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1.
Health sci. dis ; 24(2): 43-48, 2023. figures, tables
Article in French | AIM | ID: biblio-1413944

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Evaluer les résultats du traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles au Centre hospitalier de l'ordre de Malte de Dakar. Patients et méthodes. Nous présentons les résultats préliminaires d'une série consécutive de 23 patients (13 hommes et 10 femmes) d'âge moyen de 32,35 ans [6 ­70 ans] présentant des Maux de Pott ou de leurs séquelles nécessitant un traitement chirurgical. L'échelle d'incapacité d'Oswestry, l'échelle visuelle analogique et le score ASIA ont été utilisés pour l'évaluation clinique. Les radiographies pré opératoires, post opératoires et au recul ont été utilisés pour les résultats anatomiques. Tous ces patients ont été opérés selon trois stratégies opératoires sur une période de 67 mois (Avril 2014- Novembre 2019). Nous avons réalisé une laminectomie arthrodèse postérieure dans 52,2% ; une laminectomie plus OTP et arthrodèse postérieure dans 43,5% ; une discectomie et hémicorporectomie avec arthrodèse antérieure par plaque vissée de Roy Camille à l'étage cervical dans 4,3%. Résultats. La symptomatologie était dominée par la douleur rachidienne, la cyphose et les troubles neurologiques. La cyphose post opératoire était significativement améliorée (la moyenne passe de 48,52° en pré opératoire à 17,09° en post opératoire). On a obtenu 100% de fusion vertébrale. On note une nette amélioration de la douleur rachidienne (avec une baisse au recul de 55,44 points pour l'OID et de 5,66 pour l'EVA) ; 78,3% des patients étaient très satisfaits, 17,4% satisfaits et 4,3% mécontents. Conclusion. Le traitement chirurgical du Mal de Pott et de ses séquelles a fortement amélioré les rachis au Centre hospitalier de l'Ordre de Malte.


Introduction. To evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of Pott's disease and its sequelae at the Hospital Center of the Order of Malta in Dakar. Patients and methods. We present the preliminary results of a consecutive series of 23 patients (13 men and 10 women) with an average age of 32.35 years [6-70 years] presenting with Pott's disease or its sequelae requiring treatment. surgical treatment. Oswestry Disability Scale, Visual Analogue Scale and ASIA score were used for clinical assessment. Preoperative, postoperative and followup radiographs were used for anatomical results. All these patients were operated according to three operating strategies over a period of 67 months (April 2014- November 2019). We performed posterior laminectomy-arthrodesis in 52.2%; laminectomy plus OTP and posterior arthrodesis in 43.5%; discectomy and hemicorpectomy with anterior arthrodesis by Roy Camille screwed plate at the cervical level in 4.3%. Results. The symptomatology was dominated by spinal pain, kyphosis and neurological disorders. Postoperative kyphosis was significantly improved (the average goes from 48.52° preoperatively to 17.09° postoperatively). We got 100% spinal fusion. There is a clear improvement in spinal pain (with a drop at follow-up of 55.44 points for the OID and 5.66 for the EVA); 78.3% of patients were very satisfied, 17.4% satisfied and 4.3% dissatisfied. Conclusion. The surgical treatment of Pott's disease and its sequelae greatly improved the spines at the Hospital Center of the Order of Malta.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Osteotomy , Therapeutics , Tuberculosis, Spinal , Neurosurgical Procedures , Diagnosis , Laminectomy , Prevalence
2.
Health sci. dis ; 24(1): 17-25, 2023. figures, tables
Article in French | AIM | ID: biblio-1411404

