[Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis: Clinical Practice Guideline]. / Chirurgická lécba degenerativní lumbální stenózy a spondylolistézy: klinický doporucený postup.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This article presents the evidence and the rationale for the recommendations for surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar stenosis (DLS) and spondylolisthesis that were recently developed as a part of the Czech Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) "The Surgical Treatment of the Degenerative Diseases of the Spine". MATERIAL AND METHODS The Guideline was drawn up in line with the Czech National Methodology of the CPG Development, which is based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We used an innovative GRADE-adolopment method that combines adoption and adaptation of the existing guidelines with de novo development of recommendations. In this paper, we present three adapted recommendations on DLS and a recommendation on spondylolisthesis developed de novo by the Czech team. RESULTS Open surgical decompression in DLS patients has been evaluated in three randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A recommendation in favour of decompression was made based on a statistically significant and clinically evident improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and leg pain. Decompression may be recommended for patients with symptoms of DLS in the event of correlation of significant physical limitation and the finding obtained via imaging. The authors of a systematic review of observational studies and one RCT conclude that fusion has a negligible role in the case of a simple DLS. Thus, spondylodesis should only be chosen as an adjunct to decompression in selected DLS patients. Two RCTs compared supervised rehabilitation with home or no exercise, showing no statistically significant difference between the procedures. The guideline group considers the post-surgery physical activity beneficial and suggests supervised rehabilitation in patients who have undergone surgery for DLS for the beneficial effects of exercise in the absence of known adverse effects. Four RCTs were found comparing simple decompression and decompression with fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. None of the outcomes showed clinically significant improvement or deterioration in favour of either intervention. The guideline group concluded that for stable spondylolisthesis the results of both methods are comparable and, when other parameters are considered (balance of benefits and risks, or costs), point in favour of simple decompression. Due to the lack of scientific evidence, no recommendation has been formulated regarding unstable spondylolisthesis. The certainty of the evidence was rated as low for all recommendations. DISCUSSION Despite the unclear definition of stable/unstable slip, the inclusion of apparently unstable cases of DS in stable studies limits the conclusions of the studies. Based on the available literature, however, it can be summarized that in simple degenerative lumbar stenosis and static spondylolisthesis, fusion of the given segment is not justified. However, its use in the case of unstable (dynamic) vertebral slip is undisputable for the time being. CONCLUSIONS The guideline development group suggests decompression in patients with DLS in whom previous conservative treatment did not lead to improvement, spondylodesis only in selected patients, and post-surgical supervised rehabilitation. In patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis with no signs of instability, the guideline development group suggests simple decompression (without fusion). Key words: degenerative lumbar stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion, Clinical Practice Guideline, GRADE, adolopment.

[Dysregulation of Long Non-coding RNAs in Glioblastoma Multiforme and Their Study Through Use of Modern Molecular-Genetic Approaches]. / Dysregulace dlouhých nekódujících RNA u multiformního glioblastomu a jejich studium s vyuzitím moderních molekulárne-genetických prístupu.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent primary brain tumor characterized by an unfavourable prognosis despite multimodal therapy. Therefore, a lot of efforts and financial resources are dedicated to the research of new therapeutic targets and prognostic or predictive biomarkers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regulators of gene expression which play a significant role in GBM pathology and, thus, present promising candidates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included 14 patients with GBM and 8 patients with intractable epilepsy from whom we acquired brain tissues during surgical intervention. Ribosomal RNA depleted RNA was used for sequencing by NextSeq 500 instrument (Illumina). Statistical analysis evaluated 24,087 protein-coding and 8,414 non-coding RNAs and their sequential variants with non-zero reads per kilobase per million mapped reads (RPKM) at least in one sample. CLC Genomic Workbench was used for the alignment and target counts. Targeted downregulation of up-regulated ZFAS1, one of the identified lncRNA, level has been carried out by the transient transfection of specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in GBM stable cell lines (A172, U87MG, T98G). The success of transfection and viability were analyzed in vitro using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and MTT assay, resp. RESULTS: Statistical analysis has revealed 274 (p < 0.01) dysregulated lncRNAs in GBMs in comparison with non-tumor brain tissues. Moreover, the results have showed 489 dysregulated mRNAs (p < 0.0001) and 26 mRNAs (p < 0.000001). Transfection of ZFAS1 inhibitor led to successful downregulation of ZFAS1 expression level, although it did not have a significant effect on proliferation of GBM cells. CONCLUSION: We described a significant dysregulation of lncRNAs and mRNAs in GBM tissue in comparison with non-tumor tissue. We also succesfully decreased expression level of ZFAS1, which in turn, however, had no impact on the viability of GBM cell lines.Key words: glioblastoma - long non-coding RNA - next-generation sequencing The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers. This tudy was supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant No. 15-33158A. All rights reserved.Submitted: 19. 3. 2018Accepted: 10. 4. 2018.

