Effects of Primary Decompressive Craniectomy on the Outcomes of Serious Traumatic Brain Injury with Mass Lesions, and Independent Predictors of Operation Decision.

BACKGROUND: Although operative indications for traumatic brain injury (TBI) are known, neurosurgeons are unsure whether to remove the bone flap after mass lesion extraction, and an efficient scoring system for predicting which patients should undergo decompressive craniectomy (DC) does not exist. METHODS: Nine parameters were assessed. In total, 245 patients with severe TBI were retrospectively assessed from June 2015 to May 2019, who underwent DC or craniotomy to remove mass lesions. The 6-month mortality and Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were compared between the DC and craniotomy groups. Using univariable and multivariable logistic regression equations, receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained for predicting the decision for DC. RESULTS: The overall 6-month mortality in the entire cohort was 11.43% (28/245). Patients undergoing DC had lower mean preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale scores (P = 0.01), and higher amounts of individuals with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6 (P = 0.007), unresponsive pupillary light reflex (P < 0.001), closed basal cisterns (P < 0.001), and diffuse injury (P = 0.025), compared with the craniotomy group. Because of high disease severity, individuals administered primary DC showed increased 6-month mortality compared with the craniotomy group. However, in surviving patients, favorable Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale rates were similar in both groups. Pupillary light reflex and basal cisterns were independent predictors of the DC decision. Based on receiver operating characteristic curves, the model had sensitivity and specificity of 81.6% and 84.9%, respectively, in predicting the probability of DC. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data showed that primary DC may benefit some patients with severe TBI with mass lesions. In addition, unresponsive preoperative pupil reaction and closed basal cistern could predict the DC decision.

Understanding the Mothers of Children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: To identify if there are cultural, medical, educational, economic, nutritional and geographic barriers to the prevention and treatment of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. METHODS: The mothers of infants with spina bifida and hydrocephalus admitted to Muhimbilli Orthopaedic Institute, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, between 2013 and 2014 were asked to complete a questionnaire. A total of 299 infants were identified: 65 with myelomeningoceles, 19 with encephaloceles, and 215 with isolated hydrocephalus. The questionnaire was completed by 294 of the mothers. RESULTS: There was a high variation in the geographic origin of the mothers. Approximately 85% traveled from outside of Dar Es Salaam. The mean age was 29 (15-45) years old with a parity of 3 (1-10). The rates of consanguinity, obesity, antiepileptic medication, HIV seropositivity, and family history were 2%, 13%, 0%, 2%, and 2%, respectively. A maize-based diet was found in 84%, and only 3% of woman took folic acid supplementation, despite 61% of mothers stating that they wished to conceive another baby. Unemployment was high (77%), a low level of education was common (76% not attended any school or obtaining a primary level only), and 20% were single mothers. Hospital only was the preferred method of treatment for 94% of the mothers, and 85% of the babies were born in a hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights some of the cultural, educational, geographic, nutritional, and economic difficulties in the prevention and management of spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Tanzania.

Cardiac-gated intracranial elastance in a swine model of raised intracranial pressure: a novel method to assess intracranial pressure-volume dynamics.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of intracranial elastance; however, methodological difficulties have limited widespread clinical use. Measuring elastance may offer potential benefit in helping to identify patients at risk for untoward intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation from small rises in intracranial volume. The authors sought to develop an easily used method that accounts for the changing ICP that occurs over a cardiac cycle and to assess this method in a large-animal model over a broad range of ICPs. METHODS: The authors used their previously described cardiac-gated intracranial balloon pump and swine model of cerebral edema. In the present experiment they measured elastance at 4 points along the cardiac cycle-early systole, peak systole, mid-diastole, and end diastole-by using rapid balloon inflation to 1 ml over an ICP range of 10-30 mm Hg. RESULTS: The authors studied 7 swine with increasing cerebral edema. Intracranial elastance rose progressively with increasing ICP. Peak-systolic and end-diastolic elastance demonstrated the most consistent rise in elastance as ICP increased. Cardiac-gated elastance measurements had markedly lower variance within swine compared with non-cardiac-gated measures. The slope of the ICP-elastance curve differed between swine. At ICP between 20 and 25 mm Hg, elastance varied between 8.7 and 15.8 mm Hg/ml, indicating that ICP alone cannot accurately predict intracranial elastance. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring intracranial elastance in a cardiac-gated manner is feasible and may offer an improved precision of measure. The authors' preliminary data suggest that because elastance values may vary at similar ICP levels, ICP alone may not necessarily best reflect the state of intracranial volume reserve capacity. Paired ICP-elastance measurements may offer benefit as an adjunct "early warning monitor" alerting to the risk of untoward ICP elevation in brain-injured patients that is induced by small increases in intracranial volume.

