Unsecured Intracranial Aneurysms and Induced Hypertension in Cerebral Vasospasm: Is Induced Hypertension Safe?

Background: Induced hypertension is an established therapy to treat cerebral vasospasm (CVS) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to prevent delayed ischemic deficits. Currently, there is minimal evidence available assessing the risk of induced hypertension in the presence of unsecured aneurysms. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of induced hypertension on the rupturing of unsecured aneurysms in treating CVS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis between 1999 and 2009. Patients with unsecured aneurysms treated with induced hypertension were identified and stratified as having (1) additional unruptured unsecured aneurysms or (2) ruptured unsecured aneurysms. Hemodynamic parameters were analyzed and any bleeding recorded. Results: Forty-five patients were included. Of those, 41 had 71 additional unruptured unsecured aneurysms and four patients had four ruptured unsecured aneurysms. The mean size of unsecured aneurysms was: 4.0±1.9mm (additional unruptured) and 5.3±2.2mm (ruptured), respectively. No aneurysm ruptured during therapy. Combining our data with previously published studies, there appears to be no increase of risk for aneurysm rupture by induced hypertension when compared to the natural history (0.5% for group 1, 2.9% for group 2). Conclusion: These data corroborate that induced hypertension may be a safe treatment option to prevent cerebral infarction in CVS, even in the presence of unsecured aneurysms. Our findings suggest that induced hypertension does not increase rupture of unsecured aneurysms. Given the high risk for cerebral infarction in severe CVS, we conclude that induced hypertension should not be omitted due to the presence of unsecured aneurysm

Mean Platelet Volume/Platelet Count Ratio and Risk of Progression in Glioblastoma

ObjectiveThe mean platelet volume/platelet count (MPV/PC) ratio is an emerging biomarker in selected types of cancer. The objective of this study is to analyze the association of MPV/PC ratio with progression and survival in glioblastoma (GB) patients, with consideration of patient demographics, tumor morphology, extent of resection, molecular pathology, and oncological therapy.MethodsOne hundred ninety-one patients with newly diagnosed GB were analyzed retrospectively. MPV/PC ratio groups (≤ or >0.0575) were dichotomized into low-MPV/PC ratio (≤0.0575) and high-MPV/PC ratio (>0.0575) groups according to the most significant split in the log-rank test.ResultsA two-sided Fisher’s exact test showed no significant differences in the confounders between the low- and high-MPV/PC ratio groups. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.0 months (95% CI=8.0–10.0) in the low-MPV/PC ratio group (n=164) and 6.0 months (95% CI=3.0–8.9) in the high-MPV/PC group (n=28) (p=0.013). Multivariate Cox regression analysis including the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status, age (≤/>65 years), baseline Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), and MPV/PC ratio showed high-MPV/PC ratio as a predictor of progression (p =0.04, HR=1.61, 95% CI=1.01–2.57). In the subgroup of IDH1 wild-type GBs, high MPV/PC ratio was still a significant predictor for shortened PFS (p=0.042, HR=1.60, 95% CI=1.02–2.52). MPV/PC ratio showed no significant effect in the overall survival (OS) analysis. Median OS was 15.0 months in the high-MPV/PC ratio group and 21.0 months in the low-MPV/PC ratio group (p=0.22).ConclusionMPV/PC ratio may independently predict the progression-free survival rates of patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Functional improvement of patients with Parkinson syndromes using a rehabilitation training software

IntroductionIndividuals with Parkinsonian disorders often face limited access to specialized physiotherapy and movement training due to staff shortages and increasing disease incidence, resulting in a rapid decline in mobility and feelings of despair. Addressing these challenges requires allocating adequate resources and implementing specialized training programs to ensure comprehensive care and support. Regarding these problems, a computer software was invented that might serve as an additional home-based extension to conventional physiotherapy.MethodsThe trial took place in a rehabilitation center where every patient received equivalent treatment apart from the training program that was set up to be investigated over 3 weeks. Seventy four Patients were included and randomized between two intervention and one control group. Intervention group 1 (IG1) trained with the computer-based system two times a week while Intervention group 2 (IG2) received five training sessions a week. Using the markerless Microsoft Kinect® camera, participants controlled a digital avatar with their own body movements. UPDRS-III and Clinical measurements were performed before and after the three-week period.ResultsPatients in all groups improved in UPDRS-III pre and post intervention whereas reduction rates were higher for IG1 (−10.89%) and IG2 (−14.04%) than for CG (−7.74%). Differences between the groups were not significant (value of ps CG/IG1 0.225, CG/IG2 0.347). Growth rates for the arm abduction angle were significantly higher in IG1 (11.6%) and IG2 (9.97%) than in CG (1.87%) (value of ps CG/IG1 0.006 and CG/IG2 0.018), as was the 5-steps-distance (CG 10.86% vs. IG1 24.5% vs. UG2 26.22%, value of ps CG/IG1 0.011 and CG/IG2 0.031).DiscussionThe study shows the beneficial effects of computer-based training and substantiates the assumption of a similar impact in a home-based setting. The utilized software is feasible for such interventions and meets with the patient’s approval. Group dynamics seem to have an additional supporting effect for the aspired objective of improving mobility and should be seen as an essential aspect of video games in therapy

