Association between the Hopkins Falls grading scale and motor function tests in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Introduction: One of the main complications of multiple sclerosis (MS) is imbalance and walking problems that can lead to falls. This study investigated the association between a fall measurement scale called the Hopkins Falls Grading Scale (HFGS) and motor function tests in patients with MS. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling on 85 patients referred to the MS Association of Mashhad, Iran, in 2023. The HFGS examined falls during the past year and divided them into 4 degrees, and the function test included the timed 25 foot walk (T25FW) test and the timed up and go (TUG) test. Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. Results: A statistically significant association was obtained between HFGS and functional tests (T25FW and TUG) (for both P < 0.0001). A significant association was observed between the variables of age (P = 0.006), duration of the disease (P = 0.03), the use of mobility devices (P = 0.05), and HFGS. Conclusion: Considering the association between HFGS and motor function tests in MS patients, clinical experts should pay attention to patients who have slower movement and evaluate them in terms of falling status when performing motor function tests.

New grading scale based on early factors for predicting delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a multicenter retrospective study.

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) could lead to poor clinical outcome(s). The aim of the present study was to establish and validate a predictive model for DCI after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) based on clinical data. Data from a series of 217 consecutive patients with aSAH were reviewed and analyzed. Related risk factors within 72 h after aSAH were analyzed depending on whether DCI recurred. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was performed to reduce data dimensions and screen for optimal predictors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to establish a predictive model and construct a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves were generated to assess the discriminative ability and goodness of fit of the model. Decision curve analysis was applied to evaluated the clinical applicability of the predictive model. LASSO regression identified 4 independent predictors, including Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (i.e., "SEBES"), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies scale score (i.e., "WFNS"), modified Fisher Scale score, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which were incorporated into logistic regression to develop a nomogram. After verification, the area under the ROC curve for the model was 0.860. The calibration curve indicated that the predictive probability of the new model was in good agreement with the actual probability, and decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical applicability of the model within a specified range. The prediction model could precisely calculate the probability of DCI after aSAH, and may contribute to better clinical decision-making and personalized treatment to achieve better outcomes.

Predicting Difficulty in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies: An Evaluation of the Labbad-Vivas Score and Its Correlation With the Parkland Grading Scale.

Background Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) denotes the surgical extraction of the gallbladder under circumstances where associated conditions within the same organ, adjacent structures, or patient-specific conditions impede a smooth, expeditious, and comfortable dissection. It is imperative to utilize tools that aid in anticipating this challenging surgical scenario, enabling the implementation of appropriate measures. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Labbad-Vivas score (LVS) in predicting DLC and its correlation with the Parkland Grading Scale (PGS). Methodology A prospective study was conducted, including patients diagnosed with gallstone disease undergoing LC (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) at the "Dr. Luis Razetti" University Hospital in Barcelona, Venezuela, between September and December 2023. Results Forty patients were studied, with 80% (n=32) being female and 95% (n=38) under the age of 65; surgeries were elective in 72.5% (n=29) of cases; 35% (n=14) had an LVS ≥16 (difficult cholecystectomy); and 62.5% (n=25) of patients presented Grades 1 and 2 on the PGS. Total cholecystectomy was performed in 95% (n=38) of the patients. The LVS showed a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 92%, positive predictive value of 85.7%, and negative predictive value of 88.5% to predict DLC, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.897 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.792-1.003). A Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.805 (95% CI = 0.656 - 0.904) was obtained between both scores. Conclusion The use of the LVS score in the preoperative setting is feasible as a predictor of DLC, given its effectiveness and high correlation with the PGS.

Prospective evaluation of flow-regulated valves for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: 1-year results.

