Effects of time to chemoradiation on high-grade gliomas from the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area.

High-Grade Gliomas (HGG) are the most frequent brain tumor in adults. The gold standard of clinical care recommends beginning chemoradiation within 6 weeks of surgery. Disparities in access to healthcare in Argentina are notorious, often leading to treatment delays. We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate if time to chemoradiation after surgery is correlated with progression-free survival (PFS). Our study included clinical cases with a histological diagnosis of Glioblastoma (GBM), Anaplastic Astrocytoma (AA) or High-Grade Glioma (HGG) in patients over 18 years of age from 2014 to 2020. We collected data on clinical presentation, type of resection, time to surgery, time to chemoradiation, location within the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (BAMA) and type of health insurance. We found 63 patients that fit our inclusion criteria, including 26 (41.3%) females and 37 (58.7%) males. Their median age was 54 years old (19-86). Maximal safe resection was achieved in 49.2% (n = 31) of the patients, incomplete resection in 34.9% (n = 22) and the other 15.9% (n = 10) received a biopsy, but no resection. The type of health care insurance was almost evenly divided, with 55.6% (n = 35) of the patients having public vs. 44.4% (n = 28) having private health insurance. Median time to chemoradiation after surgery was 8 (CI 6.68-9.9) weeks for the global population. When we ordered the patients PFS by time to chemoradiation we found that there was a statistically significant effect of time to chemoradiation on patient PFS. Patients had a PFS of 10 months (p = 0.014) (CI 6.89-13.10) when they received chemoradiation <5 weeks vs a PFS of 7 months (CI 4.93-9.06) when they received chemoradiation between 5 to 8 weeks and a PFS of 4 months (CI 3.76-4.26 HR 2.18 p = 0.006) when they received chemoradiation >8 weeks after surgery. Also, our univariate and multivariate analysis found that temporal lobe location (p = 0.03), GMB histology (p = 0.02) and biopsy as surgical intervention (p = 0.02) all had a statistically significant effect on patient PFS. Thus, time to chemoradiation is an important factor in patient PFS. Our data show that although an increase in HGG severity contributes to a decrease in patient PFS, there is also a large effect of time to chemoradiation. Our results suggest that we can improve patient PFS by making access to healthcare in Buenos Aires more equitable by reducing the average time to chemoradiation following tumor resection.

Monitoreo de presión intracraneana: infección y otras complicaciones con el uso de K.30 subdural y fibra óptica intraparenquimatosa / Intracranial pressure monitoring: infection an other complicactions with the subdural K-30 and the intraparenquimatous fiber optic

Objetivo. Evaluar las complicaciones en la utilización de trasductores de presión intracraneana (PIC) K-30 subdurales (KS) y fibras ópticas intraparenquimatosas (FO). Método. En un estudio estadístico descriptivo y retrospectivo se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes que ingresaron a Terapia Intensiva del Hospital "Juan A. Fernández" (junio 1993 - febrero 2003) y se requirieron monitoreo de PIC. Los datos fueron procesados con el programa STATA 6.0. Resultados. Se efectuaron 252 monitoreos en 191 pacientes: 71 monitores fueron FO y 181 fueron SK; 188 fueron catéteres únicos y 64 recambios. Los motivos de recambio fueron: arrancamiento, error de lectura, deterioro neurológico y colocación >5 días. El arrancamiento ocurrió en 13 casos (12 KS y 1 FO); error de lectura o falla técnica en 33 casos (20 KS y 13 FO); fístula de LCR en 9 casos (7 KS y 2FO). Sólo en un caso de los que presentaron fístula se constató cultivo de LCR positivo. (En 6 casos el recambio se debió a deterioro neurológico. Recambio por monitoreo >5 días ocurrió en 12). Período de monitorización: 1-15 días. La permanencia del monitor en pacientes con catéteres sin infección fue de 3.62 días y en pacientes con infección: 4.67 días. En 29 casos se comprobó infección (10FO y 19KS). No fue significativa la diferencia entre edad, sexo, Glasgow al ingreso y cirugía a cielo abierto cuando de lo relacionó con infección y tipo de monitor. Fue significativa la incidencia de infección en los pacientes reoperados. Conclusión. Técnicamente el monitoreo PIC con KS subdural demostró ser un método confiable. La incidencia de complicaciones, en particular la infecciosa, con sistema KS fue similar a las observadas con FO. Palabras clave: catéter subdural, complicaciones, infección, presión intracraniana (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the complications between to (sic) types of intracranial pressure monitoring devices: subdural K-30 (SK) and intraparenchymal fiber optic (FO). Method: In this descriptive retrospective study we reviewed the clinical records of those patients qho were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital "Juan A. Fernandez" (June 1993-February 2003) and requiered intracranial pressure monitoring. We processed the data with the STATA 6.0 programme. Results: We inserted 252 monitors in 191 patients: 71 FO and 181 SK; 188 were primary an 64 were secondary procedures. The causes of removal were: dislocation of the device, technical failure, neurological deteroration and premanence longer than 5 days. Dislocation occurred in 13 cases (12 SK, 1 FO), technical failure was observed in 33 cases (20 SK, 13 FO). We observed cerebrospinal fluid fistula (CSF) in 9 cases (7 SK, 2 FO). Only 1 case that presented with fistula had positive CSF culture with a non typified germen. In 6 cases the change of the catheter was due to neurological deteroration. Changing due to permanence longer than 5 days occurred in 12 cases. The period of monitorization was 1-15 days (median: 3 days). The permanence of the catheter in non infected patients was 3.62±3.22 days and on infected patients was 4.67±2.30 days. On 29 cases we observed infection, 10 FO and 19 SK (NS p). It was not significant the difference between age, sex, Glasgow and surgery when related to infection and type of device. It was significant the rate of infection in patients that had to be reoperated. Conclusion: From a technical point of view monitorization of the intracranial pressure using SK proved to be reliable. In our experience the rate of complications between the SK was similar to those observed with FO. Key words: intracranial pressure - complications - infection - subdural catheter. (AU)

