Rescue-ICP trial

Trial of Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Intracranial Hypertension Peter J. Hutchinson, Angelos G. Kolias, Ivan S. Timofeev, Elizabeth A. Corteen, Marek Czosnyka, and other RESCUEicp Trial Collaborators N Engl J Med 2016; 375:1119-1130September 22, 2016DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa160521

Neurosurgery literature highlights & psychiatry literature highlights

Today, a great challenge of our profession is to envision how we will deliver exemplary neurosurgical care in the future. To accomplish this requires anticipating how economic, political, and societal influences will affect our ability to provide the highest quality of patient care in an arena that will look increasingly different from today\u27s world of medicine. Already, our profession is battling a relentless assault as numerous sectors implement change that impacts us and our community every day. Surviving this requires an effective strategy that will involve significant cultural change

Spontaneous disc resolution: Illustrative Cases with supportive argument for a more conservative approach

The phenomenon of spontaneous disc resolution is well described in literature, yet it is underappreciated and often overlooked in the process of clinical decision making. We report three different cases and discuss how the phenomenon of spontaneous disc resolution can affect clinical decision-making

Simpson grading as predictor of meningioma recurrence

Meningimas are one of the commonest primary brain tumours and the commonest extra-axial primary brain tumour. Despite better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the tumours, surgical excision remains the treatment of choice, and in a large proportion of cases, complete excision is curative. Simpson grading for the extent of resection of meningiomas, was introduced more than six decades ago, and has stood the test of time. With modern technological advancements, however, the relevance of Simpson grading has been questioned. Herein we review the recent literature on the relevance of Simpson grading more than sixty years after its introduction

Serum biomarkers for glioblastoma multiforme

A number of different serum biomarkers are currently being evaluated for their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Amongst these, a vast number of different microRNAs have been studied, that are up-regulated or downregulated in relation to Glioblastoma Multiforme. Different studies have found numerous associations of these different microRNAs with recurrence, Karnofsky Performance Score, Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival. Other than microRNAs, serum Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein, cytokines and YLK-40, as well as a number of other candidate serum biomarkers are being studied.More studies, with larger sample sizes are required before these serum biomarkers can be routinely, and reliably used in clinical practice. Use of serum biomarkers can provide a non-invasive means for diagnosing and monitoring disease

Comparison between endoscopic and microscopic approaches for surgery of pituitary tumours

Surgical techniques for resection of pituitary tumours have come a long way since it was first introduced in late 18th century. Nowadays, most pituitary surgeries are performed through trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal approach either using a microscope, or an endoscope. Herein the authors review the literature and compare these two instruments with regards to their outcomes when used for resection of pituitary tumours.

Significance of micro-RNA expression in patients with meningioma

Recent brain tumour research has shown abnormalities in gene expression as key features for almost all common brain tumours investigated. However, there is increasing evidence that epigenetic abnormalities are also crucial for tumorigenesis. Epigenetic abnormalities are heritable alterations affecting gene expression without changing the primary DNA sequence. Epigenetic abnormalities in meningiomas include abnormal microRNA expression, altered DNA methylation and histone and chromatin modifications. In this review we identify the role of altered expression of microRNA in the development and recurrence of meningioma. Based on the review of current literature, extensive knowledge of micro-RNA expression cannot only determine tumour recurrence and prognosis but also opens up new avenues for treatment