PrImary decompressive Craniectomy in AneurySmal Subarachnoid hemOrrhage (PICASSO) trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with poor neurological outcome and high mortality. A major factor influencing morbidity and mortality is brain swelling in the acute phase. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is currently used as an option in order to reduce intractably elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). However, execution and optimal timing of DC remain unclear. METHODS: PICASSO resembles a multicentric, prospective, 1:1 randomized standard treatment-controlled trial which analyzes whether primary DC (pDC) performed within 24 h combined with the best medical treatment in patients with poor-grade SAH reduces mortality and severe disability in comparison to best medical treatment alone and secondary craniectomy as ultima ratio therapy for elevated ICP. Consecutive patients presenting with poor-grade SAH, defined as grade 4–5 according to the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), will be screened for eligibility. Two hundred sixteen patients will be randomized to receive either pDC additional to best medical treatment or best medical treatment alone. The primary outcome is the clinical outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 12 months, which is dichotomized to favorable (mRS 0–4) and unfavorable (mRS 5–6). Secondary outcomes include morbidity and mortality, time to death, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay, quality of life, rate of secondary DC due to intractably elevated ICP, effect of size of DC on outcome, use of duraplasty, and complications of DC. DISCUSSION: This multicenter trial aims to generate the first confirmatory data in a controlled randomized fashion that pDC improves the outcome in a clinically relevant endpoint in poor-grade SAH patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS DRKS00017650. Registered on 09 June 2019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06969-4

Diagnostic reliability of the Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms—usability in a series of only giant aneurysms

Background and objective The main challenge of bypass surgery of complex MCA aneurysms is not the selection of the bypass type but the initial decision-making of how to exclude the affected vessel segment from circulation. To this end, we have previously proposed a classification for complex MCA aneurysms based on the preoperative angiography. The current study aimed to validate this new classification and assess its diagnostic reliability using the giant aneurysm registry as an independent data set. Methods We reviewed the pretreatment neuroimaging of 51 patients with giant (> 2.5 cm) MCA aneurysms from 18 centers, prospectively entered into the international giant aneurysm registry. We classified the aneurysms according to our previously proposed Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms. To test for interrater diagnostic reliability, the data set was reviewed by four independent observers. Results We were able to classify all 51 aneurysms according to the Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms. Eight percent of the aneurysm were classified as type 1a, 14% as type 1b, 14% as type 2a, 24% as type 2b, 33% as type 2c, and 8% as type 3. The interrater reliability was moderate with Fleiss's Kappa of 0.419. Conclusion The recently published Berlin classification for complex MCA aneurysms showed diagnostic reliability, independent of the observer when applied to the MCA aneurysms of the international giant aneurysm registry.Peer reviewe

Anti-Inflammatory Drug Therapy in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Trials

Emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation may play a potential role in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aim to analyze the influence of anti-inflammatory therapy on survival and outcome in aSAH. Eligible randomized placebo-controlled prospective trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed until March 2023. After screening the available studies for inclusion and exclusion criteria, we strictly extracted the main outcome measures. Dichotomous data were determined and extracted by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Neurological outcome was graded using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We created funnel plots to analyze publication bias. From 967 articles identified during the initial screening, we included 14 RCTs in our meta-analysis. Our results illustrate that anti-inflammatory therapy yields an equivalent probability of survival compared to placebo or conventional management (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.55–1.19, p = 0.28). Generally, anti-inflammatory therapy trended to be associated with a better neurologic outcome (mRS ≤ 2) compared to placebo or conventional treatment (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.95–2.32, p = 0.08). Our meta-analysis showed no increased mortality form anti-inflammatory therapy. Anti-inflammatory therapy in aSAH patients tends to improve the neurological outcome. However, multicenter, rigorous, designed, prospective randomized studies are still needed to investigate the effect of fighting inflammation in improving neurological functioning after aSAH