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont un ensemble d'affections qui touche le cerveau, la moelle épinière, et les paires crâniennes nécessitant une prise en charge médico-chirurgicale. Leur incidence en Afrique sub-saharienne et plus particulièrement au Gabon est mal connue. Objectif. Décrire les aspects épidémiologiques et évolutifs des pathologies neurochirurgicales chez l'enfant de moins 5 ans à Libreville. Patients et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive et analytique, multicentrique portant sur des patients de moins de 5ans pris en charge pour une affection neurochirurgicale de Janvier 2019 à Décembre 2021 à Libreville. Résultats. Sur 4811 enfants hospitalisés, 130 répondaient aux critères d'inclusion (prévalence : 2,7%). L'âge moyen était de 13,1 mois. Le sex-ratio était de 1,3. Les grossesses étaient mal suivies dans 72,2% des cas. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales malformatives représentaient 63,5%. L'hydrocéphalie était la plus observée dans 71,2%. Sur les 115 enfants, 71 ont bénéficié d'un traitement chirurgical, soit un taux de 61,7% et le taux de mortalité globale était de 6,1%. Dans le groupe des enfants présentant une malformation congénitale, 8,2% n'avaient pas été traités, le taux de mortalité était de 8,2%. Les complications à court termes étaient dominées par les infections. Conclusion. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont en fréquentes dans notre contexte. Une prise en charge immédiate reste de mise, nécessitant donc un plateau technique de pointe pour améliorer l'évolution à court terme voire à moyen et long terme de ces affections.


Introduction. Neurosurgical pathologies are a set of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and cranial pairs requiring medical and surgical management. Their incidence in subSaharan Africa and more particularly in Gabon is poorly known. Objective. To describe the epidemiological and evolutionary aspects of neurosurgical pathologies in children under 5 years old in Libreville. Patients and methods. This is a retrospective descriptive and analytical, multicenter study of patients under 5 years of age treated for a neurosurgical condition from January 2019 to December 2021 in Libreville. Results. Of the 4811 hospitalized children, 130 met the inclusion criteria (prevalence of 2.7%) and 15 were excluded for incomplete records. The average age was 13.1 months. The age group of 28 days-1 year was the most observed. The sex ratio was 1.3. Pregnancies were poorly followed in 72.2% of cases. Malformative neurosurgical pathologies accounted for 63.5% of cases. Hydrocephalus was the most observed in 71.2%. Of the 115 children, 71 received surgical treatment, a rate of 61.7% and the overall mortality rate was 6.1%. In the group of children with congenital malformation, 8.2% had not been treated, the mortality rate was 8.2%. Short-term complications were dominated by infections. Conclusion. Neurosurgical pathologies are frequent in our context. Immediate care remains essential, therefore requiring a cutting-edge technical platform to improve the short-term or even medium- and long-term evolution of these conditions.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Spinal Dysraphism , Neurosurgical Procedures , Craniocerebral Trauma , Hydrocephalus , Neurosurgery
3.
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1436965

ABSTRACT

Neurosurgical patients are the most critical ICU admissions. While advancements in neurosurgical ICUs (NICU) have improved outcomes of care globally, ICU mortality remains a major clinical issue in developing nations. This study evaluates ICU mortalities of neurosurgical patients in a general ICU setting at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Method: Case records of neurosurgery patients who died in the ICU of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria from June 2012 to May 2022 were reviewed. Simple descriptive statistics of data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, management and outcome were done. Results: Mortality rate was 38.9% (84 of 216 admissions). Males were 67(79.8%) and the mean age was 41.5years (Range: 2-85years). The average duration of ICU stay was 3.5days (Range: 30minutes-20days). Most patients had severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (62, 73.8%). This was followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12, 14.3%) and brain tumours (6, 7.1%). Two had brain abscess. One patient each had mixed subacute/chronic subdural haematoma and severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Of the 69 whose case files were found, 7(10.1%) had a diagnosis of brainstem death before eventual 'final' death after an average of 13.5 additional hours on mechanical life support. The identified secondary causes of death included raised ICP, sepsis, primary surgical haemorrhage, seizures, acute kidney injury, malignant hypertension, poor glycaemic control and aggressive blood pressure lowering. Only 1 patient had autopsy. Conclusion: Most ICU mortalities among neurosurgical patients were from severe TBI. The establishment of NICU is necessary to improve outcome of care of neurosurgical patients


Subject(s)
Humans , Neurosurgical Procedures , Intensive Care Units , Spinal Cord Diseases , Cerebrovascular Disorders , Sepsis , Hypertension, Malignant
4.
Bull. méd. Owendo (En ligne) ; 20(51): 64-68, 2022.
Article in French | AIM | ID: biblio-1378393

