A comparative study examining the battery life of implantable pulse generators currently used for bilateral deep brain stimulation

Der folgende Text entspricht dem Abstract der Originalpublikation: „Hintergrund: Die tiefe Hirnstimulation (DBS, deep brain stimulation) ist eine erfolgversprechende Therapie für ansonsten schwer zu beherrschende Bewegungsstörungen. Bisher erhalten die meisten Patienten nicht wiederaufladbare implantierbare Pulsgeneratoren (IPG, implantable pulse generator), die aufgrund der begrenzten Lebensdauer zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt operativ ausgetauscht werden müssen. Ziel: Das Ziel war es, die modellspezifische Lebensdauer von IPGs im Rahmen des elektiven Wechsels zu erfassen. Weiterhin sollte der Einfluss der übertragenen elektrischen Energie (TEED, total electric energy delivered), der Anzahl bisheriger IPG-Wechsel und der Einfluss zurückliegender Modellwechsel auf die Lebensdauer von IPGs untersucht werden. Methoden: Eingeschlossen wurden 47 Patienten (19 mit Morbus Parkinson, sieben mit essentiellem Tremor, 21 mit Dystonie) mit implantiertem Kinetra® (n = 16) oder Activa® PC (n = 31), Medtronic, zur bilateralen DBS. Die erhobenen Daten wurden mit dem Mann-Whitney-U-Test und der Rangkorrelation nach Spearman statistisch ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Activa® PC hatten eine signifikant kürzere Lebensdauer als Kinetra® IPGs (40,16 ± 15,22 Monate vs. 70,35 ± 24,45 Monate, p < 0,001). Die IPG-Lebensdauer war invers mit der TEED (r = -0,529, p < 0,001) und der Anzahl bisheriger IPG-Wechsel (r = -0,588, p < 0,001) korreliert. Außerdem hatten Patienten mit häufigeren Wechseln eine höhere TEED (r = 0,501, p < 0,001). Nach einem Kinetra® implantierte Activa® PC IPGs wiesen eine kürzere Lebensdauer als primär implantierte Activa® PC IPGs auf (28,36 ± 9,82 Monate vs. 45,78 ± 14,19 Monate, p = 0,006). Zusammenfassung: Activa® PC wiesen eine signifikant kürzere Lebensdauer als Kinetra® IPGs auf. Weiterhin schienen eine höhere TEED und häufigere IPG-Wechsel die Lebensdauer der IPGs zu reduzieren.“ (Übersetzung durch den Erstautor, Herrn Marcel Niemann) Der folgende Text entspricht dem Abstract der Originalpublikation: „Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established therapy for otherwise intractable movement disorders. Thus far, most patients receive non-rechargeable implantable pulse generators (IPG). Eventually, another intervention in order to replace the IPG is inevitable. Objective: We assessed IPG model-specific differences in longevity in patients planned for IPG replacement. Also, we evaluated the influence of the total electric energy delivered (TEED), the amount of previous IPG replacements, and previous IPG model changes on the longevity. Methods: We collected the demographic data and DBS settings of 47 patients (19 with Parkinson’s disease, 7 with essential tremor, and 21 with dystonia) that were treated either with Medtronic’s Kinetra® (n = 16) or Activa® PC (n = 31). Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: Battery longevity was shorter in the Activa® PC than in the Kinetra® (40.16 ± 15.22 vs. 70.35 ± 24.45 months; p < 0.001). Further analysis showed an inverse correlation of the longevity to TEED (r = -0.529; p < 0.001) and the number of previous IPG replacements (r = -0.588; p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with more frequent replacements had higher TEED (r = 0.501; p < 0.001) and patients, whose Kinetra® was replaced with the Activa® PC before, had shorter IPG longevity (28.36 ± 9.82 vs. 45.78 ± 14.19 months; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Our findings imply that IPG longevity is shorter in the Activa® PC compared to the Kinetra®. Higher TEED and more frequent IPG replacements might reduce IPG longevity.