OBJECTIVE: Overdrainage and frequent reprogramming are common problems with programmable valves after ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Non-adjustable, flow-regulated valves offer a potential solution to these problems, but there is limited data on their efficacy. This study will evaluate neurological improvement and overdrainage rates within one year of treatment with a flow-regulated valve. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study analyzes 45 iNPH patients (median age: 73 years) treated with a flow-regulated valve. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, postoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The primary efficacy endpoint was improvement of at least 5 points on the iNPH grading scale at follow-up. The safety endpoint was radiographic evidence of overdrainage. RESULTS: All patients presented with gait disturbance, 35 (78 %) had cognitive impairment, and 35 (78 %) had urinary incontinence. The median duration of symptoms was 24 months. The total iNPH score improved in 33/41 (81 %) at 3 months, in 29/34 (85 %) at 6 months, and in 22/29 (64 %) at 12 months. Overall, 40/45 (89 %) patients had a significant improvement on the iNPH scale. Secondary worsening of symptoms after initial improvement was observed in 5 (11 %) patients. Overdrainage occurred in one patient (2 %) requiring surgical evacuation. CONCLUSION: Treatment of iNPH patients with flow-regulated valves resulted in a good neurological outcome with minimal rates of overdrainage. These results are encouraging and justify the clinical use of these valve types.

A new groin hernia classification with clinical relevance.

INTRODUCTION: Groin hernia is one of the most commonly managed surgical diseases around the world. The typical question asked by patients is "Does my hernia require urgent surgery?". The currently available classifications are insufficient to stratify patients into different groups. We propose a new classification that incorporates diverse clinical elements together with anatomical and other vital information, which allows us to stratify patients into different groups. METHOD: A task force was formed by the Hong Kong Hernia Society, working with international expert hernia surgeons. The framework of the classification system was formulated. Clinical elements that are important in groin disease stratification were identified. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed. Those which dictate the severity of the disease were selected and compiled to form the new proposed classification. Application of this classification model to a single hernia surgeon's registry in The Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Hernia Centre was done for initial evaluation. RESULT: This new classification incorporates important clinical characteristics forming a total of nine grades of differentiation, together with the anatomical details and special information. This comprehensive system allows the stratification of patients into different groups based on disease severity. It also enables more accurate data collection for future audits, comparisons of disease progression over time, and the effect of different management strategies for different-stage patients. CONCLUSION: This is the first classification system which incorporates essential clinical parameters, which allows the stratification of groin hernia into different stages. Further studies and validation should be performed to evaluate the usefulness and value of this classification in groin hernia management.

Nuevo nomenclátor estandarizado de Neurocirugía: criterios e indicadores cuantitativos y cualitativos de baremación de actos médicos / A new standardized nomenclature in neurosurgery: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures

Objetivos: Actualizar el nomenclátor de actos médicos de la especialidad de Neurocirugía, eliminando actos en desuso y añadiendo las nuevas técnicas quirúrgicas desarrolladas en los últimos años, para que se adapte fielmente a la práctica médica habitual de nuestra especialidad, así como establecer los principios generales y definir los criterios de baremación, indicadores cuantitativos y escalas de valoración. Material y método: La elaboración del nuevo nomenclátor se dividió en 3 fases: 1) identificación y selección de los actos médicos, 2) establecimiento del grado de dificultad de cada uno de ellos basado en la experiencia y el tiempo necesarios para su realización, así como el porcentaje y gravedad de las posibles complicaciones y 3) consenso con los miembros de la SENEC mediante su envío individualizado, realizando los retoques necesarios y posterior aprobación en asamblea de la especialidad. Resultados: El nuevo nomenclátor cuenta con 255 actos médicos agrupados en 4 grupos: consultas y visitas, actos terapéuticos, procedimientos diagnósticos e intervenciones quirúrgicas. Se han eliminado 42 procedimientos recogidos en el nomenclátor de la OMC por obsoletos, no ser propios de la especialidad o resultar demasiado vagos. Se han introducido nuevas técnicas y se han definido de forma más precisa los actos médicos. Conclusiones: Este nomenclátor proporciona una terminología actualizada y servirá para ofertar la cartera de servicios, medir y conocer el valor relativo de nuestra actividad y de los costes aproximados de los procedimientos, y adicionalmente, para realizar estudios comparativos longitudinales. Debe constituir una herramienta para mejorar la atención de los pacientes y minimizar la variabilidad geográfica en todos los ámbitos asistenciales.(AU)