Monitoreo de presión intracraneana: infección y otras complicaciones con el uso de K.30 subdural y fibra óptica intraparenquimatosa / Intracranial pressure monitoring: infection an other complicactions with the subdural K-30 and the intraparenquimatous fiber optic

Objetivo. Evaluar las complicaciones en la utilización de trasductores de presión intracraneana (PIC) K-30 subdurales (KS) y fibras ópticas intraparenquimatosas (FO). Método. En un estudio estadístico descriptivo y retrospectivo se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes que ingresaron a Terapia Intensiva del Hospital "Juan A. Fernández" (junio 1993 - febrero 2003) y se requirieron monitoreo de PIC. Los datos fueron procesados con el programa STATA 6.0. Resultados. Se efectuaron 252 monitoreos en 191 pacientes: 71 monitores fueron FO y 181 fueron SK; 188 fueron catéteres únicos y 64 recambios. Los motivos de recambio fueron: arrancamiento, error de lectura, deterioro neurológico y colocación >5 días. El arrancamiento ocurrió en 13 casos (12 KS y 1 FO); error de lectura o falla técnica en 33 casos (20 KS y 13 FO); fístula de LCR en 9 casos (7 KS y 2FO). Sólo en un caso de los que presentaron fístula se constató cultivo de LCR positivo. (En 6 casos el recambio se debió a deterioro neurológico. Recambio por monitoreo >5 días ocurrió en 12). Período de monitorización: 1-15 días. La permanencia del monitor en pacientes con catéteres sin infección fue de 3.62 días y en pacientes con infección: 4.67 días. En 29 casos se comprobó infección (10FO y 19KS). No fue significativa la diferencia entre edad, sexo, Glasgow al ingreso y cirugía a cielo abierto cuando de lo relacionó con infección y tipo de monitor. Fue significativa la incidencia de infección en los pacientes reoperados. Conclusión. Técnicamente el monitoreo PIC con KS subdural demostró ser un método confiable. La incidencia de complicaciones, en particular la infecciosa, con sistema KS fue similar a las observadas con FO. Palabras clave: catéter subdural, complicaciones, infección, presión intracraniana (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the complications between to (sic) types of intracranial pressure monitoring devices: subdural K-30 (SK) and intraparenchymal fiber optic (FO). Method: In this descriptive retrospective study we reviewed the clinical records of those patients qho were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital "Juan A. Fernandez" (June 1993-February 2003) and requiered intracranial pressure monitoring. We processed the data with the STATA 6.0 programme. Results: We inserted 252 monitors in 191 patients: 71 FO and 181 SK; 188 were primary an 64 were secondary procedures. The causes of removal were: dislocation of the device, technical failure, neurological deteroration and premanence longer than 5 days. Dislocation occurred in 13 cases (12 SK, 1 FO), technical failure was observed in 33 cases (20 SK, 13 FO). We observed cerebrospinal fluid fistula (CSF) in 9 cases (7 SK, 2 FO). Only 1 case that presented with fistula had positive CSF culture with a non typified germen. In 6 cases the change of the catheter was due to neurological deteroration. Changing due to permanence longer than 5 days occurred in 12 cases. The period of monitorization was 1-15 days (median: 3 days). The permanence of the catheter in non infected patients was 3.62±3.22 days and on infected patients was 4.67±2.30 days. On 29 cases we observed infection, 10 FO and 19 SK (NS p). It was not significant the difference between age, sex, Glasgow and surgery when related to infection and type of device. It was significant the rate of infection in patients that had to be reoperated. Conclusion: From a technical point of view monitorization of the intracranial pressure using SK proved to be reliable. In our experience the rate of complications between the SK was similar to those observed with FO. Key words: intracranial pressure - complications - infection - subdural catheter. (AU)