Transforming the German ICD-10 (ICD-10-GM) into Injury Severity Score (ISS)—Introducing a new method for automated re-coding

Background: While potentially timesaving, there is no program to automatically transform diagnosis codes of the ICD-10 German modification (ICD-10-GM) into the injury severity score (ISS). Objective: To develop a mapping method from ICD-10-GM into ICD-10 clinical modification (ICD-10-CM) to calculate the abbreviated injury scale (AIS) and ISS of each patient using the ICDPIC-R and to compare the manually and automatically calculated scores. Methods: Between January 2019 and June 2021, the most severe AIS of each body region and the ISS were manually calculated using medical documentation and radiology reports of all major trauma patients of a German level I trauma centre. The ICD-10-GM codes of these patients were exported from the electronic medical data system SAP, and a Java program was written to transform these into ICD-10-CM codes. Afterwards, the ICDPIC-R was used to automatically generate the most severe AIS of each body region and the ISS. The automatically and manually determined ISS and AIS scores were then tested for equivalence. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the manually and automatically calculated ISS were significantly equivalent over the entire patient cohort. Further sub-group analysis, however, showed that equivalence could only be demonstrated for patients with an ISS between 16 and 24. Likewise, the highest AIS scores of each body region were not equal in the manually and automatically calculated group. Conclusion: Though achieving mapping results highly comparable to previous mapping methods of ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, it is not unrestrictedly possible to automatically calculate the AIS and ISS using ICD-10-GM codes

Retrospective analysis of treatment decisions and clinical outcome of Lisfranc injuries: operative vs. conservative treatment

Purpose: Lisfranc injuries are rare and often pose a challenge for surgeons, particularly in initially missed or neglected cases. The evidence on which subtypes of Lisfranc injuries are suitable for conservative treatment or should undergo surgery is low. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze treatment decisions of Lisfranc injuries and the clinical outcome of these patients within the last ten years. Methods: All patients treated due to a Lisfranc injury in a German level I trauma centre from January 2011 until December 2020 were included in this study. Radiologic images and medical data from the patient files were analyzed concerning the classification of injury, specific radiologic variables, such as the Buehren criteria, patient baseline characteristics, and patient outcome reported with the Foot Function Index (FFI). Results: Ninety-nine patients were included in this study (conservative = 20, operative = 79). The overall clinical outcome assessed by the FFI was good (FFI sum 23.93, SD 24.93); patients that were identified as suitable for conservative treatment did not show inferior functional results. Qualitative radiological factors like the grade of displacement and the trauma mechanism were more strongly associated with the decision for surgical treatment than quantitative radiologic factors such as the distance from the first to the second metatarsal bone. Conclusion: If the indication for conservative or operative treatment of Lisfranc injuries is determined correctly, the clinical outcome can be comparable. These decisions should be based on several factors including quantitative and qualitative radiologic criteria, as well as the trauma mechanism

Coagulopathy management of multiple injured patients – a comprehensive literature review of the European guideline 2019

The European guideline on the management of trauma-induced major bleeding and coagulopathy summarises the most relevant recommendations for trauma coagulopathy management.center dot The management of trauma-induced major bleeding should interdisciplinary follow algorithms which distinguish between life-threatening and non-life-threatening bleeding.center dot Point-of-care viscoelastic methods (VEM) assist target-controlled haemostatic treatment. Neither conventional coagulation assays nor VEM should delay treatment in life-threatening trauma-induced bleeding.center dot Adjustments may be rational due to local circumstances, including the availability of blood products, pharmaceuticals, and employees