[Usage of Cerebrospinal Fluid for microRNA Analysis]. / Vyuzití mozkomísního moku pro analýzu mikroRNA.

BACKGROUNDS: Deregulated levels of miRNAs, short noncoding RNAs associated with pathogenesis of many diseases, have been observed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Therefore, the analysis of CSF miRNAs in patients affected by tumors of central nervous system (CNS) might help to develop new diagnostic platform enabling more precise diagnosis. Thus, in our study we tried to optimize methodical approaches to be used for miRNA detection as RNA isolation and selection of suitable technology for global high-throughput miRNA profiling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the optimization phase of RNA isolation from CSF, various commercially available kits with different protocol modifications were compared. Two quantitative polymerase chain reaction panels and Next Generation Sequencing method were tested for selection of the most suitable method for miRNA comprehensive profiling. RESULTS: The Urine miRNA Purification kit (Norgen) and Next Generation Sequencing was selected as the most suitable kit for RNA extraction from CSF and method for miRNA comprehensive profiling, resp. CONCLUSION: We established a protocol for RNA isolation and miRNA comprehensive profiling in CSF clinical specimens.Key words: brain neoplasm - cerebrospinal fluid - microRNA The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers. This study was supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant No. 15-34553A. All rights reserved.Submitted: 19. 3. 2018Accepted: 10. 4. 2018.

[Pregnancy and delivery in patients with an implanted shunt for hydrocephalus]. / Gravidita a porod u pacientek s implantovaným shuntem pro hydrocefalus.

UNLABELLED: Hydrocephalus is a disorder of abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the intracranial space, usually in the cerebral ventricles. The number of patients reaching reproductive age and intending to become pregnant has increased in recent years because of treatment advances. An implanted shunt is usually introduced into the abdominal cavity (ventriculoperitoneal shunt). Numerous changes occur during pregnancy, mainly increased accumulation of water, increased intracranial cerebrospinal fluid volume and increased intra-abdominal pressure as a result of the growing uterus. These changes contribute to increased incidence of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, it is necessary to make a preconception exam and specify pregnancy management, a suitable method of childbirth and dealing with potential complications. Multidisciplinary care is mandatory with the dominant cooperation of obstetricians and neurosurgeons who should be also available during the delivery when needed. Possible shunt malfunction is necessary to diagnose properly and in time and solve it individually, taking into account the overall and neurological status of the patient and gestational age. The presence of a shunt does not affect pregnancy and vaginal delivery is considered by most authors as the first option. Primary cesarean section is preffered in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus or rapid deterioration in the case of shunt malfunction. Epidural anesthesia or general, eventually spinal anesthesia are recommended. KEYWORDS: hydrocephalus, shunt, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, ventriculoatrial shunt, endoscopy, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, pregnancy.

[The use of telemetric intracranial pressure monitoring in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension - a case report]. / Vyuzití telemetrického monitorování intrakraniálního tlaku v diferenciální diagnostice idiopatické nitrolební hypertenze - kazuistika.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a disorder that results from an increase of intracranial pressure with unknown cause. A single measurement of intracranial pressure only provides data at one given point in time. Therefore, telemetric monitoring of intracranial pressure was performed in a patient with fluctuating headache and significantly impaired vision, which together accounted for 226.2 hours of recording during normal daily activities. Elevated intracranial pressure was not found during monitoring, so we did not indicate the patient for shunt surgery.

[Comparison of laparotomic and laparoscopic techniques for implantation of the peritoneal part of the shunt in the treatment of hydrocephalus]. / Srovnání laparotomické a laparoskopické techniky pri implantaci peritoneální cásti shuntu v terapii hydrocefalu.