Anti-Inflammatory Drug Therapy in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trials

Althoughanti-inflammatory drug therapy has been identified as potentially beneficial for patients suffering from chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), contemporary literature presents contradictory results. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the impact of anti-inflammatory drug therapy on mortality and outcome. We searched for eligible randomized, placebo-controlled prospective trials (RTCs) on PubMed, Embase and Medline until July 2022. From 97 initially identified articles, five RTCs met the criteria and were included in our meta-analysis. Our results illustrate significantly lower rates of recurrent cSDH (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.21–0.58, p = 0.0001) in patients undergoing anti-inflammatory therapy. In the subgroup of patients undergoing primary conservative treatment, anti-inflammatory therapy was associated with lower rates of “switch to surgery” cases (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.14–0.63, p = 0.002). Despite these findings, anti-inflammatory drugs seemed to be associated with higher mortality rates in patients undergoing surgery (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.03–3.01, p = 0.04), although in the case of primary conservative treatment, no effect on mortality has been observed (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 0.35–17.15, p = 0.37). Further multicentric prospective randomized trials are needed to evaluate anti-inflammatory drugs as potentially suitable therapy for asymptomatic patients with cSDH to avoid the necessity of surgical hematoma evacuation on what are predominantly elderly, vulnerable, patients

Impact of Levetiracetam Treatment on 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Fluorescence Expression in IDH1 Wild-Type Glioblastoma

The amino acid 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is the most established neurosurgical fluorescent dye and facilitates the achievement of gross total resection. In vitro studies raised concerns that antiepileptic drugs (AED) reduce the quality of fluorescence. Between 2013 and 2018, 175 IDH1 wild-type glioblastoma (GB) patients underwent 5-ALA guided surgery. Patients’ data were retrospectively reviewed regarding demographics, comorbidities, medications, tumor morphology, neuropathological characteristics, and their association with intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence. The fluorescence of 5-ALA was graded in a three point scaling system (grade 0 = no; grade 1 = weak; grade 2 = strong). Univariable analysis shows that the intake of dexamethasone or levetiracetam, and larger preoperative tumor area significantly reduce the intraoperative fluorescence activity (fluorescence grade: 0 + 1). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis demonstrates the preoperative intake of levetiracetam (adjusted odds ratio: 12.05, 95% confidence interval: 3.91–37.16, p = 0.001) as the only independent and significant risk factor for reduced fluorescence quality. Preoperative levetiracetam intake significantly reduced intraoperative fluorescence. The indication for levetiracetam in suspected GB should be carefully reviewed and prophylactic treatment avoided for this tumor entity. Future comparative trials of neurosurgical fluorescent dyes need a special focus on the influence of levetiracetam on fluorescence intensity. Further trials must validate our findings

The impact of the MIB-1 index on facial nerve outcomes in vestibular schwannoma surgery

Background!#!Facial nerve palsy is a severe morbid condition that occurs after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate facial nerve outcomes based on surgical techniques, tumour size, and immunohistochemical factors.!##!Methods!#!One hundred eighteen patients with VS were retrospectively analysed. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 83 patients, and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 35 patients. Follow-up was 60 months (median). Facial nerve outcomes were assessed for 24 months after surgery. Analysis of the MIB-1 index was performed in 114 patients (97%) to evaluate recurrence and facial nerve outcomes.!##!Results!#!Immediately after surgery, 16 of 35 patients (45.7%) with STR and 21 of 83 patients (25.3%) with GTR had a good (House-Brackmann (HB) score ≤ 2) facial nerve outcome (p = 0.029). Semi-sitting positioning (p = 0.002) and tumour size class of 3 (> 4 cm) were also associated with worse HB outcomes after 2 years (p = 0.004) in univariate analyses. The MIB-1 index was significantly correlated with diffuse infiltration of tumour-associated CD45!##!Conclusions!#!An MIB-1 index ≥ 5% seems to predict worse long-term facial nerve outcomes in VS surgery