Utility of biomarkers in traumatic brain injury: a narrative review / Utilidad de los biomarcadores en trauma craneoencefálico: una revisiOn narrativa

Abstract Introduction: With the evolution of diagnostic techniques in traumatic brain injury (TBI), the study of neurological injury has made progress based on the concepts of primary and secondary injury, leading to the era of proteomics to understand the complex molecular events involved in the process. Objectives: This narrative review is intended to discuss the state of the art of the most frequently used biomarkers in TBI, their clinical utility, and the implications for therapeutic decision-making protocols. Materials and methods: In order to fulfill the objective of this paper, a literature review was conducted of the most important databases. Results: Several biomarkers have been studied as prognostic factors in patients with TBI. Learning about their sensitivity and specificity in neurological injury, and its post-trauma evolution over time, has been the goal of various papers in the past few years. Conclusion: Breakthroughs in the study of protein degradation make it necessary to broaden the spectrum and knowledge of new diagnostic methods in TBI. Further studies are needed to define the role of biomarkers and to promote protocols integrating specific values.

Resumen Introducción: Con la evolución de las técnicas diagnósticas en el trauma craneoencefálico, el estudio de la lesión neurológica ha progresado sobre los conceptos de lesión primaria y secundaria, para entrar así en la era de la proteómica y, con ella, entender los complejos eventos moleculares existentes en su proceso. Objetivos: En esta revisión narrativa se pretende presentar el estado actual de los biomarcadores que más se usan en lesión cerebral traumática, su utilidad clínica y las implicaciones en protocolos de decisión terapéutica. Materiales y métodos: Para dar respuesta al objetivo de este trabajo, se realizó una revisión de la literatura en las principales bases de datos. Resultados: Se han estudiado varios biomarcadores como factor pronóstico en pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico. Conocer su sensibilidad y especificidad para la lesión neurológica, así como su evolución en el tiempo tras el traumatismo, ha sido el objetivo de diversos trabajos en los últimos años. Conclusión: El avance en el estudio de los productos de degradación de las proteínas hace necesario ampliar el espectro y el conocimiento en el campo de los nuevos métodos diagnósticos en el trauma craneoencefálico. Se requieren más estudios para definir la función de los biomarcadores y proponer protocolos que integren valores específicos.

Long-term Outcomes of Cranioplasty: Titanium Mesh Is Not a Long-term Solution in High-risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: Titanium mesh is a popular material for cranioplasty. However, long-term outcomes of these reconstructions remain unknown. We aimed to compare long-term outcomes between patients undergoing both (1) skull reconstruction with titanium mesh and other commonly used cranioplasty materials and (2) scalp reconstructions with locoregional flaps and free tissue transfers. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated with 466 cranioplasties (401 patients) between 2002 and 2014 was performed. RESULTS: Materials used for reconstructions included nontitanium alloplast (52.0%), titanium mesh (38%), and autologous bone (10%). Median cranial defect size was 58.4 cm. Eighty-three reconstructions (18%) included full-thickness scalp defect with a median area of 155.4 cm. Median follow-up was 3.9 years. Retention rate for isolated cranioplasty was 90%, 89.9%, and 77.1% for titanium mesh, nontitanium alloplast, and autologous bone, respectively (P > 0.05). In composite defect cases, retention rate for autologous bone was comparable, 81.8% (P > 0.05), whereas for titanium mesh and nontitanium alloplast it was significantly lower, 46.8% and 72.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). The retention rate of titanium mesh cranioplasty with free fascio- and myocutaneous flaps was higher when compared with locoregional and free muscle flaps (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Titanium mesh offers a durable repair of isolated bone defects. However, in high-risk patients with soft-tissue defect, the outcomes are significantly worse. In these cases, free tissue transfer for soft-tissue coverage tends to be more successful, especially when using a myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous free flap. This is the first study to identify a high complication rate of this popular material, especially when it is combined with a locoregional scalp flap or free muscle flap. Therefore, in these cases, titanium mesh should be used with caution.