INTRODUCTION: Implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a standard procedure in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Shunt malfunction can be due to various causes, such as failure of the peritoneal (distal) part of the shunt with a frequency of 5% to 47%. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic and laparotomic techniques for implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We considered a cohort of 304 patients with hydrocephalus, acquired during a 10-year period, who underwent surgical intervention at the Neurosurgical and Surgical Clinics of the University Hospital Brno. RESULTS: The 304 patients underwent a total of 392 operations, of which 67 (17.1%) were performed using a laparoscopic approach and 325 (82.9%) using a laparotomic approach. In the laparotomy group, 59 (18.2%) interventions were repeated due to complications of the peritoneal part of the shunt, while in the laparoscopy group revisions accounted for only 3 cases (4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic technique significantly reduces the risk of complications of the peritoneal part of the shunt, and thus the overall complications associated with the implantation of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Laparoscopy is indicated in the case of migration of the peritoneal catheters into the abdominal cavity and is also very helpful in revisions in the case of malfunction of the peritoneal part of the shunt or in the case of previous abdominal surgery. It can explain the anatomical conditions in the abdominal cavity and it is able to treat any incidental pathology.

Probably the oldest patient with the diagnosis of medullar conus teratoma.

BACKGROUND: Authors present a case report of a 60 year old patient suffering from several movement and sensitivity disorders lasting for several months. On magnetic resonance scans a huge extramedular intradural structure was described. Patient underwent three operations and the same number of histological investigations. Furthermore we have performed bacteriological investigations because of the presence of suspicious pus during the surgery. RESULTS: Even after the third investigation the evidence of mature teratoma has been established. After successful passing of three surgeries, the patient has no sphincter disorders and she is able to walk with the sticks and she has only small sensitivity deterioration. CONCLUSION: All forms of teratoma are chemo- and radioresistent, so beside total extirpation we have no relevant possibilities to cure this tumour. The size of the extirpation is mostly limited by the time of appearance, the size of the tumour and by the potential damages of the normal spinal cord tissue, which could be protected by using neurophysiology (Fig. 3, Ref. 9).

[Multimodal treatment of glioblastoma multiforme: results of 86 consecutive patients diagnosed in period 2003-2009]. / Výsledky multimodální lécby glioblastoma multiforme: Konsekutivní série 86 pacientu diagnostikovaných v letech 2003-2009.

BACKGROUNDS: Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common malignant primary tumor of the brain in adults. Standard therapy consists in maximal surgical resection and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant therapy with temozolomid. This approach improves survival in comparison with postsurgical radiotherapy alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma multiforme in the period from January 2003 to December 2009 underwent postoperative radiotherapy (1.8-2.0 Gy/d, total of 60 Gy) plus concurrent daily chemotherapy (temozolomide 75 mg/m2/d), followed by 6 cycles of temozolomide (150 to 200 mg/m2 for 5 days, every 28 days) and were analyzed retrospectively. The primary end point was to describe the correlation between known clinical factors, treatment and progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We assessed the toxicity and safety of the chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients (median age, 56 years; 60% male) were included. Most of them (> 80%) were of performance status (PS) 0-1 at the beginning of chemoradiotherapy. Total macroscopic resection was performed in 20% of the patients, subtotal in 65%, partial in 9%, and just biopsy in 6%. Median PFS was 7.0 months (2.0-35.5), median OS was 13.0 months (2.5-70). Postoperative performance status (PS), the extent of resection, and administration of planned treatment without reduction had statistically significant influences on PFS and OS. Median PFS and OS were 22.0, 7.0 and 6.0 months for PFS (p = 0.0018) in patients with PS O, 1 and 2 respectively and 32.0, 13.0 and 9.0 months for OS (p = 0.0023). Patients with total removal of tumor had longer PFS (14.0 vs 6.0 months, HR = 0.5688; p = 0.0301) and OS (23.0 vs 12.0 months, HR 0.4977; p = 0.0093), as did patients without dose reduction of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Patients with radiotherapy dose of over 54 Gy had PFS 8.0 vs 3.0 months (HR = 0.3313; p = 0.0001) and OS 15.0 vs 5.0 months (HR = 0.1730; p < 0.0001). Similarly, treatment with concurrent chemotherapy for more than 40 days was also important: PFS 8.0 vs 5.0 months (HR = 0.5300; p = 0.0023) and OS 17.0 vs 9.5 months (HR = 0.5943; p = 0.0175). Age, gender and position of tumor had no significant influence. Treatment-related hematology toxicity grades 3 and 4 occurred relatively often: thrombocytopenia (9%), leukopenia (6%), neutropenia (6%) and lymphopenia (25%). Thrombo-embolic events were dominant in non-hematology toxicity. Serious toxicity occurred mainly in the subgroup of patients with PS 2. Treatment of progression was useful in selected patients. Second surgery was of the most benefit (OS 24.0 vs 12.5 months, HR = 0.5325; p = 0.0111). CONCLUSION: Postoperative performance status, extent of resection, successful administration of the majority of planned concurrent chemoradiotherapy and possibility of surgical treatment at the time of recurrence correlate with better prognosis for our patients with glioblastoma. Our experience indicates that performance status should be the main factor in decisions about treatment intensity. Treatment of malignant glioma requires a multidisciplinary team.