Purpose: Update the list of medical acts in the specialty of neurosurgery, eliminating obsolete acts and adding the new surgical techniques developed in recent years, so that they are faithfully adapted to the usual medical practice of our specialty, as well as establishing the general principles and defining the grading criteria, quantitative indicators and assessment scales. Material and method: The elaboration of the new nomenclator was divided into three phases: (1) identification and selection of medical acts, (2) establishment of the degree of difficulty of each of them based on the experience and the time necessary for their completion, as well as the percentage and severity of the possible complications and (3) consensus with the members of the SENEC through their individualized submission, making the necessary adjustments and subsequent approval in the general assembly of SENEC. Results: The new nomenclator has 255 medical acts grouped into four groups: consultations and visits, therapeutic acts, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. Forty-two procedures included in the OMC nomenclator have been eliminated due to being obsolete, not related to the specialty or being too vague. New techniques have been included and medical acts have been more precisely defined. Conclusions: This nomenclator provides up-to-date terminology and will serve to offer the portfolio of services, measure and know the relative value of our activity and the approximate costs of the procedures, and additionally, to carry out longitudinal comparative studies. It should be a tool to improve patient care and minimize geographic variability in all healthcare settings.(AU)

Evaluation of surgical skill among otology residents during cadaveric temporal bone dissection using an objective assessment tool.

Background: The acquisition and refinement of technical skills by the surgical residents are central to surgical teaching; hence, there is increasing interest in the objective assessment of surgical competence. In the field of otology, as of now, there are limited studies for the assessment of surgical competence, also, various subjective methods are being used to assess this vital aspect of training. This study aimed to validate and use an objective assessment tool for the valuation of surgical skills in a tertiary care teaching institute in the Indian subcontinent. Methods: Surgical competence of the residents in temporal bone dissection was assessed on a Likert scale by using a grading scale developed by Wan et al., after obtaining necessary permissions. Results: Junior residents in ENT who had completed one year of residency in otolaryngology were asked to perform temporal bone surgery (cortical mastoidectomy) and were marked according to the proforma by two senior experienced otologists. The Cronbach's alpha value was .86 which is an indicator of good technical validity. Conclusions: In our study, we have validated a grading scoring scale used by Wan et al. to objectively assess the ability of an otology resident to perform temporal bone surgery. It is recommended for use in Indian scenario due to its good technical validity. The use of a Likert scale to individually rate each competency makes the evaluation precise and simple.

Prediction of obliteration of unruptured cerebral aneurysm by residual aneurysm volume after flow diverter stent treatment.

Introduction There is no methodology to predict aneurysm occlusion using residual volume after flow diverter stent treatment. We retrospectively examined whether residual aneurysm volume at 6 months postoperatively can predict the degree of aneurysm obliteration at 1 year after flow diverter stent treatment. Materials and Methods This single institution study included 101 consecutive patients who underwent flow diverter stent treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysm. Based on pre-treatment aneurysm volume, the percentage residual volume was calculated 6 months postoperatively. The volume of the aneurysm was determined using the volume calculation function of the cerebral angiography equipment. 1 year postoperatively, patients were classified into two groups: the good obliteration group (GG; O'KellyMarotta [OKM] grading scale: C and D) and the poor obliteration group (PG; OKM: A and B). Statistical analysis was performed to determine if there was a difference in residual aneurysm volume percentage at 6 months postoperatively between the two groups. Results A total of 20 patients were studied: 6 in the GG and 14 in the PG. Mean residual aneurysm volume at 6 months postoperatively in the GG was 33.1% (±34.7), while that in the PG was 80.6% (±24.8) (P=0.018). A residual aneurysm volume of ≥35.2% at 6 months postoperatively was significantly associated with poor aneurysm obliteration at 1 year postoperatively (AUC=0.88, P=0.008). Conclusions Residual aneurysm volume percentage at 6 months after flow diverter stent treatment might be able to predict the likelihood of aneurysm occlusion at 1 year postoperatively.