Determining the False-Negative Rate Using Fluorescence Image-Assisted Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances in cutaneous melanoma management, the false-negative rates (FNRs) of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are still high. These rates are dependent not only on the technique but also on definitional terms and percentage of head/neck melanoma (highest false-negative SLNB). Fluorescence imaging technology is well acquainted in plastic surgery and other specialties. Having demonstrated that fluorescence-assisted SLNB is effective in melanoma, we are interested in determining its FNR. METHODS: We obtained institutional review board approval to follow up prospectively all patients with cutaneous melanoma who underwent radioisotope/fluorescence-assisted SLNB with the intent to capture 100 negative SLNB patients. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria; (2) an SLNB report; (3) at least 24 months of follow-up in the negative SLNB group. The outcome variables were FNR and adjusted FNR of SLNB, considering the criterion standard of assessing the accuracy of SNLB. The FNR was defined as the proportion of patients with false-negative SLNB to patients with true-positive and false-negative SLNB [false negative/(false negative + true positive)]. Adjusted FNR refers to the previously described false-negative SLNB, but in the absence of local/in-transit recurrence or distant metastases. Furthermore, false-negative incidence (false-negative/negative SLNB patients) was also calculated. Length of follow-up was date of surgery to the date of last follow-up/death. RESULTS: A total of 125 participants, with 52.0% being male and 48.0% being female, were included. One hundred patients had an SLNB negative for metastases, whereas the rest had positive SLNB results. Median follow-up time of the cohort and that of the negative SLNB group were 36.7 (2.6-58.5) and 37.9 (24.0-58.5) months, respectively. A relatively high number (24.8%) of head/neck melanoma were included. We identified 2 cases of false-negative SLNB, with one having in-transit metastases. Thus, the FNR and adjusted FNR were 7.4% and 3.7%, respectively. The false-negative incidence and adjusted false-negative incidence were 2.0% and 1.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study examining the FNR of fluorescence-assisted SLNB for patients with cutaneous melanoma. Our study reveals that this technique has one of the lowest FNRs published, especially considering the large percentage of participants with head/neck melanoma involved.

Age as a Risk Factor in Abdominoplasty.

Background: Recent studies reviewing large patient databases suggested that age may be an independent risk factor for abdominoplasty. However, these investigations by design considered only short-term major complications. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was: (1) to compare the safety of abdominoplasty in an elderly and younger patient population; (2) to determine the complication rates across all spectrums: major, minor, local, and systemic; and (3) to evaluate complications occurring both short and long term. Methods: Abdominoplasty procedures performed from 2010 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Subjects were divided into two groups: ≤59 years old and ≥60 years old. Major, minor, local, and systemic complications were analyzed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative details, adjunctive procedures were also assessed. Results: A total of 129 patients were included in the study: 43 in the older and 86 in the younger age group. The median age of The elderly and young groups was 65.0 and 41.5 years, respectively (P < .001). No statistically significant differences in major, minor, local, or systemic complications were found when both age groups were compared. Major local, major systemic, minor local, and minor systemic in the elderly were 6.9%, 2.3%, 18.6%, and 2.3%, while in the younger patients were 9.3%, 4.7%, 10.5%, and 0.0%, respectively (P > .05). Median follow-up time of the elderly (4.0 months) was no different than the younger (5.0 months) patients (P > .07). Median procedure time in the elderly (4.5 hours) was no different than the younger group (5.0 hours) (P = .4). The elderly exhibited a greater American Society of Anesthesiologist score, median body mass index (28.7 vs 25.1 kg/m2), and number of comorbidities (2.7 vs 0.9) (P < .001). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in either major or minor complications between the two groups. This suggests that with proper patient selection, abdominoplasty can be safely performed in the older age patient population. Level of Evidence: 2.

Outcomes after retroflexed gracilis muscle flap for vascular infections in the groin.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple catheterizations and procedures on the femoral arteries can increase the risk of infection and eventual destruction of the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. Without adequate tissue coverage, vascular structures are exposed and, thus, vulnerable to disruption. This can lead to loss of limb and/or life and carries a significant mortality. We hypothesized that gracilis muscle flap (GMF) was a reliable adjunct in providing healthy tissue coverage for a complex surgical problem. METHODS: Retrospective review of charts was performed on all patients who had undergone GMF for groin infections at a tertiary care medical center. RESULTS: From 1997 to 2012, GMF was performed in 68 limbs (64 patients) by vascular surgeons for infectious etiology to cover the common femoral artery. At the time the GMF was placed, the femoral artery had synthetic graft/patch in 14 limbs, whereas 54 limbs had procedures with autologous conduit. Complete healing was achieved in 58 (85%) limbs. Treatment was deemed not successful in 10 limbs where patients continued to have persistent infection. Six out of 10 limbs had anastomosis disruption requiring emergent ligation of the common femoral artery. Nine patients died during the perioperative period (30-day). There were a total of 13 amputations in 12 patients. Limb salvage was achieved in 55 limbs (81%). Univariate analysis suggested that patients that had revascularization procedures with synthetic graft had a higher complication rate compared with autologous/vein reconstruction (24% vs 5%; P = .021). This group also has a higher rate of persistent infection compared with the autologous group (24% vs 2%; P = .006). Patients older than 75 years at the time of GMF had a higher incidence of GMF-related complications (57% vs 5%; P = .04). Multivariate analysis confirmed that presence of prosthesis led to higher incidence treatment failures and muscle flap complications at the surgical site (odds ratio, 6.6; P = .04; and odds ratio, 13.3; P = .03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: GMF is technically simple to perform and provides durable soft tissue coverage with a high rate of healing for complex groin wounds even in the presence of synthetic conduit.

