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Journal of Neuro-oncology Jan 2020Evidence supporting routine postoperative antiepileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis following oncologic neurosurgery is limited, and actual practice patterns are largely...
BACKGROUND
Evidence supporting routine postoperative antiepileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis following oncologic neurosurgery is limited, and actual practice patterns are largely unknown beyond survey data.
OBJECTIVE
To describe patterns and predictors of postoperative AED prophylaxis following intracranial tumor surgery.
METHODS
The MarketScan Database was used to analyze pharmacy claims data and clinical characteristics in a national sample over a 5-year period.
RESULTS
Among 5895 patients in the cohort, levetiracetam was the most widely used AED for prophylaxis (78.5%) followed by phenytoin (20.5%). Prophylaxis was common but highly variable for patients who underwent open resection of supratentorial intraparenchymal tumors (62.5%, reference) or meningiomas (61.9%). In multivariate analysis, biopsies were less likely to receive prophylaxis (44.8%, OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.33-0.67), and there was near consensus against prophylaxis for infratentorial (9.7%, OR 0.07, CI 0.05-0.09) and transsphenoidal procedures (0.4%, OR 0.003, CI 0.001-0.010). Primary malignancies (52.1%, reference) and secondary metastases (42.2%) were more likely to receive prophylaxis than benign tumors (23.0%, OR 0.63, CI 0.48-0.83), as were patients discharged with home services and patients in the Northeast. There was a large spike in duration of AED use at approximately 30 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Use of seizure prophylaxis following intracranial biopsies and supratentorial resections is highly variable, consistent with a lack of guidelines or consensus. Current practice patterns do not support a clear standard of care and may be driven in part by geographic variation, availability of post-discharge services, and electronic prescribing defaults rather than evidence. Given uncertainty regarding effectiveness, indications, and appropriate duration of AED prophylaxis, well-powered trials are needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anticonvulsants; Brain Neoplasms; Craniotomy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Levetiracetam; Male; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Phenytoin; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Seizures; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Young Adult
PubMed: 31834582
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03362-1 -
Acta Neuropathologica Mar 2021Two distinct genetically defined entities of ependymoma arising in the supratentorial compartment are characterized by the presence of either a C11orf95-RELA or a...
Two distinct genetically defined entities of ependymoma arising in the supratentorial compartment are characterized by the presence of either a C11orf95-RELA or a YAP-MAMLD1 fusion, respectively. There is growing evidence that supratentorial ependymomas without these genetic features exist. In this study, we report on 18 pediatric non-RELA/non-YAP supratentorial ependymomas that were systematically characterized by means of their histology, immunophenotype, genetics, and epigenomics. Comprehensive molecular analyses included high-resolution copy number analysis, methylation profiling, analysis of fusion transcripts by Nanostring technology, and RNA sequencing. Based upon histological and immunohistochemical features two main patterns were identified-RELA-like (n = 9) and tanycytic ependymomas (n = 6). In the RELA-like group histologically assigned to WHO grade III and resembling RELA-fused ependymomas, tumors lacked nuclear expression of p65-RelA as a surrogate marker for a pathological activation of the NF-κB pathway. Three tumors showed alternative C11orf95 fusions to MAML2 or NCOA1. A methylation-based brain tumor classifier assigned two RELA-like tumors to the methylation class "EP, RELA-fusion"; the others demonstrated no significant similarity score. Of the tanycytic group, 5/6 tumors were assigned a WHO grade II. No gene fusions were detected. Methylation profiling did not show any association with an established methylation class. We additionally identified two astroblastoma-like tumors that both presented with chromothripsis of chromosome 22 but lacked MN1 breaks according to FISH analysis. They revealed novel fusion events involving genes in chromosome 22. One further tumor with polyploid cytogenetics was interpreted as PFB ependymoma by the brain tumor methylation classifier but had no relation to the posterior fossa. Clinical follow-up was available for 16/18 patients. Patients with tanycytic and astroblastoma-like tumors had no relapse, while 2 patients with RELA-like ependymomas died. Our data indicate that in addition to ependymomas discovered so far, at least two more supratentorial ependymoma types (RELA-like and tanycytic) exist.
Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Ependymoma; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Transcription Factor RelA; Transcription Factors; YAP-Signaling Proteins
PubMed: 33481105
DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02260-5 -
Journal of Neurosurgery Aug 2016OBJECTIVE Survival rates and prognostic factors for supratentorial hemispheric ependymomas have not been determined. The authors therefore designed a retrospective study... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE Survival rates and prognostic factors for supratentorial hemispheric ependymomas have not been determined. The authors therefore designed a retrospective study to determine progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and prognostic factors for hemispheric ependymomas. METHODS The study population consisted of 8 patients from our institution and 101 patients from the literature with disaggregated survival information (n = 109). Patient age, sex, tumor side, tumor location, extent of resection (EOR), tumor grade, postoperative chemotherapy, radiation, time to recurrence, and survival were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard models were completed to determine survival rates and prognostic factors. RESULTS Anaplastic histology/WHO Grade III tumors were identified in 62% of cases and correlated with older age. Three-, 5-, and 10-year PFS rates were 57%, 51%, and 42%, respectively. Three-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates were 77%, 71%, and 58%, respectively. EOR and tumor grade were identified on both Kaplan-Meier log-rank testing and univariate Cox proportional hazard models as prognostic for PFS and OS. Both EOR and tumor grade remained prognostic on multivariate analysis. Subtotal resection (STR) predicted a worse PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 4.764, p = 0.001) and OS (HR 4.216, p = 0.008). Subgroup survival analysis of patients with STR demonstrated a 5- and 10-year OS of 28% and 0%, respectively. WHO Grade III tumors also had worse PFS (HR 10.2, p = 0.004) and OS (HR 9.1, p = 0.035). Patients with WHO Grade III tumors demonstrated 5- and 10-year OS of 61% and 46%, respectively. Postoperative radiation was not prognostic for PFS or OS. CONCLUSIONS A high incidence of anaplastic histology was found in hemispheric ependymomas and was associated with older age. EOR and tumor grade were prognostic factors for PFS and OS on multivariate analysis. STR or WHO Grade III pathology, or both, predicted worse overall prognosis in patients with hemispheric ependymoma.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Disease-Free Survival; Ependymoma; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Survival Rate; Young Adult
PubMed: 26745489
DOI: 10.3171/2015.7.JNS151187 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Nov 2019Awake brain surgery (ABS) is poorly reported in children as it is considered having limited indications due to age and neuropsychological aspects interfering with its... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Awake brain surgery (ABS) is poorly reported in children as it is considered having limited indications due to age and neuropsychological aspects interfering with its feasibility and psychological outcome. The aim of this article is to review the current state-of-the-art of ABS in children and to offer an objective summary of the published literature on diversified outcome aspects of pediatric awake procedures.
METHODS
A literature review was performed using the MEDLINE (PubMed) electronic database applying the following MeSH terms to the keyword search within titles and abstracts: "awake brain surgery children," "awake brain surgery pediatric," "awake craniotomy children," "awake craniotomy pediatric," and "awake surgery children." Of the initial 753 results obtained from these keyword searches, a full text screening of 51 publications was performed, ultimately resulting in 18 eligible articles for this review.
RESULTS
A total of 18 full text articles reporting the results of 50 patients were included in the analysis. Sixteen of the 18 studies were retrospective studies, comprising 7 case series, 9 case reports, and 2 reviews. Eleven studies were conducted from anesthesiological (25 patients) and 7 from neurosurgical (25 patients) departments. Most of the patients underwent ABS for supratentorial lesions (26 patients), followed by epilepsy surgery (16 patients) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) (8 patients). The median age was 15 years (range 8-17 years). Persistent deficits occurred in 6 patients, (12%), corresponding to minor motor palsies (4%) and neuropsychological concerns (8%). An awake procedure was aborted in 2 patients (4%) due to cooperation failure and anxiety, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite well-documented beneficial aspects, ABS remains mainly limited to adults. This review confirms a reliable tolerability of ABS in selected children; however, recommendations and guidelines for its standardized implementation in this patient group are pending. Recommendations and guidelines may address diagnostic workup and intra-operative handling besides criteria of eligibility, psychological preparation, and coordinated neuropsychological testing in order to routinely offer ABS to children.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Deep Brain Stimulation; Epilepsy; Functional Neuroimaging; Humans; Implantable Neurostimulators; Neurosurgical Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Prosthesis Implantation; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Wakefulness
PubMed: 31377911
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04279-w -
Acta Neuropathologica Dec 2020Supratentorial ependymoma (ST-EPN) is a type of malignant brain tumor mainly seen in children. Since 2014, it has been known that an intrachromosomal fusion...