A new standardized nomenclature in neurosurgery: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures.

PURPOSE: Update the list of medical acts in the specialty of Neurosurgery, eliminating obsolete acts and adding the new surgical techniques developed in recent years, so that they are faithfully adapted to the usual medical practice of our specialty, as well as establishing the general principles and defining the grading criteria, quantitative indicators and assessment scales. METHODS: The elaboration of the new nomenclator was divided into 3 phases: 1) identification and selection of medical acts, 2) establishment of the degree of difficulty of each of them based on the experience and the time necessary for their completion, as well as the percentage and severity of the possible complications and 3) consensus with the members of the SENEC through their individualized submission, making the necessary adjustments and subsequent approval in the general assembly of SENEC. RESULTS: The new nomenclator has 255 medical acts grouped into 4 groups: consultations and visits, therapeutic acts, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. 42 procedures included in the OMC nomenclator have been eliminated due to being obsolete, not related to the specialty or being too vague. New techniques have been included and medical acts have been more precisely defined. CONCLUSIONS: This nomenclator provides up-to-date terminology and will serve to offer the portfolio of services, measure and know the relative value of our activity and the approximate costs of the procedures, and additionally, to carry out longitudinal comparative studies. It should be a tool to improve patient care and minimise geographic variability in all healthcare settings.

Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for 30-Day Mortality and Functional Outcome in Patients with Primary Brainstem Hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Primary brainstem hemorrhage (PBSH) is the most fatal subtype of intracerebral hemorrhage and is associated with poor prognosis. We aimed to develop a prediction model for predicting 30-day mortality and functional outcome in patients with PBSH. METHODS: We reviewed records of 642 consecutive patients with first-time PBSH from three hospitals between 2016 and 2021. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish a nomogram in a training cohort. Cutoff points of the variables were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and certain points were assigned to these predictors to produce the PBSH score. The nomogram and PBSH score were compared with other scoring systems for PBSH. RESULTS: Five independent predictors, comprised of temperature, pupillary light reflex, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, and hematoma volume, were incorporated to construct the nomogram. The PBSH score consisted of 4 independent factors with individual points assigned as follows: temperature, ≥38°C (=1 point), <38°C (=0 points); pupillary light reflex, absence (=1 point), presence (=0 points); GCS score 3-4 (=2 points), 5-11 (=1 point), and 12-15 (=0 points); PBSH volume >10 mL (=2 points), 5-10 mL (=1 point), and <5 mL (=0 points). Results showed that the nomogram was discriminative in predicting both 30-day mortality (area under the ROC curve [AUC] of 0.924 in the training cohort, and 0.931 in the validation cohort) and 30-day functional outcome (AUC of 0.887). The PBSH score was discriminative in predicting both 30-day mortality (AUC of 0.923 in the training cohort and 0.923 in the validation cohort) and 30-day functional outcome (AUC of 0.887). The prediction performances of the nomogram and the PBSH score were superior to the intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) score, primary pontine hemorrhage (PPH) score, and new PPH score. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated two prediction models for 30-day mortality and functional outcome in patients with PBSH. The nomogram and PBSH score could predict 30-day mortality and functional outcome in PBSH patients.

Brain plasticity in neonatal brachial plexus palsies: quantification and comparison with adults' brachial plexus injuries.

PURPOSE: To compare two populations of brachial plexus palsies, one neonatal (NBPP) and the other traumatic (NNBPP) who underwent different nerve transfers, using the plasticity grading scale (PGS) for detecting differences in brain plasticity between both groups. METHODS: To be included, all patients had to have undergone a nerve transfer as the unique procedure to recover one lost function. The primary outcome was the PGS score. We also assessed patient compliance to rehabilitation using the rehabilitation quality scale (RQS). Statistical analysis of all variables was performed. A p ≤ 0.050 set as criterion for statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 153 NNBPP patients and 35 NBPP babies (with 38 nerve transfers) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery of the NBPP group was 9 months (SD 5.42, range 4 to 23 months). The mean age of NNBPP patients was 22 years (SD 12 years, range 3 to 69). They were operated around sixth months after the trauma. All transfers performed in NBPP patients had a maximum PGS score of 4. This was not the case for the NNBPP population that reached a PGS score of 4 in approximately 20% of the cases. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The RQS was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: We found that babies with NBPP have a significantly greater capacity for plastic rewiring than adults with NNBPP. The brain in the very young patient can process the changes induced by the peripheral nerve transfer better than in adults.