ABSTRACT

Introduction : La Neurochirurgie au Mali reste une discipline relativement jeune par rapport aux autres spécialités chirurgicales. Le but de ce travail est de décrire le parcours des urgences neurochirurgicales admises au SAU de l'hôpital du Mali.Patient et méthodes : C'est une étude prospective transversale analytique qui s'est déroulée au SAU de l'hôpital du Mali sur une durée de 02 mois. Sont inclus dans cette étude, tous les patients admis au SAU et dont on a eu recours à un avis neurochirurgical. Nous avons recensé et analysé les données épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques et thérapeutiques chez 82 patients. Résultats : Sur un total de 152 patients admis au SAU, il y'avait 82 cas pour lesquels un avis neurochirurgical a été demandé soit 53, 95 % des admissions. Parmi ces 82 patients, il y avait 50 cas de traumatismes crâniens, 20 cas de traumatismes du rachis, 08 cas d'accident vasculaire cérébral hémorragique (AVCH), 03 cas de suppurations intracrâniennes et 01 cas de tumeur cérébrale. Nous avons opéré 41 patients (50%) et mis en observation 32 patients (39,02%). Malgré nos efforts, 09 patients sont sortis contre avis médical ou par faute de moyens. Nous avons noté 03 cas de décès. Conclusion : La qualité des soins et l'accès aux soins sont très souvent considérés par les patients comme les éléments essentiels de la performance d'un système de santé. En tant que Etablissement Public Hospitalier (EPH) de niveau 3, il doit bénéficier d'un plateau technique adéquat et d'un personnel médical et paramédical suffisant afin d'assurer une prise en charge correcte des patients


Introduction : Neurosurgery in Mali remains a relatively young discipline compared to other surgical specialties.The aim of this study is to describe the course of neurosurgical emergencies in "Hôpital du Mali". Patients and methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional analytical study that took place at the emergency department of "hôpital du Mali" over a period of 02 months. Are included in this study, all the patients admitted in emergency for whom neurosurgical advice was sought. We identified and analyzed epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data in 82 patients.Results: Out of a total of 152 patients admitted to our emergency unit, there were 82 cases for which a neurosurgical opinion was requested, ie 53.95% of admissions. Among these 82 patients, there were 50 cases of head trauma, 20 cases of spinal trauma, 08 cases of brain stroke, 03 cases of intracranial suppurations and 01 case of brain tumor. We operated on 41 patients (50%) and observed 32 patients (39.02%). Despite our efforts, 09 patients were released against medical advice or for lack of funds. We noted 03 cases of death. Conclusion: The quality of care and access to care are very often seen by patients as essential elements of the performance of a health system. As a level 3 public hospital, it must have an adequate technical platform and sufficient medical and paramedical staff to ensure correct patient care


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Food Quality , Chief Executive Officers, Hospital , Purchasing, Hospital , Neurosurgical Procedures , Management Audit
5.
African Health Sciences ; 22(3): 512-519, 2022-10-26. Figures, Tables
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1401813

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 pandemic may decrease the quantum of care for patients with neurosurgical conditions. Objectives: To determine outpatient clinic (OPC) patient load, neurosurgical procedures volume and disease spectrum following the institution of a new care protocol during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and compare with previous practice data in our institution. Methods: A monocentric retrospective analysis of all patients requiring neurosurgical care over a 2-year period. Results: There was a 42.4% reduction in OPC attendance and 41.8% reduction in surgical procedures in 2020 compared to 2019. There was >60 percent reduction in the volume of surgery that was done at the onset and peak of the pandemic, but this has normalized in November 2020 despite the resurgence of COVID-19, after the institution of a new care protocol. Neurotrauma procedures (29.6%) were the most common neurosurgical operation in 2020 while congenital malformation surgery (37.3%) was the most common procedure performed in 2019. Conclusions: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic initially led to significant decrease in quantum and spectra of patients who presented at the OPC and for neurosurgical procedures. Instituted local protocol and Teleclinics, if added to clinical care armamentarium, may help to improve on the low patient attendance during pandemics


Subject(s)
Outpatients , Guidelines as Topic , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19 , Neurosurgery , Neurosurgical Procedures , Nigeria
6.
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1270383