Malignant Cerebral Venous Infarction: Decompressive Craniectomy versus Medical Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a common type of stroke in young adults and associated with 8% mortality. High intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain herniation are the most common causes of death in these patients. In contrast with malignant arterial middle cerebral infarction, there are few studies reporting the efficacy of decompressive craniectomy (DC) for treatment of high ICP in patients with CVT. In this study, we assess the clinical outcome of patients with CVT with impending brain herniation treated with DC versus medical management. METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of all patients with CVT admitted to our hospital were reviewed. Patients with the following inclusion criteria were entered into the study: 1) CVT proven by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venogram and/or computed tomography venogram, 2) malignant CVT (impending brain herniation according to imaging and clinical finding), and 3) age between 16 and 80 years. Patients with deep venous system thrombosis, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3, and bilateral nonreactive midposition pupils or mydriasis on admission were excluded. Patients were classified into 2 groups: surgical group (DC group) including patients who received medical treatment and DC and medical group (MG) including patients who received only medical treatment. Outcomes and complications were assessed and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Of 357 patients with CVT hospitalized in our center, 48 patients entered into the study. Twenty-three patients were managed medically, and 25 patients were managed surgically. There was no significant difference between the groups concerning age, sex, presenting symptoms, transient and permanent risk factors of CVT, GCS score on admission, and pupils' reactivity on admission. All patients in the MG died during hospitalization in comparison with 8 patients in the DC group (100% vs. 32%, P < 0.001). Favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) was achieved in 52% of the DC group and 0% of the MG group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study confirmed that in contrast with DC, medical treatment could not prevent transtentorial herniation. DC is not only lifesaving for patients with CVT with impending brain herniation but also results in favorable outcome in most patients.

The European guideline on management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma: fifth edition.

BACKGROUND: Severe traumatic injury continues to present challenges to healthcare systems around the world, and post-traumatic bleeding remains a leading cause of potentially preventable death among injured patients. Now in its fifth edition, this document aims to provide guidance on the management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following traumatic injury and encourages adaptation of the guiding principles described here to individual institutional circumstances and resources. METHODS: The pan-European, multidisciplinary Task Force for Advanced Bleeding Care in Trauma was founded in 2004, and the current author group included representatives of six relevant European professional societies. The group applied a structured, evidence-based consensus approach to address scientific queries that served as the basis for each recommendation and supporting rationale. Expert opinion and current clinical practice were also considered, particularly in areas in which randomised clinical trials have not or cannot be performed. Existing recommendations were re-examined and revised based on scientific evidence that has emerged since the previous edition and observed shifts in clinical practice. New recommendations were formulated to reflect current clinical concerns and areas in which new research data have been generated. RESULTS: Advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of post-traumatic coagulopathy have supported improved management strategies, including evidence that early, individualised goal-directed treatment improves the outcome of severely injured patients. The overall organisation of the current guideline has been designed to reflect the clinical decision-making process along the patient pathway in an approximate temporal sequence. Recommendations are grouped behind the rationale for key decision points, which are patient- or problem-oriented rather than related to specific treatment modalities. While these recommendations provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of major bleeding and coagulopathy, emerging evidence supports the author group's belief that the greatest outcome improvement can be achieved through education and the establishment of and adherence to local clinical management algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach and adherence to evidence-based guidance are key to improving patient outcomes. If incorporated into local practice, these clinical practice guidelines have the potential to ensure a uniform standard of care across Europe and beyond and better outcomes for the severely bleeding trauma patient.

An Audit of Neural Tube Defects in the Republic Of Ireland for 2012-2015.