Risk factors and outcomes of cutaneous melanoma in women less than 50 years of age.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, with recent reports indicating increasing incidence among young women. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate histopathology, staging, risk factors, and outcomes of cutaneous melanoma in women younger than 50 years. METHODS: All female patients aged up to 49 years with biopsy-proven diagnosis of melanoma between 1988 and 2012 were included. Patients with a follow-up of less than 2 years were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 462 patients were identified, with mean age of 34.7 years. Invasive melanoma was less common in women 19 years of age or younger (P < .0008). Positive sentinel node status (P < .008), recurrence rates, metastatic disease (P < .001), and death rates (P < .008) were higher for women ages 40 to 49 years. The 41 patients with a pregnancy-associated melanoma had a significantly worse prognosis in comparison with a control group of nonpregnant patients, with a 9-fold increase in recurrence (P < .001), 7-fold increase in metastasis (P = .03) and 5-fold increase in mortality (P = .06). LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study. CONCLUSION: The increasing incidence of melanoma for women younger than 50 years suggests that regular skin checks and self-examinations are warranted. In addition, in women given the diagnosis of melanoma during or within 1 year after childbirth, regular follow-up and monitoring for recurrence are recommended.

Objective Assessment of Facial Rejuvenation After Massive Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: While the literature is replete with articles about body contouring after bariatric surgery, little information exists regarding the outcomes of facelift following massive weight loss (MWL). A case report and a technique article are the only sources available addressing this issue. This pilot study objectively examines the effects of MWL in the cervicofacial region and results after facelift. METHODS: A retrospective review of seven patients who underwent facelift after MWL (>100 pounds) was performed. Patient's change in appearance was objectively evaluated using an apparent age model. Forty blinded reviewers assessed pre- and postoperative photographs of seven MWL and eleven non-MWL female patients. The reviewers estimated the apparent age for each subject. Reduction in apparent age was calculated by comparing patient's apparent age against actual age. RESULTS: The preoperative apparent age of MWL patients was 5.1 years older than their actual age (p < 0.02) compared to the increased preoperative apparent age of 1.2 years in non-MWL subjects (p > 0.05); suggesting MWL patients appear older than their actual age. Post-operatively, the apparent age reduction in MWL patients was 6.0 years; and their apparent age after surgery was 0.9 year less than their actual age (p > 0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited an apparent age reduction of 5.4 years and a postoperative apparent age 4.2 years younger than their actual age (p < 0.01). Apparent age reduction was not significantly different for the two groups (p > 0.05). Age, BMI, and follow-up were similar between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MWL may accelerate apparent cervicofacial aging. Facelift following MWL enhances cervicofacial appearance and significantly reduces apparent age. We hope this study stimulates further interest in the study of facial esthetics in this increasing population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The relationship of the marginal mandibular nerve to the mandibular osseocutaneous ligament and lesser ligaments of the lower face.

BACKGROUND: An in-depth understanding of the nuances of facial anatomy is the best means of preventing complications during facelift surgery. An appreciation of the operative details is complicated not only by the complexity of the anatomy but also by the variability in the nomenclature used. OBJECTIVES: The authors have attempted to clarify these issues by detailing the relationships of the ligaments of the lower face both to each other and to the marginal mandibular nerve. METHODS: The mandibular ligament, the platysma mandibular ligament, and the marginal mandibular nerve were identified in 22 cadaver halves. The gonial angle, and the lower mandibular border were used as perpendicular reference lines. RESULTS: The mean length, height, and depth of the mandibular ligament and the platysma mandibular ligament were calculated. The mean distance of the mandibular ligament from the gonial angle along the mandibular border was also noted:it was always located superior to the platysma mandibular ligament. The marginal mandibular "danger zone" was identified a quarter of the length of the mandibular body along the lower jaw border. Finally variability in nomenclature of the lower face ligaments was clarified. CONCLUSIONS: A topographic map of the structures of surgical importance in the lower face was constructed in the hope that this will prevent surgical errors during facelift surgery.

Association of tobacco and alcohol use with earlier development of colorectal pathology: should screening guidelines be modified to include these risk factors?

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening recommend initial screening at 50 years of age for normal-risk patients. Alcohol and tobacco use can be associated with an earlier onset of CRC and possibly polyps. METHODS: We reviewed all colonoscopies performed at our institution from January to December 2007. Patient data were collected on age, sex, tobacco and alcohol history, and the presence of colon lesions. RESULTS: Our data included 663 patients (643 men and 20 women) with a mean age of 60.7 years (range 23-89 years); 68.5% were current/former tobacco users, 53.7% were current/former alcohol users, 37.6% had used both, and 21.7% had used neither. Colonoscopy findings were as follows 64% of patients had no lesions, 30.6% had tubular polyps, 3.5% had villous polyps, and 2% had cancer. The current use of tobacco, alcohol, or both was associated with the early development of colon pathology (ie, 66.9 years, 61.1 years, and 59.2 years [P < .05], respectively). In nonusers, the mean age was 67.7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our work confirms that the use of alcohol and tobacco is associated with an earlier onset of colon pathology. Consideration should be given to modifying screening guidelines to include these habits as "high-risk" factors.