ABSTRACT

Background. Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect (NTD) that has an increased risk of fatal and disabling effects if not repaired early, i.e. within the first 24 to 48 hours of life. Its diagnosis holds an increased burden for the patient and the caregiver owing to secondary complications. The effects of the disease are detrimental even with early repair, because of the long-term disabling nature of the disease.Objective. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effects of demographics, immediate post-surgical complications and impact of time to surgical intervention on the outcome of neonates with open SB (OSB) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (SA), between January 2011 and December 2015.Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted at the NICU of IALCH. All neonates diagnosed with SB were identified. The study period was from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015. Data were collected from the IALCH electronic database. All neonates with SB admitted to the IALCH NICU were included; any patient who presented beyond the neonatal period (i.e. >28 days) was excluded from the study. Data collected included maternal demographics. Additionally, neonatal history was reviewed and post surgery complications evaluated. Outpatient management post discharge was reviewed.Results. One hundred and fifty neonates were included (58% male). The mean (standard deviation) maternal age was 26.7 (6.6) years. Only 10% had an antenatal diagnosis of OSB. Seventy-eight percent were born at term and 22% prematurely. The lumbar/sacral region was the most commonly affected. More males (14%) had thoraco/lumbar lesions than females (7.8%). Forty-eight percent presented before 3 days of life (early presentation). In the late-presentation group, there was an association with wound sepsis (p=0.003). Twenty-five percent were repaired between days 0 and 3 of life and 75% after 3 days. Postoperative complications in patients whose open SBs were repaired beyond 3 days of life were not statistically significant compared with those with early repair; all were p>0.05. There was a borderline association of prolonged hospitalisation with wound sepsis (p=0.07). Long-term outcomes showed that 68% had lower limb dysfunction, 18% urological complications, 14% limb deformity, and 11% hydrocephalus. A minority had psychomotor (7%) and developmental (15%) disorders. Ten percent required readmission secondary to shunt complications, and 7% died. Conclusion. SB remains a significant disease burden that affects outcome and survival of neonates in SA. Lack of good antenatal care, which includes early ultrasound and timely referral to centres, are barriers to good outcomes. Long-term follow-up is also necessary to prevent morbidity


Subject(s)
Infant, Newborn , Neural Tube Defects , Neurosurgical Procedures/complications , Neurosurgical Procedures/epidemiology , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , South Africa , Spinal Dysraphism
7.
Afr. j. neurol. sci. (Online) ; 38(1): 1-10, 2019. tab
Article in French | AIM | ID: biblio-1257443

ABSTRACT

Objectif: Présenter et discuter les résultats de l'activité neurochirurgicale au Centre Hospitalier Régional Lomé Commune.Patients et Méthode:Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective de Juillet 2014 à Juillet 2016, incluant les patients opérés pour une affection neurochirurgicale. Les paramètres étudiés étaient épidémio- logiques, diagnostiques, chirurgicaux et évolutifs. Résultats:Cent quatre-vingt-douze patients ont été opérés. Leur âge moyen était de 42,14 ans [0-72]. Le sex ratio étaitde 1,94 en faveur des hommes. La durée moyenne du séjour hospitalier en post opératoire était de 8,2 jours. Les affections dégénératives du rachis ont été la première pathologie concernée par la chirurgie (49,48%), suivies des traumatismes du rachis (17,19%). L'évolution a été favorable dans 90,1% des cas, pour l'ensemble de la série. Nous avons noté 1,6% de cas d'infection du site opératoire, sur l'ensemble de la série. Conclusion : Les résultats sont encourageants pour l'ensemble de la série. L'essor de la pratique neurochirurgicale au Togo nécessite la création d'unités neurochirurgicales indépendantes, une amélioration du plateau technique et une coopération multidisciplinaire


Subject(s)
Neurosurgical Procedures/instrumentation , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Retrospective Studies , Togo
8.
West Afr. j. radiol ; 25(1): 45-51, 2018. ilus
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1273545