Neural tube defects (NTD) are potentially preventable in two-thirds of cases by periconceptional maternal Folic Acid (FA) supplementation. A national audit for the years 2009-11 showed no decline in NTD rates over twenty years. The aim of this national audit was to determine trends/rates and inform revision of national FA supplementation and food fortification strategies. Of 274,732 live and stillbirths there were 121(42.0%) cases of anencephaly, 136(47.2%) cases of spina bifida and 31(10.8%) cases of encephalocoele giving a total of 288 and overall rate of 1.05/1000 compared with 1.04/1000 in 2009-11(NS). In the 184 women where the information was available, only 29.9%(n=55) reported starting FA before pregnancy. The number of cases diagnosed antenatally was 91%(n=262) and 53%(n=154) were live-born. This audit confirms that over a generation, healthcare interventions have not succeeded in decreasing the number of pregnancies in Ireland complicated by NTD, and that revised strategies need to be developed and implemented.

Dural arteriovenous fistula presenting with acute subdural haematoma showing impending cerebral herniation.

A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) presenting with acute subdural haematoma (ASDH), which were not related to head injury, is rare. A 61-year-old woman was transported by ambulance because of deterioration of consciousness. On admission, she was comatose with anisocoria. Emergent CT demonstrated a severe midline shift associated with a left ASDH and an additional left occipital intracerebral haematoma, both of which had no continuity with each other. MRI showed flow void signs in the left occipital lobe. Because of the impending cerebral herniation, an emergent evacuation of the ASDH and external decompression was performed. Subsequent evaluation revealed a DAVF at the left occipital convexity near the confluence with retrograde leptomeningeal venous reflux and venous ectasia (Cognard type III DAVF). The patient underwent endovascular treatment for the DAVF involving transarterial embolisation using coils and N-butyl cyanoacrylate with complete obliteration. Her further clinical course was uneventful and discharged after cranioplasty.

Emergency Medicine Myths: Computed Tomography of the Head Prior to Lumbar Puncture in Adults with Suspected Bacterial Meningitis - Due Diligence or Antiquated Practice?

BACKGROUND: Various sources purport an association between lumbar puncture and brainstem herniation in patients with intracranial mass effect lesions. Several organizations and texts recommend head computed tomography (CT) prior to lumbar puncture in selected patients. OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence regarding the utility of obtaining head CT prior to lumbar puncture in adults with suspected bacterial meningitis. DISCUSSION: Observational studies report a risk of post-lumbar puncture brainstem herniation in the presence of intracranial mass effect (1.5%) that is significantly lower than that reported among all patients with bacterial meningitis (up to 13.3%). It is unclear from existing literature whether identifying patients with intracranial mass effect decreases herniation risk. Up to 80% of patients with bacterial meningitis experiencing herniation have no CT abnormalities, and approximately half of patients with intracranial mass effect not undergoing lumbar puncture herniate. Decision rules to selectively perform CT on only those individuals most likely to have intracranial mass effect lesions have not undergone validation. Despite recommendations for immediate antimicrobial therapy prior to imaging, data indicate an association between pre-lumbar puncture CT and antibiotic delays. Recent data demonstrate shortened door-to-antibiotic times and lower mortality from bacterial meningitis after implementation of new national guidelines, which restricted generally accepted CT indications by removing impaired mental status as imaging criterion. CONCLUSIONS: Data supporting routine head CT prior to lumbar puncture are limited. Physicians should consider selective CT for those patients at risk for intracranial mass effect lesions based on decision rules or clinical gestalt. Patients undergoing head CT must receive immediate antibiotic therapy.

Large Size Hemicraniectomy Reduces Early Herniation in Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) reduces mortality and improves outcome after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI) but early in-hospital mortality remains high between 22 and 33%. Possibly, this circumstance is driven by cerebral herniation due to space-occupying brain swelling despite decompressive surgery. As the size of the removed bone flap may vary considerably between surgeons, a size too small could foster herniation. Here, we investigated the effect of the additional volume created by an extended DHC (eDHC) on early in-hospital mortality in patients suffering from MMI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study of 97 patients with MMI that were treated either with eDHC (n = 40) or standard DHC (sDHC; n = 57) between January 2006 and June 2012. The primary study end point was defined as in-hospital mortality due to transtentorial herniation. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality due to transtentorial herniation was significantly lower after eDHC (0 vs. 11%; p = 0.04), which was paralleled by a significantly larger volume of the craniectomy (p < 0.001) and less cerebral swelling (eDHC 21% vs. sDHC 25%; p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were found in surgical or non-surgical complications and postoperative intensive care treatment. CONCLUSION: Despite a more aggressive surgical approach, eDHC may reduce early in-hospital mortality and limit transtentorial herniation. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm our results and assess general safety of eDHC.