Monitoreo de presión intracraneana: infección y otras complicaciones con el uso de K.30 subdural y fibra óptica intraparenquimatosa / Intracranial pressure monitoring: infection an other complicactions with the subdural K-30 and the intraparenquimatous fiber optic

Objetivo. Evaluar las complicaciones en la utilización de trasductores de presión intracraneana (PIC) K-30 subdurales (KS) y fibras ópticas intraparenquimatosas (FO). Método. En un estudio estadístico descriptivo y retrospectivo se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes que ingresaron a Terapia Intensiva del Hospital "Juan A. Fernández" (junio 1993 - febrero 2003) y se requirieron monitoreo de PIC. Los datos fueron procesados con el programa STATA 6.0. Resultados. Se efectuaron 252 monitoreos en 191 pacientes: 71 monitores fueron FO y 181 fueron SK; 188 fueron catéteres únicos y 64 recambios. Los motivos de recambio fueron: arrancamiento, error de lectura, deterioro neurológico y colocación >5 días. El arrancamiento ocurrió en 13 casos (12 KS y 1 FO); error de lectura o falla técnica en 33 casos (20 KS y 13 FO); fístula de LCR en 9 casos (7 KS y 2FO). Sólo en un caso de los que presentaron fístula se constató cultivo de LCR positivo. (En 6 casos el recambio se debió a deterioro neurológico. Recambio por monitoreo >5 días ocurrió en 12). Período de monitorización: 1-15 días. La permanencia del monitor en pacientes con catéteres sin infección fue de 3.62 días y en pacientes con infección: 4.67 días. En 29 casos se comprobó infección (10FO y 19KS). No fue significativa la diferencia entre edad, sexo, Glasgow al ingreso y cirugía a cielo abierto cuando de lo relacionó con infección y tipo de monitor. Fue significativa la incidencia de infección en los pacientes reoperados. Conclusión. Técnicamente el monitoreo PIC con KS subdural demostró ser un método confiable. La incidencia de complicaciones, en particular la infecciosa, con sistema KS fue similar a las observadas con FO. Palabras clave: catéter subdural, complicaciones, infección, presión intracraniana

Objective: To evaluate the complications between to (sic) types of intracranial pressure monitoring devices: subdural K-30 (SK) and intraparenchymal fiber optic (FO). Method: In this descriptive retrospective study we reviewed the clinical records of those patients qho were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital "Juan A. Fernandez" (June 1993-February 2003) and requiered intracranial pressure monitoring. We processed the data with the STATA 6.0 programme. Results: We inserted 252 monitors in 191 patients: 71 FO and 181 SK; 188 were primary an 64 were secondary procedures. The causes of removal were: dislocation of the device, technical failure, neurological deteroration and premanence longer than 5 days. Dislocation occurred in 13 cases (12 SK, 1 FO), technical failure was observed in 33 cases (20 SK, 13 FO). We observed cerebrospinal fluid fistula (CSF) in 9 cases (7 SK, 2 FO). Only 1 case that presented with fistula had positive CSF culture with a non typified germen. In 6 cases the change of the catheter was due to neurological deteroration. Changing due to permanence longer than 5 days occurred in 12 cases. The period of monitorization was 1-15 days (median: 3 days). The permanence of the catheter in non infected patients was 3.62±3.22 days and on infected patients was 4.67±2.30 days. On 29 cases we observed infection, 10 FO and 19 SK (NS p). It was not significant the difference between age, sex, Glasgow and surgery when related to infection and type of device. It was significant the rate of infection in patients that had to be reoperated. Conclusion: From a technical point of view monitorization of the intracranial pressure using SK proved to be reliable. In our experience the rate of complications between the SK was similar to those observed with FO. Key words: intracranial pressure - complications - infection - subdural catheter.

Neuropatia trigeminal secundaria a absceso intraparenquimatoso. Comunicacion de un caso / Trigeminal neuropathy secondary to a brain abscess. Case report

Objective: To describe a case of trigeminal neuropathy associated with an intracerebral abscess with revision of the literature. Description: We present a 67 year old woman with trigeminal neuropathy that arrives to the emergency room with fever, obturndation and meningeal signs. CT scan showed an hypodense lesion with edema. Intervention: It was evacuated through craniotomy. Conclusion: We emphasize that magnetic nuclear imaging shoud be performed for all patients with trigeminal neuropathy

Neuropatia trigeminal secundaria a absceso intraparenquimatoso. Comunicacion de un caso / Trigeminal neuropathy secondary to a brain abscess. Case report

Objective: To describe a case of trigeminal neuropathy associated with an intracerebral abscess with revision of the literature. Description: We present a 67 year old woman with trigeminal neuropathy that arrives to the emergency room with fever, obturndation and meningeal signs. CT scan showed an hypodense lesion with edema. Intervention: It was evacuated through craniotomy. Conclusion: We emphasize that magnetic nuclear imaging shoud be performed for all patients with trigeminal neuropathy (AU)