ABSTRACT

Context: Congenital brain anomalies are of diverse types however few are seen in clinical practice. They are associated with high morbidity and mortality; prompt diagnosis and management aid in mitigating some of their adverse effects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal for imaging these conditions, especially in pediatric cases due to its lack of ionizing radiation and excellent soft-tissue delineation. Not much literature exists for Nigeria due to challenges with statistics and record keeping. Aim: The aim of this study is to document the common congenital brain anomalies encountered using MRI in our environment. Settings and Design: A 5-year retrospective study of all pediatric brain MRI conducted and reviewed in Lagos University Teaching Hospital. 73 pediatric brain MRI scans were reviewed. Materials and Methods: Morphologic evaluation of all pediatric brain MRI conducted in the last 5 years (March 2012­February 2016) was reviewed, retrospectively, by three independent radiologists. Clinical presentations were also documented. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics was done using SPSS: PASW Statistics for Windows, Version 18.0 Results: Seventy-three pediatric brain MRI scans were conducted in the last 5 years with congenital brain anomalies seen in 19 (26.0%) of the cases. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 17 years with a mean age of 6.7 ± 6.1 years. There were 9 (47.4%) males and 10 (52.6%) females. The common anomalies are congenital hydrocephalus 7 (35%), of which aqueductal stenosis was 6 (32%), arteriovenous malformations 3 (16%), cerebral atrophy 3 (16%), and arachnoid cysts 2 (11%). Predominant clinical features were delayed developmental milestones, macrocephaly, seizures, headaches, and vomiting. Conclusion: The common congenital brain anomalies in our environment are congenital hydrocephalus, aqueductal stenosis, arteriovenous malformations, cerebral atrophy and arachnoid cysts. MRI is useful in evaluating these anomalies; early diagnosis and prompt intervention can be offered to mitigate adverse effects


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/congenital , Hospitals, Teaching , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Neurosurgical Procedures , Nigeria
9.
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1270449

ABSTRACT

Background. External ventricular drains (EVDs) are essential to the clinical management and care of patients with neurosurgical complications; but EVD use is routinely associated with concomitant infection; sometimes resulting in mortality. Objective. To undertake an epidemiological study of ventriculostomy-related infections among paediatric neurosurgical patients at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital; Pretoria; South Africa. Methods. Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical records of 92 children admitted to the neurosurgical unit at the hospital between 2010 and 2013. Records were included in the study only if they were complete; legible and accurate. Data were collected on the following variables: age; gender; frequency of catheter change; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling; use of prophylaxis; microbiology; Glasgow Coma Scale; glucose; chlorine; and other clinical; chemical and laboratory parameters routinely observed as part of patients' work-ups. Results. Two or more EVDs were placed on 45.7 (40) children; with a maximum of seven EVDs per child. Ventriculitis incidence was 28.3 (26 of 92). There was a significant association between the number of EVDs inserted and the incidence of ventriculitis (p=0.010). More frequent CSF sampling also increased ventricular-related infections (p=0.000); as did prolonged EVD retention (p=0.001). Using prophylactic antibiotics or impregnated catheters did not reduce ventriculitis incidence significantly. Conclusion. Evidence supports adherence to strict sterilisation protocols and techniques when inserting EVDs. Catheters should not be retained for extended periods; and CSF sampling can be limited to once in 3 days. Routine use of antibiotic-impregnated EVDs and antistaphylococcal prophylaxis is still recommended


Subject(s)
Catheters , Cerebral Ventriculitis/prevention & control , Neurosurgical Procedures , Pediatrics , Ventriculostomy
10.
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1261467

ABSTRACT

Background: Neurosurgical services have only been introduced in Rwanda recently. Consequently little information about spectrum of neurosurgical conditions in th country is available. This descriptive prospective study was aimed at determining the pattern; causes and outcome of management of neurosurgical conditions seen in Butare University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) in Rwanda. Methods: The study population consisted of 152 patients admitted at BUTH with neurosurgical conditions between October 1 2007 and May 31 2008. Patients were grouped into different neurosurgical conditions according to their clinical presentations. . Information collected included age; gender; cause and severity of injury; the time interval between injury Glasgow Coma Score; GOS scales were used to assess head injured patients. Results: The majority (70.4) of patients came from rural areas. Their ages ranged from 15 days to 78 years with a mean of 31.98+/-18.75 years. The Male to female sex ratio was 2:1. Most (73.0) of the patients suffered from trauma with 67.6of them sustaining head injury and 32.4; spinal trauma. Motor Vehicle crashes were the major cause of traumatic injuries (20in spinal trauma and 70.7of head trauma). Only 23of the patients had CT scan performed. Only 12of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) had CT scan.. A total of 78.7of all head injuries were admitted in the first 24 hours following trauma. A significant number (44.4) of spinal cord injury presented late (up to 7 days before referral to a neurosurgeon) and stayed longer in the hospital (52.7up to 3 months). Laminectomy and fixation was the most common spinal operative procedure (58.7) followed by discectomy (34.8). The commonest cranial operation was for posttraumatic intracranial haemorrhage (41.4) followed by surgery for depressed fracture (37.9). One child had a shunt procedure for hydrocephalus. Good recovery was associated with GCS 13 on admission (P0.001). The overall mortality rate was 13.2. The mortality among patients admitted with GCS 8 was 52.4. Conclusion: Neurological injuries were the most commonly seen conditions mainly in head injuries. This study confirms that neurosurgical procedures can still be done with fair results using very little equipment. Providing basic equipment to national neurosurgeons; however; and training them to work in an adverse environment remains a big challenge