Prevalencia de defectos del tubo neural y estimación de casos evitados posfortificación en Argentina / Prevalence of neural tube defects and estimation of cases averted in the post-fortification period in Argentina

La ingesta periconcepcional de ácido fólico ha demostrado ser efectiva en la reducción de la frecuencia de defectos del tubo neural, y la fortificación de los alimentos ha sido una estrategia para incrementarla. Se presenta una actualización de la reducción de las prevalencias de defectos del tubo neural posfortificación en Argentina y la estimación de los casos evitados en el período 2005-2013 como consecuencia de esta intervención. Al comparar la prevalencia observada en el período posfortificación con la reportada en el período de prefortificación, se observa un descenso significativo de 66% para anencefalia y encefalocele, y de 47% para espina bífida. El número de casos evitados estimados fue mayor para anencefalia, seguido por espina bífida; encefalocele presentó el menor número de casos evitados, dado que la prevalencia de este defecto fue menor. El descenso de la prevalencia observado apoya los resultados de estudios previos sobre el efecto de la fortificación.

Periconceptional intake of folic acid has demonstrated to be effective to reduce the frequency of neural tube defects, and food fortification has been one of the strategies implemented to increase it. An update is herein presented on the reduced prevalence of neural tube defect cases in the post-fortification period in Argentina and an estimation of cases averted in the 2005-2013 period as a result of this intervention. When comparing the prevalence observed in the post-fortification period to that reported in the pre-fortification period, anencephaly and encephalocele decreased by 66%, and spina bifida, by 47%, which were significant reductions. The estimated number of cases averted was higher for anencephaly, followed by spina bifida; encephalocele showed the lowest number of cases averted given that the prevalence of this defect was smaller. The decrease observed in the prevalence supports findings from previous studies on the impact of fortification.

[Prevalence of neural tube defects and estimation of cases averted in the post-fortification period in Argentina]. / Prevalencia de defectos del tubo neural y estimación de casos evitados posfortificación en Argentina.

Periconceptional intake of folic acid has demonstrated to be effective to reduce the frequency of neural tube defects, and food fortification has been one of the strategies implemented to increase it. An update is herein presented on the reduced prevalence of neural tube defect cases in the post-fortification period in Argentina and an estimation of cases averted in the 2005-2013 period as a result of this intervention. When comparing the prevalence observed in the post-fortification period to that reported in the pre-fortification period, anencephaly and encephalocele decreased by 66%, and spina bifida, by 47%, which were significant reductions. The estimated number of cases averted was higher for anencephaly, followed by spina bifida; encephalocele showed the lowest number of cases averted given that the prevalence of this defect was smaller. The decrease observed in the prevalence supports findings from previous studies on the impact of fortification.

La ingesta periconcepcional de ácido fólico ha demostrado ser efectiva en la reducción de la frecuencia de defectos del tubo neural, y la fortificación de los alimentos ha sido una estrategia para incrementarla. Se presenta una actualización de la reducción de las prevalencias de defectos del tubo neural posfortificación en Argentina y la estimación de los casos evitados en el período 2005-2013 como consecuencia de esta intervención. Al comparar la prevalencia observada en el período posfortificación con la reportada en el período de prefortificación, se observa un descenso significativo de 66% para anencefalia y encefalocele, y de 47% para espina bífida. El número de casos evitados estimados fue mayor para anencefalia, seguido por espina bífida; encefalocele presentó el menor número de casos evitados, dado que la prevalencia de este defecto fue menor. El descenso de la prevalencia observado apoya los resultados de estudios previos sobre el efecto de la fortificación

Hernias encefálicas. Clasificación, neuropatología y problemas medicolegales / Brain herniations. Classification, Neuropathology and medico-legal problems