MicroRNA-181 family predicts response to concomitant chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide in glioblastoma patients.

MicroRNAs are endogenously expressed regulatory noncoding RNAs. Previous studies showed altered expression levels of several microRNAs in glioblastomas. In this study, we examined the expression levels of selected microRNAs in 22 primary glioblastomas and six specimens of adult brain tissue by real-time PCR method. In addition, we examined methylation status of MGMT promoter by methylation-specific real-time PCR, as this has been shown to be a predictive marker in glioblastomas. MGMT methylation status was not correlated with response to concomitant chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide (RT/TMZ). MiR-221 (p=0.016), miR-222 (p=0.038), miR-181b (p=0.036), miR-181c (p=0.043) and miR-128a (p=0.001) were significantly down-regulated in glioblastomas. The most significant change was observed for up-regulation in miR-21 expression in glioblastomas (p<0.001). MiR-181b and miR-181c were significantly down-regulated in patients who responded to RT/TMZ (p=0.016; p=0.047, respectively) in comparison to patients with progredient disease. Our data indicate for the first time that expression levels of miR-181b and miR-181c could serve as a predictive marker of response to RT/TMZ therapy in glioblastoma patients.

Mild hypothermia for intracranial aneurysm surgery.

BACKGROUND: Eighty nine patients with established intracranial aneurysm (Hunt-Hess score 1 to 3), who were operated at The Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Brno in 2003-2006, were enrolled in to the study group. METHODS: After introduction of anesthesia, we started cooling with two circulating-water mattresses (Blanketrol III, Cincinnatti Sub Zero). Body temperature was maintained at 34 degrees C during preparation of cerebral vessels. Active rewarming was started after clip putting. Cooling rate was 0.9 +/- 0.3 degree C per hour and rewarming rate was 0.7 +/- 0.3 degrees C per hour. The required core body temperature was achieved in all patients, i.e. in 100% of cases. Measured values of both esophageal and bladder temperature were not significantly different (p = 0.4475). No significant difference was found when preoperative coagulation parameters and values measured during managed hypothermia were compared. Neurological condition was evaluated as good in 82 patients (92%). Two patients died and one patient was in vegetative status. CONCLUSION: When compared with similar group of patients, who underwent surgery in 1998 to 2002, where good treatment results were achieved in 80%, final good neurological treatment results increased statistically significantly by 12% due to managed hypothermia as well (p = 0.0086) (Tab. 4, Ref. 11).

The effect of head injury upon the immune system.

Severe head injuries are characterized by high mortality and morbidity. In spite of guidelines based therapy the treatment is frequently unsuccessful. Extracranial infectious complications are considered to be an important problem during the course of recovery, and possibly immunological changes could explain their occurrence. Head injuries cause an imbalance within the helper cell community, resulting in a T(H)2 dominance. This development is influenced by the soluable agents of the sympathic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The crucial research of damaged cellular immunity concluded Quattrocchi in 1991. Both the activation of microglial cells and the accumulation of T-cells after crossing the BBB indicate production of pro-inflammatory mediators in the CNS after injury. The leaking of pro-inflammatory mediators to the circulation develops to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). On the contrary, an overwhelming of anti-inflammatory substances leads to an anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS). It is suggested that an imbalance between these two immune responses is responsible for organ dysfunction and increased susceptibility to infections in polytrauma victims. Concerning mediators, IL-6 draws attention because of its high marker ability. Finally, post-traumatic infections have also been correlated with an altered function of antigenpresenting cells (APC). Concerning the quantity, the humoral part of immune system seems to be stimulated, but its function and phagocyte activity shows several defects. Finally, T(H)2 dominance induces IgE levels accumulation. All these changes are strongly under effect of stress based release of endogenous glucocorticoids and catecholamine, which influence the complex network of cytokines and cell mediators (Fig. 3, Ref 18).

