonest embryonal brain tumor in children. Their association with other neuroepithelial brain tumors is less known. Here we discuss a pediatric patient who developed esthesioneuroblastoma 2 years after treatment of medulloblastoma. Materials and methods A 12-year-old male presented with features of raised intracranial hypertension, and radiology showed posterior fossa midline lesion. The tumor was excised, and biopsy revealed medulloblastoma (non-WNT non-SHH type). He received chemoradiation. Two years later he presented with loss of vision, and radiology revealed a sinonasal mass with subfrontal extension. Subtotal resection was done, and biopsy showed blue round cell tumor in favor of esthesioneuroblastoma. Result Parents refused further treatment and the patient died 8months after the second surgery. Conclusion Mixed embryonal and neuroepithelial brain tumors are rare. These may have a common genetic abnormality. They have an aggressive course and bear a poor prognosis. PubDate: 2021-10-08
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Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of pediatric chronic communicating congenital hydrocephalus (CCCH). Material and methods This retrospective study comprised a series of 11 children with CCCH treated with ETV. Data were recorded on gender, history, presenting symptoms, age at surgery, complications during surgery, clinical evolution, ETV survival, and follow-up period. Radiological variables including ventricular and cephalic diameters were also recorded to determine a series of ventricular indexes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after the ETV procedure. The procedure was considered to be successful when there was clinical stability or improvement accompanied by a reduction in the radiological indexes in the postoperative control images, such that there was no need to place an extrathecal cerebrospinal fluid shunt. Results Over a mean follow-up period of 35.8 months (range: 6–108 months) from the ETV procedure, three patients required shunt placement; one of these was due to early failure in an 8-month old girl, the only patient younger than 12 months in our series. The radiological indexes were reduced in all patients except for one of the cases of ETV failure. The mean ETV survival among the successful cases was 32.1 months (range: 6–108 months), whilst that of the failed cases was 16 months (range: 6–108 months). Conclusion Although studies with larger sample sizes are needed, ETV appears to be a promising option for the treatment of this type of patient with CCCH. PubDate: 2021-10-08
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Abstract: Purpose Develop and pilot an iPad-based intervention for improving visual-motor coordination, visual-spatial processing/reasoning, and visual attention in children with surgically treated hydrocephalus (HCP). Methods We developed an intervention protocol targeting visual-motor coordination, visual-spatial processing/reasoning, and visual attention. Fourteen participants with HCP completed 30 h of training over 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Perceptual Reasoning Index from the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition. Secondary measures included subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition, Developmental NEuroPSYchological Assessment, Second Edition (NEPSY-II), and Purdue Pegboard. Results Children with HCP demonstrated gains with statistical significance on the Perceptual Reasoning Index. We also observed significant improvement on a timed test of visuo-motor coordination (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition, Coding). Conclusion Our iPad-application-based intervention may promote visual-motor coordination, visual-spatial processing/reasoning, and visual attention skills in children with HCP, offering an engaging and economical supplement to more conventional therapies. PubDate: 2021-10-08
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Abstract: Background Many methods are reported for simultaneous endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy and posterior 3rd ventricular biopsy with their pros and cons. We describe a novel single-entry two-stage rotational outside-in technique using the common 6° ventriculoscope and contrast this with others. Technique Using a single burr hole, at the line extended from aqueduct through the larger foramen of Monro in parasagittal imaging, the ventricular endoscope is first inserted with 6° angled view anteroinferior, the tip of endoscope sheath just beyond the anterior part of the foramen, and ventriculostomy performed using flexible catheter’s beveled cut end and balloon in a curvilinear trajectory using peripheral visualization. Keeping camera in the same orientation, it is then rotated 180° having 6° angled view postero-inferior, endoscope sheath traversing the posterior part of the foramen close to the posterior 3rd ventricular target, and biopsy obtained with rigid forceps. This technique overcomes some of the limitations of other methods by exploiting the flexible catheters and the rotational advantage of the 6° angle of the traditional ventriculoscope. Conclusion Our single burr hole two-stage rotational technique for simultaneous third ventriculostomy and posterior third ventricular biopsy seems to be an excellent alternative to other methods which can be used with both traditional 6° and greater angled ventriculoscopes without any significant deterrent. PubDate: 2021-10-08