Dental radiographic changes in individuals with COVID-19: a controlled retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 dental radiological findings of individuals with positive rRT-PCR test results and with healthy controls using the apical periodontitis grade scale (APGS), radiographic-based periodontal bone loss (R-PBL), and radiographic DMFT indices, and to investigate the relatively long-term dental effects of COVID-19. METHODS: This study included people who had two panoramic radiographs taken between 2018 and 2022. There are 52 patients with positive rRT-PCR tests in the study group. The control group included 50 individuals. Study and control groups were compared using the apical periodontitis grade scale (APGS), radiographic-based periodontal bone loss (R-PBL), and radiographic DMFT indices. RESULTS: Although results showed a significant difference in percentage R-PBL value and R-PBL types in the study group, there was no significant difference in percentage R-PBL value and R-PBL types in the control group. Also, both groups showed a significant difference in the DMFT index. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it can be said that COVID-19 increases the incidence of periodontitis, and it can be interpreted that the pandemic may adversely affect the general oral health of all people.

Multiple univariate analysis of radiologic and clinical features on 168 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: what is the role of the erector spinae in the development of a patient's disability?

BACKGROUND: The weakening of paraspinal muscles in the paravertebral area may play a role in developing central lumbar spinal stenosis, resulting in lower back discomfort. OBJECTIVE: The study thoroughly examined the correlation between the Oswestry Disability Index, Dural Sac cross-sectional area, Schizas grading Scale, Body Mass Index, and the cross-sectional areas of Erector Spinae, Multifidus, and Psoas muscles. The findings were also compared between patients with central Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and healthy individuals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective monocentric observational study. METHODS: The study recruited 168 consecutive patients aged 60 or older diagnosed with central Lumbar Spinal Stenosis between January 2020 and July 2022. The patients' condition was evaluated by administering a preoperative Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire, measuring their Body Mass Index, and performing preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The analyzed parameters were the cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscles at the L4-L5 level, dural sac cross-sectional area, and Schizas grading Scale at the most stenotic level, using multiple linear univariate analyses. Two groups of healthy individuals were recruited: Group A (under 60 years old) and Group B (over 60 years old). The same data extrapolated from these groups were compared with those of patients with central lumbar stenosis using a two-tailed Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: As the Erector Spinae degenerates, the Oswestry Disability Index tends to increase. Similarly, an increase in Body Mass Index is often accompanied by a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the Erector Spinae. Low dural sac cross-sectional area is statistically linked to a reduced Multifidus cross-sectional area. Interestingly, the Schizas grading scale does not appear to correlate with changes in the cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscles. Additionally, there is no significant difference in the cross-sectional area of the Psoas muscle between individuals with central lumbar spinal stenosis and healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that degeneration of the Erector Spinae plays a crucial role in the progression of perceived disability in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Prospective studies should investigate the long-term evolution of paraspinal muscles in decompressed patients.

Clinical Impact of Preoperative Tonsil and Adenoid Size on Symptomatic Outcomes Following Adenotonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients.

