Supplements, nutrition, and alternative therapies for the treatment of traumatic brain injury

Studies using traditional treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) have produced limited clinical success. Interest in treatment for mild TBI is at an all time high due to its association with the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other neurodegenerative diseases, yet therapeutic options remain limited. Traditional pharmaceutical interventions have failed to transition to the clinic for the treatment of mild TBI. As such, many pre-clinical studies are now implementing non-pharmaceutical therapies for TBI. These studies have demonstrated promise, particularly those that modulate secondary injury cascades activated after injury. Because no TBI therapy has been discovered for mild injury, researchers now look to pharmaceutical supplementation in an attempt to foster success in human clinical trials. Non-traditional therapies, such as acupuncture and even music therapy are being considered to combat the neuropsychiatric symptoms of TBI. In this review, we highlight alternative approaches that have been studied in clinical and pre-clinical studies of TBI, and other related forms of neural injury. The purpose of this review is to stimulate further investigation into novel and innovative approaches that can be used to treat the mechanisms and symptoms of mild TBI

Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Suprapubic Catheter Placement

Suprapubic catheter placement has associated complications such as bowel injury, bladder injury, or bleeding. This case describes the management of an elderly patient who had suprapubic catheter placement complicated by small bowel obstruction. The catheter had continued production of urine. Further patient treatment required abdominal exploration and bowel resection

Primary Endovascular Repair of Ilio-Caval Injury Encountered during Anterior Exposure Spine Surgery: Evolution of the Paradigm

Background—Rates of major venous injury are now being reported at between 1% and 15%. Risk factors for injury include the previous spine surgery, level of exposure, and number of retractors used. To review and describe the evolution of our use of stent grafts for repair of lifethreatening ilio-caval injuries encountered during anterior exposure lumbosacral (L-S) spine surgery from rescue utilization after failed direct repair to preferred modality using occlusion balloons and covered stents akin to the modern management of the ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with endovascular aneurysm repair. Methods—Five-year retrospective review of all anterior and retroperitoneal spine procedures was performed at our institution. Results—One hundred two procedures were done. Major ilio-caval injury occurred in 3/102 (2.9%) cases. Average blood loss per case decreased as our approach evolved from unsuccessful direct open repair with percutaneous endovascular rescue to primary percutaneous endovascular repair. All treated patients had patent venous repair in short-term follow-up with computed tomography angiography. Conclusions—Identification and rapid direct repair of major ilio-caval injuries during anterior approach spine surgery can be extremely challenging. When control of these potentially fatal injuries is required, our choice is primary endovascular repair using the modern techniques for endovascular management of ruptured AAA with endovascular aneurysm repair

Cystic fibrosis diagnosed via presentation of intussusception in childhood

The presentation of intussusception leading to the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is rare, with only a limited number of cases previously reported in the literature. We encountered such a case which describes a unique clinical presentation of intussusception providing a broad discussion of the disease and its pathophysiology. Although statewide screening programs have been created, cystic fibrosis can still go undiagnosed until late childhood

Variability in perioperative evaluation and resource utilization in pediatric patients with suspected biliary dyskinesia: A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study

Introduction: Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a common indication for pediatric cholecystectomy. While diagnosis is primarily based on diminished gallbladder ejection fraction (GB-EF), work-up and management in pediatrics is controversial.Methods: We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective review of children undergoing cholecystectomy for BD to compare perioperative work-up and outcomes.Results: Six hundred seventy-eight patients across 16 institutions were included. There was no significant difference in gender, age, or BMI between institutions. Most patients were white (86.3%), non-Hispanic (79.9%), and had private insurance (55.2%). Gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) was reported in 84.5% of patients, and 44.8% had an EF Conclusion: There is significant variability in evaluation and follow-up both before and after cholecystectomy for BD. Prospective research with standardized data collection and follow-up is needed to develop and validate optimal care pathways for pediatric patients with suspected BD.Study type: Case Series, Retrospective Review.Level of evidence: Level IV