The importance of immune system disorders related to the Glasgow Outcome Score in patients after severe brain injury.

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that changes in different parts of the host defence mechanisms could influence the outcome by making way for extracranial complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For our study we enrolled 121 patients who had sustained various types of severe head injury (GCS 3-8). We investigated several laboratory parameters. Furthermore we observed all extracranial complications that occurred within first ten days of hospitalization. Six months after the discharge we assessed GOS and we put all these parameters in correlation. RESULTS: 55.37 % of the patients ended our treatment with an unfavourable outcome; mortality of the group was 40.5 %. We noted 117 cases of extracranial inflammatory complications, occurring in 94 patients (77.6 %). We confirmed a significant correlation between lower GCS and higher incidence of infection. Concerning the relationship between immune system disorders and outcome, we disclosed a significant difference, especially when comparing the group with good recovery with the patients who died. The difference was seen in cellular parameters, whereas humoral parameters showed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: While GCS changes didn't relate to the intensity of immunity disorders, GOS value shows a strong relationship, especially to its cellular part. However, both GCS and GOS values showed an important correlation with the occurrence of infectious complications. Patients ending our treatment with bad outcome have more extracranial complications when compared with the patients that have ended our treatment successfully (Tab. 3, Fig. 6, Ref. 15). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

The outcome, working ability and psychic changes after traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Severe traumatic brain injury belongs to diagnoses with unfavourable outcome. Almost half of patients die due to this diagnose and many survivals remain severely disabled. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our follow-up file we evaluated 52 patients treated at neurosurgical department due to this diagnosis. The survivals were subsequently examined in order to determine the severity of their objective neurological and cognitive problems. RESULTS: Mortality rate in our group reached 56 %. The overall results show cognitive disorders (memory disorders, prolonged latency and concentration disorders). Out of 92 % of surviving patients, it was neurological impairment that was most frequently (65 %) involved. CONCLUSION: Both cognitive disorders and neurological impairments are responsible for complicated resocialising including working ability which is very low after severe traumatic brain injury--in our group 26 %. Major obstacle can be seen in the psychological component of their over-all impaired quality of life (Tab. 5, Ref. 6).

The use of controlled mild hypothermia and immune system status in patients with severe brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Severe brain injuries pose one of the most important problems on our health care because of their high morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 89 patients after severe brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale< or =8) was included into our research of detecting the changes of immune system parameters and their relation to the application of mild hypothermia during the early period after the insult. RESULTS: In both of the groups CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytic levels decreased significantly after the insult and gradually got to normal (p<0.01). The NK cells levels have changed in correlation with the course of infection. Immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG) levels were normal or slightly increased. IgM levels changes had a close relation to the occurrence of inflammatory complications, especially that of pneumonia (p<0.01). The most surprising moment in our research was the level of IgE antibodies. They had been high and got even higher. They achieved the values typical for atopic reactions or parasitic diseases. 77.52 % of the patients with decreased parameters of immune system developed extra cranial complications. Immune system disorders appeared more frequently in the patients with lower Glasgow Coma Scale after admission (p<0.01). The application of mild hypothermia caused an unimportant increase in extra cranial complications (p>0.05) having no relation to immunity disorders. CONCLUSION: Intensive treatment of intracranial hypertension fundamentally affects results of our treatment (Glasgow Outcome Score). The application of controlled mild hypothermia doesn't escalate the occurrence of extra cranial inflammatory complications after severe brain injury (Tab. 2, Fig. 11, Ref. 15).

[Anterior skull base reconstruction]. / Plastika báze prední jámy lební.

The reasons for transcranial operative revision of anterior cranial fossa are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, pneumocephalus, recurrent meningitis and eventually other causes. The trauma is the most common etiology of previously mentioned pathologic statuses, rarely it can also be long-lasting intracranial hypertension. We retrospectively analyzed our 61 patients, operatively treated at Department of Neurosurgery in Brno-Bohunice between 1997 and 2005, at whom the cranionasal communication must have been treated by means of transcranial neurosurgical repair of anterior fossa skull base. Each year approximately 10-15 operations of this kind were performed. The main goal of operative solution was the water-tight closure of dural defect and cranial base by means of direct dural suture duroplasty with periostal flap, fascial flap or other graft. Each case solution was dependent on actual operative appearance of the operative field. The majority of transcranial repairs of frontal cerebral fossas were performed acutely as a part of frontobasal injury operation with haematoma, calvar impressive fractures and open cerebral injury. The minority of repairs is formed by elective operations for posttraumatic rhinnorhea and meningitis. In our announcement we also mention possible conservative treatment.