Ganglioside-induced differentiation associated protein 1 is a regulator of the mitochondrial network: new implications for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Mutations in GDAP1 lead to severe forms of the peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which is characterized by heterogeneous phenotypes, including pronounced axonal damage and demyelination. We show that neurons and Schwann cells express ganglioside-induced differentiation associated protein 1 (GDAP1), which suggest that both cell types may contribute to the mixed features of the disease. GDAP1 is located in the mitochondrial outer membrane and regulates the mitochondrial network. Overexpression of GDAP1 induces fragmentation of mitochondria without inducing apoptosis, affecting overall mitochondrial activity, or interfering with mitochondrial fusion. The mitochondrial fusion proteins, mitofusin 1 and 2 and Drp1(K38A), can counterbalance the GDAP1-dependent fission. GDAP1-specific knockdown by RNA interference results in a tubular mitochondrial morphology. GDAP1 truncations that are found in patients who have CMT are not targeted to mitochondria and have lost mitochondrial fragmentation activity. The latter activity also is reduced strongly for disease-associated GDAP1 point mutations. Our data indicate that an exquisitely tight control of mitochondrial dynamics, regulated by GDAP1, is crucial for the proper function of myelinated peripheral nerves

Social Media Use Among Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeons in Germany: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

BACKGROUND: Social media (SM) has gained importance in the health care sector as a means of communication and a source of information for physicians and patients. However, the scope of professional SM use by orthopedic and trauma surgeons remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study presents an overview of professional SM use among orthopedic and trauma surgeons in Germany in terms of the platforms used, frequency of use, and SM content management. METHODS: We developed a web-based questionnaire with 33 variables and 2 separate sections based on a review of current literature. This study analyzed the first section of the questionnaire and included questions on demographics, type of SM used, frequency of use, and SM content management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26.0). Subgroup analysis was performed for sex, age groups (<60 years vs ≥60 years), and type of workplace (practice vs hospital). Differences between groups were assessed with a chi-square test for categorical data. RESULTS: A total of 208 participants answered the questionnaire (166/208, 79.8% male), of whom 70.2% (146/208) were younger than 60 years and 77.4% (161/208) worked in a practice. All participants stated that they use SM for private and professional purposes. On average, participants used 1.6 SM platforms for professional purposes. More than half had separate SM accounts for private and professional use. The most frequently used SM platforms were messenger apps (119/200, 59.5%), employment-oriented SM (60/200, 30%), and YouTube (54/200, 27%). All other SM, including Facebook and Instagram, were only used by a minority of the participants. Women and younger participants were more likely to use Instagram (P<.001 and P=.03, respectively). The participants working in a hospital were more likely to use employment-oriented SM (P=.02) and messenger apps (P=.009) than participants working in a practice. In a professional context, 20.2% (39/193) of the participants produced their own content on SM, 24.9% (48/193) used SM daily, 39.9% (77/193) used SM during work, and 13.8% (26/188) stated that they checked the number of followers they had. Younger participants were more likely to have participated in professional SM training and to have separate private and professional accounts (P=.04 and P=.02, respectively). Younger participants tended toward increased production of their own content (P=.06). CONCLUSIONS: SM is commonly used for professional purposes by orthopedic and trauma surgeons in Germany. However, it seems that professional SM use is not exploited to its full potential, and a structured implementation into daily professional work routines is still lacking. SM can have a profound impact on medical practices and communication, so orthopedic and trauma surgeons in Germany should consider increasing their SM presence by actively contributing to SM

Therapeutic anticoagulation complications in the elderly: a case report

Background: The demographic transition leads to a continuously growing number of elderly patients who receive therapeutic anticoagulation by reason of several comorbidities. Though therapeutic anticoagulation may reduce the number of embolic complications in these patients, major complications such as bleeding complications need to be kept in mind when considering such therapy. However, evidence regarding the choice of anticoagulation agents in chronic kidney disease patients of higher age is limited. In this report, a guideline-based anticoagulation treatment which led to a fulminant atraumatic bleeding complication is discussed. Case presentation: We present the case of an 85-year-old female stage V chronic kidney disease patient who suffered from a diffuse arterial, subcutaneous bleeding in her lower left leg due a therapeutic anticoagulation using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Anticoagulation was started in accordance with general recommendations for patients with atrial fibrillation, and the dosage was adapted for the patient's renal function. Nevertheless, the above-mentioned complication occurred, and the bleeding led to a hemorrhagic shock and an acute kidney injury on top of a chronic kidney disease. The hematoma required surgical evacuation and local coagulation in the operating room. In the further course, the patient underwent additional four surgical interventions due to a superinfected skin necrosis, including skin grafting. Furthermore, the patient needed continuous renal replacement therapy, as well as intensive care unit treatment, for a total of 47 days followed by 36 days of geriatric rehabilitation. Afterwards, she was discharged from the hospital to her previous nursing home. Discussion and conclusions: Although therapeutic anticoagulation may sufficiently protect patients at cardiovascular risk, major complications such as bleeding complications may occur at any time. Therefore, physicians need to regularly re-evaluate any prior indication for therapeutic anticoagulation. With this case report, we hope to draw attention to the cohort of geriatric patients and the need for more and well differentiated study settings to preferably prevent any potentially avoidable complications