Background Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is a common clinical problem in pediatric patients. Adenotonsillectomy is a surgical intervention to remove airway obstruction and alleviate symptoms. However, some children continue to experience persistent symptoms after surgery. Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative tonsils and adenoid size and the persistence of symptoms, including snoring, mouth breathing, noisy breathing, and sleep apnea, after adenotonsillectomy in pediatric patients. Method This study was conducted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, and included 109 pediatric patients aged three to 14 years who underwent adenotonsillectomy. Data on preoperative and postoperative symptoms were collected through patient records and follow-up surveys. Tonsil and adenoid size were assessed using the Brodsky scale and endoscopic grading scales, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The most prevalent presenting symptoms were snoring, mouth breathing, and noisy breathing. Tonsil size grades 3+ and 4+ were significantly more prevalent than the other grades (p<0.05). Adenoid size grades 3 and 4 were also significantly more prevalent than the other grades (p<0.05). Significant associations were observed between tonsil and adenoid size grades and specific presenting symptoms, such as snoring, mouth breathing, and noisy breathing. No significant correlations were found between preoperative tonsil or adenoid size and postoperative persistent symptoms. Conclusion While tonsil and adenoid size are essential factors in determining the need for surgery, they may not predict postoperative resolution of symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation of various clinical factors is necessary to understand the persistence of symptoms after surgery. Although adenotonsillectomy is an effective treatment for upper airway obstruction in pediatric patients, some individuals may experience residual symptoms.

Grading Embolization of Middle Meningeal Artery for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Embolization of middle meningeal artery (EMMA) is a relatively new treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). To date, an objective method that assesses or describes the extent of EMMA for the treatment of CSDH does not exist. Recently, the concept of a novel grading scale for EMMA in patients with CSDH has emerged. However, this has not been applied to a clinical case setting and inter-rater reliability has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to validate the grading scale in clinical practice and to assess for inter-rater reliability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined consecutive patients who underwent EMMA for CSDH. Patients were included if the whole head angiogram from common carotid as well as external carotid arteries before and after EMMA were available in the arterial, capillary as well as venous phases. Two independent readers, each with more than 5 years of experience in independent practice, assessed the angiograms for the grading of EMMA and assigned a score ranging between 0 and 3. The grading score between the two readers were compared using Cohen's Kappa score to assess the inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: In 19 patients, we found that EMMA had no periprocedural morbidity and mortality. The number of cases in each EMMA grading score category are as follows: 0 n =1; 1 n =3; 2 n =1; and 3 n =10. There was substantial inter-rater reliability for the assessment of grading of EMMA (Kappa = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS: The novel EMMA grading scheme demonstrated substantial inter-rater reliability and appears promising.

A review of criteria strictness in "Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials".

To assess safety in vaccine development, stricter grading scales, such as the "Toxicity Grading Scale for Healthy Adult and Adolescent Volunteers Enrolled in Preventive Vaccine Clinical Trials" issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA grading scale), are required. However, concern exists that their strictness may lead to an overestimation of some adverse events (AEs). We analyzed the details of AEs in a phase I clinical trial of a preventive vaccine for infectious diseases. In this trial, we observed the high occurrence of Grade 1 or greater AEs in hemoglobin changes from baseline value, and hypernatremia, and hypokalemia by FDA grading scale. The range considered as non-AE according to the FDA grading scale shifted or became narrower when compared to reference intervals, especially for a Japanese cohort. For sodium grading, the criterion for hypernatremia was around 2 to mEq/L lower than the upper limit of most standards in several countries. Also, the criterion for hypokalemia was around 0.2 mEq/L higher than the lower limit of most standards. Regarding a decrease in hemoglobin from baseline, the criterion of "any decrease" used for a Grade 1 AE was too strict and we suggest this be omitted. Upper and lower limits of AE criteria for sodium and potassium should be equal to, or 10-20% above, the reference interval consistent with other toxicities determined by laboratory tests. Consideration should be given to the issues surrounding the criteria that determine AEs before conducting clinical trials.