Lateral supraorbital approach as an alternative to the classical pterional approach.

OBJECTIVE: The standard pterional approach has been used to approach aneurysms of the anterior circulation and the basilar tip, suprasellar tumors, cavernous lesions. The senior author (JH) established a lateral supraorbital approach as an alternative to the pterional approach after continuous trial and error. We describe the techniques of this approach based on clinical experiences. METHODS: The lateral supraorbital approach is more subfrontal and anterior than the pterional approach. This approach has been regularly used by the senior author (JH) in the last decade in more than 2000 operations for mostly aneurysms of anterior circulation, but also for tumors of the anterior fossa and parasellar area as well as the sphenoid wing area. RESULTS: This approach can be used to operate on most cases, in which the classical pterional approach would be used. There are almost no craniotomy-related complications with this approach. This approach is not suitable in certain lesions which need to be exposed from a more temporal perspective. CONCLUSION: This approach is simpler, faster, safer and less invasive than the classical pterional approach.

Immune system status in the patients after severe brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Extracranial complications occuring after severe brain injury definitely aggravate clinical status and debase Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). The immune system disorders could cause for example pneumonia and other inflammatory complications - urinary infection, coagulopathy, etc. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have admitted and observed a group of 8 patients with various degree of brain injury and we have demonstrated some changes of immune system parametres after the insult. RESULTS: Most of the patients had a significant loss in cell mediated immunity parametres, especially T-lymphocytes (CD3+, helper cells) levels were decreased, whereas B-lymphocytes levels were increased. Humoral parametres and acute phase proteins levels were also changed. C-reatcive protein level increased in all cases. However the levels of C3 and C4 were lower. The level of IgE antibodies were high and they even got higher. They achieved the values typical for atopic reaction or parasitic diseases. CONCLUSION: Patients with immune system disorders have more extracranial complications. Patients with lower Glasgow Coma Scale after admission have often immune system disorders. However the prognostic value of monitoring of immue system disorders seems to be low. (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref: 9.)

[The use of moderate hypothermia in neurosurgery]. / Pouzití mírné hypotermie v neurochirurgii

Hypothermia is currently considered as the most effective neuroprotective method. In recent years hypothermia has been more and more applied in clinical conditions. Hypothermia has been used with promising results in severe head trauma where it can evidently decrease the intracranial pressure, improve cerebral perfusion pressure and by its direct neuroprotective effect it diminishes the secondary ischemic brain damage. Hypothermia has been widely used also during complicated neurosurgical operations when cerebral vessels are manipulated (operations of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, scull base tumours). Hypothermia has been recently tested also in some types of stroke, mainly in subarachnoid haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke.

The influence of mild hypothermia on ICP, CPP and outcome in patients with primary and secondary brain injury.

Aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that only a subgroup of patients with lesser primary brain damage after severe head injury may benefit from therapeutic hypothermia. We prospectively analysed 72 patients with severe head injury, randomized into groups with (n = 37) and without (n = 35) hypothermia of 34 degrees C maintained for 72 hours. The influence of hypothermia on ICP, CPP and neurological outcome was analysed in the context of the extent of primary brain damage. Patients with normothermia and primary lesions (n = 17) values: GCS on admission 5 (median), ICP 18.9 (mean), CPP 73 (mean), GOS 4 (median). Patients with normothermia and extracerebral hematomas (n = 20): GCS 4, ICP 16, CPP 71, GOS 3. Patients with hypothermia and primary lesions (n = 21): GCS 4,62, ICP 10, 81, CPP 78,1, GOS 4. Patients with hypothermia and extracerebral hematomas (n = 14): GCS 5, ICP 13.2, CPP 78, GOS 5. Hypothermia decreased ICP and increased CPP regardless of the type of brain injury. Hypothermia was not able to improve outcome in patients with primary brain lesions but this pilot study suggests that it significantly improves outcome in patients with extracerebral hematomas.