Comparing Perioperative Outcome Measures of the Dynamic Hip Screw and the Femoral Neck System

Background and Objective: Various fixation devices and surgical techniques are available for the management of proximal femur fractures. Recently, the femoral neck system (FNS) was introduced, and was promoted on the basis of less invasiveness, shorter operating time, and less fluoroscopy time compared to previous systems. The aim of this study was to compare two systems for the internal fixation of femoral neck fractures (FNF), namely the dynamic hip screw (DHS) with an anti-rotation screw (ARS) and an FNS. The outcome measures included operating room time (ORT), dose–area product (DAP), length of stay (LOS), perioperative changes in haemoglobin concentrations, and transfusion rate. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-centre study was conducted. Patients treated for FNF between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2021 were included, provided that they had undergone closed reduction and internal fixation. We measured the centrum-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) and the Pauwels angle preoperatively and one week postoperatively. Results: In total, 31 patients (16 females), with a mean age of 62.81 ± 15.05 years, were included. Fracture complexity assessed by the Pauwels and Garden classification did not differ between groups preoperatively. Nonetheless, the ORT (54 ± 26.1 min vs. 91.68 ± 23.96 min, p < 0.01) and DAP (721 ± 270.6 cGycm² vs. 1604 ± 1178 cGycm², p = 0.03) were significantly lower in the FNS group. The pre- and postoperative CCD and Pauwels angles did not differ statistically between groups. Perioperative haemoglobin concentration changes (–1.77 ± 1.19 g/dl vs. –1.74 ± 1.37 g/dl) and LOS (8 ± 5.27 days vs. 7.35 ± 3.43 days) were not statistically different. Conclusions: In this cohort, the ORT and DAP were almost halved in the patient group treated with FNS. This may confer a reduction in secondary risks related to surgery

Outcome Analysis of the Use of Cerament® in Patients with Chronic Osteomyelitis and Corticomedullary Defects

Background: Chronic osteomyelitis (OM) is a progressive but mostly low-grade infection of the bones. The management of this disease is highly challenging for physicians. Despite systematic treatment approaches, recurrence rates are high. Further, functional and patient-reported outcome data are lacking, especially after osseous defects are filled with bioresorbable antibiotic carriers. Objective: To assess functional and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) following the administration of Cerament (R) G or V due to corticomedullary defects in chronic OM. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from 2015 to 2020, including all patients who received Cerament (R) for the aforementioned reason. Patients were diagnosed and treated in accordance with globally valid recommendations, and corticomedullary defects were filled with Cerament (R) G or V, depending on the expected germ spectrum. Patients were systematically followed up, and outcome measures were collected during outpatient clinic visits. Results: Twenty patients with Cierny and Mader type III OM were included in this study and followed up for 20.2 +/- 17.2 months (95%CI 12.1-28.3). Ten of these patients needed at least one revision (2.0 +/- 1.3 revisions per patient (95%CI 1.1-2.9) during the study period due to OM persistence or local wound complications. There were no statistically significant differences in functional scores or PROMs between groups. Conclusion: The use of Cerament (R) G and V in chronic OM patients with corticomedullary defects appears to have good functional outcomes and satisfactory PROMs. However, the observed rate of local wound complications and the OM persistence rate may be higher when compared to previously published data