Las hernias cerebrales son la causa inmediata del fallecimiento en muchas lesiones neurológicas. Algunos protocolos recientes de actuación neuroquirúrgica han originado nuevas modalidades, como por ejemplo en el llamado síndrome del trefinado. Se requiere, pues, una revisión actualizada del tema, máxime cuando tiene importantes implicaciones medicolegales. Nuestro objetivo es revisar las clasificaciones, adaptarlas a los avances en Neurorradiología y Neurocirugía, y analizar su problemática medicolegal. La actualización de la clasificación y un conocimiento detallado de la fisiopatología de las hernias cerebrales constituyen la mejor orientación para la resolución de problemas forenses en lo relativo a etiología, causalidad y secuelas de las lesiones encefálicas (AU)

Brain herniation is the immediate cause of death in most of neurological lesions. Some recent neurosurgical protocols have promoted new kinds of herniation, like those that occur in the so-called syndrome of the threphined. Therefore, an up-to-date revision of this subject is required in regard of its important medico-legal implications. Our aim is to review the present classifications, adapting them to Neuroimaging and Neurosurgical advances, and analyzing the medical-legal issues of brain herniation. The problems extend not only to Pathology, but also to Clinical Forensic subjects. An up-to-date classification and a more detailed knowledge of the brain herniations physiology and pathology are the best tools to address their forensic problems, in particular those related with etiology, causation and sequels of brain lesions (AU)

When folic acid fails: Insights from 20 years of neural tube defect surveillance in South Carolina.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common of the severe malformations of the brain and spinal cord. Increased maternal intake of folic acid (FA) during the periconceptional period is known to reduce NTD risk. Data from 1046 NTD cases in South Carolina were gathered over 20 years of surveillance. It was possible to determine maternal periconceptional FA use in 615 NTD-affected pregnancies. In 163 occurrent (26.9%) and two recurrent (22%) NTD cases, the mothers reported periconceptional FA use. These women were older and more likely to be white. Maternal periconceptional FA usage was reported in 40.4% of cases of spina bifida with other anomalies but in only 25.2% of isolated spina bifida cases (P = 0.02). This enrichment for associated anomalies was not noted among cases of anencephaly or of encephalocele. Among the 563 subsequent pregnancies to mothers with previous NTD-affected pregnancies, those taking FA had a 0.4% NTD recurrence rate, but the recurrence without FA was 8.5%. NTDs with other associated findings were less likely to be prevented by FA, suggesting there is a background NTD rate that cannot be further reduced by FA. Nonetheless, the majority (73.9%) of NTDs in pregnancies in which the mothers reported periconceptional FA use were isolated NTDs of usual types. Cases in which FA failed in prevention of NTDs provide potential areas for further study into the causation of NTDs. The measures and techniques implemented in South Carolina can serve as an effective and successful model for prevention of NTD occurrence and recurrence.

Fístula arteriovenosa vertebral. Diagnóstico por auscultación / A vertebral arteriovenous fistula diagnosed by auscultation

Las fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV) vertebrales son lesiones raras. La etiología de las FAV vertebrales puede ser traumática o espontánea. Suelen cursar de forma asintomática o refiriendo «ruidos», o palpándose una vibración en la región cervical. El diagnóstico definitivo serealiza mediante arteriografía, siendo la embolización de la fístula el tratamiento de elección. Comentamos el caso de un varón de 2 años en el que la madre aprecia«como una lavadora en la cabeza». Al explorarle se palpa una vibración y se ausculta un soplo continuo en la región cervical izquierda, siendo el resto normal. Con la sospecha clínica de malformación vascular en la región vertebral se solicita una angio-RNM y una posterior arteriografía que confirma el diagnóstico. Las FAV son raras en la infancia. Es necesario sospecharlas ante la presencia de ruidos, palpación o vibración continua en la región cervical. El diagnóstico precoz puede evitar complicaciones

Cervical artery fistulas are rare arteriovenous malformations. The etiology of the vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) can be traumatic or spontaneous. They tend to be asymptomatic or palpation or continuous vibration in the cervical region. An arteriography is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. The treatment is complete embolization of the fistula. We present the case of a two year-old male, where the mother described it «like a washing machine in his head». On palpation during the physical examination, there was a continuous vibration, and a continuous murmur in left cervical region. A vascular malformation in vertebral region was clinically suspected, and confirmed with angio-MRI and arteriography AVF are rare in childhood. They should be suspected in the presence of noises, palpation or continuous vibration in the cervical region. Early diagnosis can prevent severe complications in asymptomatic children

[Anterior skull base defects - algorithm for reconstruction]. / Rhinobasisdefekt - was tun? Fallserie und Algorithmus.