Subject(s)
Case Reports , Cranial Nerve Injuries , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods
11.
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1261469

ABSTRACT

Background: Spinal injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Road traffic accident is the main aetiologic factor; affecting mostly the male gender in the 15 - 40-year age group. The aim of this study was to establish our local hospital patterns of spinal injury and compare them with published reports. Methods and Patients: A prospective study of all spinal injury patients treated in our service in the two-year period; April 21; 2006 - April 20; 2008 was undertaken. Data collection was done using a structured proforma from the time of admission into our service to the time of discharge; and subsequent follow-up in the few cases that kept to their appointment. Data was then collated and simple data analysis done. Results: Spinal injury was diagnosed in 62 of our 826 patients; mostly males; aged 15-40years 28 (45.2); and road traffic accident was the main aetiologic factor with an unusually high case incidence from motorcycles. There were neurological deficits in 49(79) and cervical cord injuries were the most common. Evaluation of the injuries was mostly with plain radiography; and treatment was non-operative in all cases. omplete cord injuries remained without improvement; and complications were mostly pressure ulcers; with no incident of deep venous thrombosis. Mortality was 13(21). Conclusion: Spinal injury was an important indication for neurosurgical consultations in our service. Complete cord injuries were more common than incomplete injuries contrary to other previous reports; and the case incidence from motorcycles was remarkably high


Subject(s)
Neurosurgical Procedures , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Spinal Cord Injuries , Spinal Cord Injuries/diagnosis
12.
S. Afr. j. surg. (Online) ; 43(3): 79-82, 2005.
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1270952

ABSTRACT

Objective: To review management and outcome of patients with brain abscess treated at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) between 1993 and 2003. Patients and methods: Case notes; radiological results and laboratory records were reviewed retrospectively for 121 patients at GSH who underwent a neurosurgical procedure for treatment of a brain abscess between 1993 and 2003. Patients not treated surgically were excluded. Follow-up with serial computed tomography (CT) scans; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the temperature chart were used to determine the duration of parenteral antibiotic treatment and the need for repeat surgical evacuation of pus by either aspiration or excision of the capsule. Results: The mean patient age was 33 years; with a male-to-female ratio of 5:1. Headache; depressed level of consciousness and pyrexia were the commonest presenting symptoms. Other symptoms included seizures and hemiparesis. The frontal lobe was the commonest site (44); the majority of abscesses occurred as a result of infection following trauma. Mastoiditis (21) and sinusitis (8) were the second and third most common causes. Organisms were identified in 81of cases; polymicrobial infections occurred in half of these. Thirty-three different organisms were identified; the majority of which were Gram-positive bacteria. Anaerobes were present in 23; while methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 1 patient. Nocardia was seen in 3 patients; 2 of whom were diabetic. The average duration of parenteral antibiotic therapy was 15 and 19 days for excision and aspiration respectively. Accurate ESR records were available in 75of cases; with a positive predictive value in 81; while CRP (in use since 1999) was helpful in 92of cases. Outcome: Sixteen patients (13) died; 12 of whom had been admitted with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of less than 4T/15. Thirteen patients developed epilepsy. On discharge; patients continued to take oral antibiotics for another 4 weeks; at the end of which they were reviewed at the neurosurgery outpatient department.Conclusion: Compared with previous studies from this hospital; mortality and morbidity have been diminishing progressively. GCS at the time of admission remains the most important prognostic factor


Subject(s)
Brain Abscess , Neurosurgical Procedures
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