Modified Puerto Rico Recurrence Scale for chronic subdural hematomas: augmenting the grading scale with postoperative pneumocephalus volume.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) are common in the elderly, with a relatively high rate of recurrence after initial surgical intervention. Our research team previously created a predictive grading system, the Puerto Rico Recurrence Scale (PRRS), to identify patients at high risk of CSDH recurrence. In this study, we introduce a modification of the (mPRRS) that includes pneumocephalus volume, which has been independently associated with recurrence. METHODS: A single-center Puerto Rican population-based retrospective study was performed to analyze data for patients treated for CSDH at 1 institution between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to create a grading scale predictive of recurrence. Retrospective validation was conducted for the cohort. RESULTS: Of 108 patients included in the study, 42 had recurrence, and 66 had nonrecurrence. Postoperative subdural space, postoperative midline shift, and pneumocephalus volume were all higher with recurrence (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, and P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis was used to create a 6-point grading scale comprising 3 variables (pneumocephalus volume [< 10, 10-20, 21-30, and > 30 cm3], postoperative midline shift [< 0.4, 0.41-1.0, and > 1.0 cm], and laterality [unilateral and bilateral]). Recurrence rates progressively increased in low-risk to high-risk groups (2/18 [11%] vs 21/34 [62%]; P < 0.003). CONCLUSION: The mPRRS incorporating pneumocephalus measurement improves CSDH recurrence prediction. The mPRRS indicated that patients with higher scores have a greater risk of recurrence and emphasized the importance of measuring postoperative variables for prediction. The mPRRS grading scale for CSDHs may be applicable not only to the Puerto Rican population but also to the general population.

Instrumented Posterior Arthrodesis of the Lumbar Spine: Prospective Study Evaluating Fusion Outcomes in Patients Receiving an Interspinous Fixation Device for the Treatment of Degenerative Spine Diseases.

Purpose: Prospective evaluation of radiographic fusion outcomes in patients receiving instrumented posterior arthrodesis of the lumbar spine using a minimally invasive interspinous fixation device. Patients and Methods: All patients (n = 110) from a single US physician's practice who received instrumented posterior arthrodesis of the lumbar spine with a minimally invasive interspinous fixation device in the calendar year 2020 were invited to return for a follow-up CT scan to radiographically assess fusion. Forty-three patients, representing 69 total treated levels, consented to participate and received a lumbar CT scan at a mean of 459 days post-surgery (177 to 652). The interspinous/interlaminar fusion was assessed by 3 independent radiologists using a novel grading scale. Spinous process fractures were also assessed. Results: 92.8% of the assessed levels were considered fused. There were no intraoperative spinous process fractures. There were 4 spinous process fractures (5.8%) identified on CT imaging, all of which were asymptomatic and healed without subsequent intervention. There were no instances of device mechanical failure or device-related reoperation. Conclusion: Instrumented posterior arthrodesis of the lumbar spine using a minimally invasive interspinous fixation device provides clinically meaningful fusion rates with no reoperations and a low risk of spinous process fracture or other device-related complications.

Chat GPT as a Neuro-Score Calculator: Analysis of a Large Language Model's Performance on Various Neurological Exam Grading Scales.

BACKGROUND: ChatGPT is a large language model artificial intelligence chatbot that has been applied to different aspects of the medical field. Our study aims to assess the quality of chatGPT to evaluate patients based on their exams for different scores including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), intracranial hemorrhage score (ICH), and Hunt & Hess (H&H) classification. METHODS: We created batches of patient test cases with detailed neurological exams, totaling 20 cases and created variants of increasing complex phrasing of the test cases. Using ChatGPT, we assessed repeatability and quantified the errors, including the average error rate (AER) and magnitude of errors (AME). We repeated this process for the H&H and the ICH score using base cases. Specific prompts were created for each calculator. RESULTS: The GCS calculator on 10 base test cases had an AER/AME of 10%/0.150. The accuracy of ChatGPT decreased with increasing complexity; for example, in a variation where crucial information was missing, the AER was 45% for 20 cases. For H&H, AER/AME was 13%/0.13 and for ICH, AER/AME was 27.5%/0.325. Using a simple prompt resulted in a significantly higher error rate of 70%. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT demonstrates ability in this proof-of-concept experiment in evaluating neuroexams using established assessment scales including GCS, ICH, and H&H. However, it has limitations in accuracy and may "hallucinate" with complex or vague descriptions. Nonetheless, ChatGPT, has promising potential in medicine.