BACKGROUND: After tumor surgery or traumatic defects the anterior skull base needs sufficient closure in order to prevent rhinoliquorrhea, ascending infection and brain tissue prolaps. Small defects are sufficiently closed by non-vital tissue, e. g. mucosa, muscle, fat, fascia, bone, allogenic, xenogenic or alloplastic material. Larger defects of the skull base often require more extensive surgery, including transfer of local or distal vascularized flaps. The current article presents a stepwise tutorial for reconstruction of the skull base and by a large case series focuses on the interdisciplinary therapy of complex (size, recurrence, after radiotherapy) skull base defects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Complex defects with small diameter, which can occur after extended sinus surgery, were permanently closed by local mucosa flaps of the lower turbinate or of the septum (n=31). Larger defects, e. g. after combined transcranial and endonasal tumor surgery, were closed by a 'sandwich technique' containing a galea periost flap and a calvarian split transfer (n=10). Reconstruction of the dura with fascia lata and local transfer of the temporal muscle were efficient for frontobasal defects with a more lateral location (n=4). Transfer of a distal desepithelialised vascularized forearm flap represents the ultimate procedure for reconstruction of large skull base defects, which was performed in 4 of our patients. CONCLUSION: Successive escalation of the therapy and integra-tion of the entire repertoire of plastic-reconstructive surgery allows for durable closure of complex skull base defects. In every case, close cooperation between ENT- and neurosurgeons is necessary for planning and performance of a successful surgical procedure.

Controlled decompression for the treatment of severe head injury: a preliminary study.

AIM: Fast direct decompression surgery for treatment of severe head injury often results in intraoperative and postoperative complications. Controlled decompression may help prevent these complications. This preliminary study aims to compare the effects of controlled and conventional decompression in patients with severe head injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients with severe head injury were included. Patients were allocated to receive either controlled decompression surgery (n = 64) or conventional decompressive craniectomy (n = 64). Controlled decompression comprised controlled ventricular drainage and controlled hematoma evacuation. The occurrence of delayed hematoma, acute brain swelling, and postoperative cerebral infarction were recorded. RESULTS: Significantly lower proportion of patients in the controlled decompression group had intraoperative acute brain swelling compared to patients in the decompressive craniectomy group (9.4% vs 26.6%, P = 0.011). Intraoperative acute encephalocele occurred in 3 of 13 patients (23.1%) who had delayed hematoma in the controlled decompression group compared with 11 of 18 patients (61.1%) in the decompressive craniectomy group. There was no significant between group difference in the incidence of delayed hematoma or postoperative cerebral infarction. CONCLUSION: Controlled decompression may reduce or delay intraoperative acute brain swelling by delaying hematoma formation in patients with severe head injury.

Shunting in acute cerebral venous thrombosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The efficacy of cerebrospinal fluid shunting to reduce intracranial hypertension and prevent fatal brain herniation in acute cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is unknown. METHOD: From the International Study on Cerebral Vein and Dural Sinus Thrombosis (ISCVT) and a systematic literature review, we retrieved acute CVT patients treated only with shunting (external ventricular drain, ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculojugular shunt). Outcome was classified at 6 months and final follow-up by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: 15 patients were collected (9 from the ISCVT and 6 from the review) who were treated with a shunt (external ventricular drain in 6 patients, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in 8 patients or an unspecified type of shunt in another one). Eight patients (53.3%) regained independence (mRS 0-2), while 2 patients (13.3%) were left with a severe handicap (mRS 4-6) and 4 (26.7%) died despite treatment. Five patients with parenchymal lesions were shunted within 48 h from admission deterioration, 4 with an external ventricular drain: 2 (40%) recovered to independence, 2 (40%) had a severe handicap and 1 (20%) died. In contrast, all 3 patients with intracranial hypertension and no parenchymal lesions receiving a ventriculoperitoneal shunt later than 48 h regained independence. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: A quarter of acute CVT patients treated with a shunt died, and only half regained independence. With the limitation of the small number of subjects, this review suggests that shunting does not appear to be effective in preventing death from brain herniation in acute CVT. We cannot exclude that shunting may benefit patients with sustained intracranial hypertension and no parenchymal lesions.