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Abstract: Purposes Brachytherapy has been indicated as an alternative option for treating cystic craniopharyngiomas. Despite the difficulties regarding the complex nuclear infrastructure and consequent small number of brachytherapy studies, recent discoveries relating tumour characteristics to sensitivity to brachytherapy have stimulated this extensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the recent results aiming to summarise its efficacy and complications. Methods The systematic review was structured using PRISMA statements. The MEDLINE database was systematically reviewed from March 2010 to February 2021 to identify qualified trials dealing with radioisotope brachytherapy in cystic craniopharyngiomas in the paediatric population, emphasising tumour control rates and complications. Results A total of 228 individuals were analysed, of which 66 were children. The minimum average follow-up was 5 years. Considering the paediatric trials, partial and complete responses were achieved in 89% of patients with exclusively cystic lesions, compared to 58% in non-exclusively cystic lesions. The former observed progression in 3% of patients, while in the latter, 35% was reported. Visual and endocrine improvement reached 64% and 20%, respectively, in the first group, in contrast to 48% and 7% in the second group, respectively. There were similar results considering the non-exclusive paediatric series, but with less expressive numbers. Conclusion These results reinforce the positive impact of radioisotope brachytherapy in the treatment of predominant monocystic or multicystic craniopharyngiomas, especially in the paediatric population, grounded by impressive tumour control rates, lower morbidities and single application in the majority of the cases. In the future, specific morphological tumour characteristics might be considered for a more assertive patient selection. PubDate: 2021-10-07
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Abstract: Objectives To the best of our knowledge, there is no study on 3-Tesla (3-T) phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) and three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip-angle evolutions (3D-SPACE-VFAM) in the evaluation of idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to investigate CSF abnormalities in the scoliotic spine using 3-T PC-MRI and 3D-SPACE-VFAM techniques. Methods Thirty-four patients and 14 controls were examined with spinal PC-MRI and T2-weighted 3D-SPACE-VFAM techniques. Inter- and intra-reader agreements of flow-void phenomenon on 3D-SPACE-VFAM images, and velocity values on PC-MRI data were also evaluated. Results There are statistically significant differences between scoliosis and control groups based on the highest and mean peak velocity values on PC-MRI images (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023, respectively). The main thoracic (MT) group’s highest peak CSF velocity values were higher than the control group (p = 0.022). There is a significant difference between the patient and control groups regarding flow-void phenomenon scores on 3D-SPACE-VFAM images (p = 0.036). Inter- and intra-reader agreement values related to PC-MRI velocity measurements were perfect for all PC-MRI readings. Inter- and intra-reader agreement values of the flow-void phenomenon scores were moderate. Conclusions Our study has led us to conclude that idiopathic scoliosis is associated with CSF flow disturbances in parallel with the literature. MRI can demonstrate these abnormalities in a non-invasive and radiation-free way. PubDate: 2021-10-06
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Abstract: Abstract A growing body of literature demonstrates the clinical promise of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM), a cryopreserved tissue product derived from placental amniotic membrane, to enhance post-operative wound healing. The purpose of this study is to review the potential of dHACM to facilitate post-surgical and myelomeningocele wound repair. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed was conducted to identify studies investigating dHACM use in pediatric and surgical wound care published from inception to October 2020. For each study, patient characteristics, wound characteristics, and outcomes following dHACM application were documented and assessed. Of the 190 articles reviewed, 15 publications were included in the final analysis. Results demonstrated that the average wound healing time varied across clinical indications (e.g., 14 days for trauma reconstruction to 116 days for Moh’s surgery repair). Across indications, pediatric patients had shorter healing periods compared to adults (P < 0.01). Chronic wounds (> four weeks old) were documented in both adult (n = 3) and pediatric (n = 2) wound repair publications; all chronic surgical wounds demonstrated complete wound closure with dHACM. No complications from dHACM use were reported. Advantages of dHACM included increased patient satisfaction, cost-savings, and faster wound healing. We then present two cases of myelomeningocele wound repair facilitated successfully by dHACM. Overall, dHACM proves to successfully expedite wound repair in pediatric patients with chronic or complicated wounds such as those from myelomeningocele repair. It is important for surgeons to consider wound duration, size, and patient age to better predict graft success in enhancing wound repair. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Introduction The optimal protocol for diagnostic workup of craniosynostosis and the role of specific imaging modalities remain controversial. Skull X-rays and 3-dimensional head CTs are options when physical exam is equivocal but involve ionizing radiation. Ultrasound has emerged as an alternative modality for visualization of cranial sutures, but its use is not widespread. Methods The authors performed a systematic review of the literature on the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of craniosynostosis. Results A total of 12 studies involving 1062 patients were included. Overall, 300 patients (28.2%) were diagnosed with craniosynostosis. A total of 369 (34.7%) patients had their diagnosis (craniosynostosis vs. patent sutures) confirmed with another imaging modality in addition to ultrasound. Among studies, the specificity of ultrasound ranged from 86 to 100%, and the sensitivity from 71 to 100%. Conclusions Ultrasonography of cranial sutures is a feasible and accurate tool for the diagnosis of single-suture craniosynostosis when physical exam findings are insufficient. Although technical aspects of ultrasonography and its interpretation have an associated learning curve, ultrasound can achieve high sensitivity and specificity among patients with suspected craniosynostosis. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Purpose Occult tethered cord syndrome (OTCS) is an entity that shows tethered cord syndrome (TCS) with normal spinal MRI findings. The definition and treatment of OTCS have been controversial since first proposal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the existence, prevalence, histological characteristics, and surgical outcomes of OTCS. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent untethering surgery for OTCS from January 2010 to December 2019. Inclusion criteria were (1) clinical manifestation of TCS; (2) supported by urodynamic study (UDS) or electromyography/nerve conduction study; (3) no structural lesions in the urological tract or spinal cord, and no developmental delay; and (4) postoperative follow-up for > 6 months. Sectioned fila from OTCS patients were histologically compared with those from cases of thickened filum or low-lying conus. Results Five (four female, one male) of 439 patients (1.1%) who underwent untethering surgeries for occult spinal dysraphism corresponded to OTCS. Mean age at the time of surgery was 16 years (7–22 years). Mean postoperative follow-up duration was 45 months (15–114 months). The main symptom was urinary dysfunction in four patients and leg pain in one. All patients had detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Fila from OTCS patients revealed increased fibrous tissue as in TCS patients. Four patients showed postoperative improvement and one with preoperative static course had no improvement. Conclusions This study suggests that OTCS is a definitely existing entity although rare. OTCS is curable when timely treatment is given. Sudden onset with rapid progression of symptom seems the best indication for surgery. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Purpose Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is clonal fibroblastic proliferation that arises in the deep soft tissues, tends to reoccur, and is locally invasive. Desmoid-type fibromatosis of paranasal sinuses with intracranial extension is a rare condition that is even rarer in a small child. We aim to share with the reader our literature review, decision-making, and endoscopic endonasal operation procedure that combined gained us favorable results against this benign tumor with unpredictable natural history and disease course. Case report We describe the decision-making process in the management of a 3-year-old boy with a history of sudden vision loss and vomiting. MR showed an expansive well-delineated homogeneous tumor in the sphenoid sinus with intracranial extension and optic nerves compression. The diagnosis of a sporadic form of desmoid-type fibromatosis was made using genetic testing of tumor tissue. A total gross removal was carried out with endoscopic endonasal microsurgical approach. At a 3-month follow-up, the patient is without any signs of recurrance. Conclusion The treatment of children with desmoid-type fibromatosis requires a multidisciplinary approach by clinicians experienced with the management of pediatric cancer. While the desmoid-type fibromatosis is a benign, locally invasive tumor, observation should be the first step in the management. In case of life-threatening or symptomatic cases, operations that preserve function and structure should be the first choice for this benign tumor with unpredictable natural history and disease course. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Introduction Hydrocephalus persists in 10–40% of children with posterior fossa tumours (PFT). A delay in commencement of adjuvant therapy (AT) can negatively influence survival. The objective of this study was to determine whether postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures caused potentially preventable delays in AT. Methods A retrospective study of children diagnosed with PFT requiring AT from 2004 to 2018 from two large centres was conducted. Data on histology, timing of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) insertion, and AT was collected. The modified Canadian Preoperative Prediction Rule for Hydrocephalus (mCPPRH) score was calculated. The primary outcome was delay in AT beyond 40 days post-resection. Progression-free and overall survival were assessed. Results Out of 196 primary PFT resections, 144 fitted the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 6.57 ± 4.62. Histology was medulloblastoma (104), ependymoma (27), and others (13). Forty patients had a VPS inserted; 17 of these experienced a delay in AT. A total of 104 patients were not shunted; 15 of these had delayed AT (p = 0.0007). Patients who had a VPS insertion had longer intervals from surgery to commencement of AT (34.5 vs 30.8, p = 0.05). There was no significant difference in mCPPRH score between those who had a VPS (4.03) and those who did not (3.61; p = 0.252). Multivariable linear regression modelling did not show a significant effect of VPS or mCPPRH on progression-free survival or OS. Conclusion CSF diversion procedures may cause a preventable delay in the initiation of adjuvant therapy. Early post-operative VP shunt insertion, rather than a ‘wait and see policy’ should be considered in order to reduce this delay. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Abstract Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) are aggressive embryonal neoplasms of the central nervous system that correspond to WHO grade IV and have a dismal prognosis. The latest Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States data shows that AT/RT constitutes 16.6% of all embryonal tumors in children. The molecular hallmark of this tumor is pathogenic SMARCB1 genetic alterations resulting in the loss of INI-1 immunopositivity, with fewer tumors harboring SMARCA4 (BRG1) variants. Maternal embryonal leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a member of the Snf1/AMPK family of serine/threonine-protein kinases involved in various processes such as cell cycle regulation, self-renewal of stem cells, apoptosis, and splicing regulation. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of MELK in AT/RT and its possible therapeutic role. The purpose of this study was to review the histological and immunohistochemical profile of AT/RT with special reference to MELK staining. In this retrospective study conducted over 6 years, all diagnosed cases of AT/RT, defined by loss of INI-1 immunopositivity, were retrieved and studied. Demographic details of patients and microscopic findings were analyzed, with special attention to histological patterns and immunohistochemistry profile including MELK immunoreactivity. There were 50 cases of AT/RT diagnosed in the specified period. Of the cases operated at our institute during this period, embryonal tumors constituted 20.6% of all pediatric brain tumors with AT/RT representing 12.6% of this subset. The median age at presentation was 3.5 years (range: 8 months–22 years) and there were three adult cases. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 1.94:1. Tumor location was distributed equally between the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments. Characteristic rhabdoid cells were identified in 70% of cases. Areas with epithelial, mesenchymal, and undifferentiated tumor cells were seen in 8%, 20%, and 52% of cases, respectively. Cells with vacuolated cytoplasm were noted in 28% of cases. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed a polyimmunophenotypic profile with immunopositivity for GFAP in 70%, Vimentin in 100%, SMA in 68%, and EMA in 88% of cases, indicating the remarkable heterogeneity of the tumor cells. MELK immunopositivity was noted in 83.33% of cases. Thus, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors are rare neoplasms. In line with other studies, we show that these tumors occur predominantly in very young children and display marked variability on histology and IHC with loss of INI-1. MELK is presumed to be an important molecule involved in cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and other critical functions. High expression of MELK in AT/RT may suggest its plausible role in neoplastic transformation of embryonic and postnatal multipotent neural progenitors which in turn could explain the diverse morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics observed in these tumors. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Objective This study was intended to evaluate the predictive values of serum procalcitonin (PCT), lactate, creatine kinase (CK-MB), and troponin I on the diagnosis and staging of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Materials and methods We retrospectively retrieved data from electronic medical records at our children’s hospital, and we included all term newborns admitted between December 2018 and June 2020 with features of perinatal asphyxia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to measure and evaluate the predictive values of biomarkers. p values < 0.05 were set as statistical significance. Results A total of 201 neonates were included. They were grouped as control (n = 40), mild HIE (n = 105), moderate HIE (n = 36), and severe HIE (n = 20). Serum lactate, PCT, CK-MB, and troponin I levels in severe hypoxic-ischemic brain injury group were significantly higher than those in mild to moderate hypoxic-ischemic brain injury group and control group (p < 0.05). Based on ROC and AUC analysis, troponin I showed highest predictive ability with AUC of 0.904, and sensitivity and specificity of 95.00% and 87.50% respectively. Conclusion Serum troponin I has a good predictive value for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after perinatal asphyxia. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Background Neurophysiological brainstem mapping techniques facilitate the intra-operative localisation of cranial nerve nuclei amidst distorted anatomy. Neurophysiological recording in young infants can be limited due to immature myelination and synaptogenesis, as well as an increased sensitivity to anaesthetic agents. Case report A 5-month-old boy was diagnosed with a cystic brainstem lesion located dorsally within the pons and upper medulla. An open surgical biopsy was undertaken via a posterior fossa craniotomy, revealing a grossly distorted fourth ventricular floor. Intra-operative neurophysiological mapping produced oculomotor, facial, glossopharyngeal and vagal muscle responses allowing a deviated functional midline to be identified. Direct stimulation was used to identify an area in the floor of the fourth ventricle eliciting no cranial nerve responses and allow safe entry into the tumour cavity and biopsy. Transcranial motor evoked responses (TcMEPs), short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were all successfully recorded throughout the procedure, despite the use of halogenated gaseous anaesthesia. Conclusions We describe the use of brainstem mapping techniques for identification of a distorted midline on the floor of the 4th ventricle in an infant, with reproducible recordings of intra-operative TcMEPs, SSEPs and BAEPs. PubDate: 2021-10-05
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Abstract: Purpose This study aimed to report the incidence of technical complications and immediate complete angiographic occlusion, identify associated factors with failure of complete occlusion and identify predictors of technical complications in a single-center experience of pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVM) treated with endovascular treatment with intent to cure. Methods Patients between 1 and 18 years of age undergoing endovascular embolization between 2011 and 2020 were included. Results A total of 120 embolizations were performed in 69 patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was intracerebral hemorrhage (76.8%). Immediate obliteration of the malformations was achieved in 40 (58%) cases. The technical complication rate was 15%. AVM nidus size between 3 and 6 cm (OR: 3.91; 95% CI 1.1–13.85; p = 0.035) and the presence of multiple feeders (OR: 5.08; 95% CI 1.41–18.28; p = 0.074) were predictive of failure of immediate complete occlusion. The location of the temporal lobe (OR: 7.83; p = 0.048), deep venous drainage (OR: 4.67; p = 0.112), and the presence of an intranidal aneurysm (OR: 3.58; p = 0.134) were predictors of technical complications. Conclusions Embolization of pediatric AVMs with intent to cure shows a high rate of technical complications and acceptable immediate occlusion rates. Nidus size and the presence of multiple feeders were predictive of failure of complete occlusion, while temporal lobe location, deep venous drainage, and the presence of an intranidal aneurysm were predictors of technical complications. Further studies are needed to determine the best therapeutic approach in the pediatric population. PubDate: 2021-10-04
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Abstract: Background and purpose Abusive head injuries (AHI), and in particular shaken baby syndrome (SBS), are common causes of mortality and morbidity in infants. Although SBS is a well-established entity, based on clinical experience and experimental data, and confirmed by the perpetrators’ confessions, a growing number of publications challenge the diagnostic criteria, and even the validity of the perpetrators’ confession. We decided to study AHI in infants and compare cases with and without confession. Material and methods We collected prospectively all cases of infantile traumatic head injuries hospitalized in our institution between 2001 and 2021. From this database, we selected victims of AHI, comparing cases for which the perpetrator confessed during police inquiry (“confession” group) versus cases without confession (“denial” group). Results We studied 350 cases of AHI in infants; 137 of these (39.1%) were confessed. We found no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the child’s previous history, as well as the personality and previous history of the caretakers. However, the “confession” group showed significantly more severe clinical presentation, cerebral lesions, retinal hemorrhages, and a more pejorative outcome. Conclusions We conclude that the diagnosis of AHI was confirmed by the confession in a large number of cases, indicating that the diagnostic criteria of AHI are robust. We also found that denial, although possibly sincere, was likely ill-founded, and that the perpetrators’ decision to confess or deny was markedly influenced by the severity of the inflicted lesions. PubDate: 2021-10-04
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