[Effects of wheat flour fortification with folic acid on the prevalence of neural tube defects in Chile]. / Resultados del Programa de Prevención de Defectos de Tubo Neural en Chile mediante la fortificación de la harina con ácido fólico: Período 2001-2010.

BACKGROUND: Congenital malformations (CMF) have an important role in infant mortality. Neural tube defects (NTD) have great relevance from both social and public health points of view. The ECLAMC (Collaborative Latin American Study of Congenital Malformations) maintains in Chile an epidemiological surveillance of CMF prevalence rate at birth since 1969. AIM: To assess the effect of wheat flour folic acid fortification on the prevalence of NTD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Only Anencephaly, Spina bifida and Cephalocele were considered as NTD. All children born in the maternities incorporated to ECLAMC between 1969 and 1999 were considered as belonging to the pre folic acid fortification period and those who were born from 2001 to 2010 were considered as belonging to the post fortification period. RESULTS: The NTD prevalence rate at birth in the pre fortification period was 17.03/10,000. In the second period, there were 291,996 births and among them, 280 newborns were affected by a form of NTD (9.59 in 10,000 births). This represents a 44% decrease (p < 0.01). Anencephaly rate fell from 7.16/10,000 to 3.67/10,000, representing a 49% lower rate (p < 0.01). Spina bifida rate decreased from 8.61/10,000 to 4.49/10,000, representing a 48% lower rate (p < 0.01). Cephalocele had a 20% non-significant reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Wheat flour fortification with folic acid reduced by 44% the prevalence rate of NTD at birth. This means that NTDs were prevented in 185 Chilean newborns each year.

Resultados del Programa de Prevención de Defectos de Tubo Neural en Chile mediante la fortificación de la harina con ácido fólico: Período 2001-2010 / Effects of wheat flour fortification with folic acid on the prevalence of neural tube defects in Chile

Background: Congenital malformations (CMF) have an important role in infant mortality. Neural tube defects (NTD) have great relevance from both social and public health points of view. The ECLAMC (Collaborative Latin American Study of Congenital Malformations) maintains in Chile an epidemiological surveillance of CMF prevalence rate at birth since 1969. Aim: To assess the effect of wheat flour folic acid fortification on the prevalence of NTD. Patients and Methods: Only An encephaly, Spina bifida and Cephalocele were considered as NTD. All children born in the maternities incorporated to ECLAMC between 1969 and 1999 were considered as belonging to the pre folic acid fortification period and those who were born from 2001 to 2010 were considered as belonging to the post fortification period. Results: The NTD prevalence rate at birth in the pre fortification period was 17.03/10,000. In the second period, there were 291,996 births and among them, 280 newborns were affected by a form of NTD (9.59 in 10,000 births). This represents a 44% decrease (p < 0.01). Anencephaly rate fell from 7.16/10,000 to 3.67/10,000, representing a 49% lower rate (p < 0.01). Spina bifida rate decreased from 8.61/10,000 to 4.49/10,000, representing a 48% lower rate (p < 0.01). Cephalocele had a 20% non-significant reduction. Conclusions: Wheat flour fortification with folic acid reduced by 44% the prevalence rate of NTD at birth. This means that NTDs were prevented in 185 Chilean newborns each year.

[Prevalence and spatial distribution of neural tube defects in São Paulo State, Brazil, before and after folic acid flour fortification]. / Prevalência e distribuição espacial de defeitos do tubo neural no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, antes e após a fortificação de farinhas com ácido fólico.

This cross-sectional study analyzed the prevalence and spatial distribution of neural tube defects before and after folic acid flour fortification. The study used the Information System on Live Births (SINASC) and presented prevalence rates according to maternal characteristics with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Polynomial regression was used in time trend analysis and empirical Bayesian smoothed maps for spatial analysis. Total prevalence of neural tube defects decreased by 35%, from 0.57/1,000 to 0.37/1,000 live births after fortification (OR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.59-0.72). There was a reduction among newborns of mothers with the following characteristics: all age groups (except < 15 years), more than three years of schooling, and seven or more prenatal visits. There was a reduction over time and in most of São Paulo State, except in a few municipalities (counties) located in the western region of the State. Other factors may have contributed to the observed decline, but the results corroborate flour fortification as an important measure to prevent neural tube defects. Further research is needed to elucidate the lack of a decline in neural tube defects in the western part of São Paulo State.