Supratentorial ependymoma (ST-EPN) is a type of malignant brain tumor mainly seen in children. Since 2014, it has been known that an intrachromosomal fusion C11orf95-RELA is an oncogenic driver in ST-EPN [Parker et al. Nature 506:451-455 (2014); Pietsch et al. Acta Neuropathol 127:609-611 (2014)] but the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis are unclear. Here we show that the C11orf95 component of the fusion protein dictates DNA binding activity while the RELA component is required for driving the expression of ependymoma-associated genes. Epigenomic characterizations using ChIP-seq and HiChIP approaches reveal that C11orf95-RELA modulates chromatin states and mediates chromatin interactions, leading to transcriptional reprogramming in ependymoma cells. Our findings provide important characterization of the molecular underpinning of C11orf95-RELA fusion and shed light on potential therapeutic targets for C11orf95-RELA subtype ependymoma.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Ependymoma; Humans; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; Proteins; Signal Transduction; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Transcription Factor RelA
PubMed: 32909151
DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02225-8 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics Aug 2015OBJECT Two of the more common infantile brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and desmoplastic infantile tumors (DITs), can be difficult to distinguish on MRI.... (Review)
Review
OBJECT Two of the more common infantile brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and desmoplastic infantile tumors (DITs), can be difficult to distinguish on MRI. Both tumors occur in the supratentorial compartment and both have solid and cystic components. Differentiating between the 2 on MRI studies could assist the surgeon in discussions with family and child management. The authors report on their institutional experience with both tumors, focusing on radio-graphic features, especially the diffusion studies, which might be useful in distinguishing between infantile GBM and DIT. METHODS A retrospective review was undertaken of all infantile brain tumors treated at British Columbia's Children's Hospital between 1982 and 2012, and cases of GBM and DIT were recorded. Only cases that had imaging were included in the study. A literature review was completed to identify reported cases of infantile GBM and DIT. Only reports that described or included radiological studies (particularly MRI) of the tumors were included. Certain radiographic features of the tumors were reviewed, including location, size, consistency, pattern of enhancement, and features on MR diffusion studies. RESULTS Of 70 cases of infantile brain tumors, 2 GBM cases and 3 DIT cases (all 3 of which were desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas [DIGs]) met the inclusion criteria. The radiological studies obtained in all 5 cases were reviewed by a neuroradiologist. All 5 patients had supratentorial tumors with cystic-solid consistency. Diffusion MRI studies showed restricted diffusion in the 2 GBM cases, but no evidence of restricted diffusion in the DIG tumors. The GBM tumors were heterogeneously enhancing, and the DIG tumors showed avid and homogeneous enhancement. The literature review revealed 29 cases of infantile GBM and 32 cases of DIG/DIT that met the inclusion criteria. The tumors were large in both groups. The tumors were cystic-solid in consistency in 10 of 30 (33%) of GBM cases and 28 of 32 (87.5%) of DIT cases. The contrast enhancement was heterogeneous in 9 of 30 (30%) GBM cases, and it was homogeneous and avid in 27 of 32 (84%) of DIT cases. Diffusion studies were recorded in 2 published infantile GBM cases, and in both of them diffusion was restricted. The authors only found 1 report that discussed DIG tumor features on MR diffusion studies, but the interpretation was difficult and unclear. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance imaging, especially diffusion-weighted imaging, may be a useful aid in distinguishing between infantile GBM and DIT tumors, with infantile GBM demonstrating restricted diffusion.
Topics: Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Small Cell; Female; Ganglioglioma; Glioblastoma; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Supratentorial Neoplasms
PubMed: 25955808
DOI: 10.3171/2014.10.PEDS13634 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Jul 2021Even though the need has been challenged, admitting patients to an intensive care or medium care unit (ICU/MCU) after adult supratentorial tumor craniotomy remains...
BACKGROUND
Even though the need has been challenged, admitting patients to an intensive care or medium care unit (ICU/MCU) after adult supratentorial tumor craniotomy remains common practice. We have introduced a "no ICU, unless" policy for tumor craniotomy patients and evaluate costs, complications, and length of stay.
METHODS
A prospective cohort study was performed comparing patients that underwent tumor craniotomy for supratentorial tumors during 2 years after introduction of the new policy with the year before.
RESULTS
A reduction in ICU/MCU admittance from 88 to 23% of patients was found resulting in 13% cost reduction. Also, the new policy resulted in a 1.4-day shorter post-operative length of stay. Minor complications were reduced, while major complications remained the same. All major complications are reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS
We show that routine post-operative ICU/MCU admittance after tumor craniotomy does not reduce complications, but actually interferes with recovery of our patients. Changing the paradigm results in earlier discharge and cost reduction.
Topics: Craniotomy; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Length of Stay; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Supratentorial Neoplasms
PubMed: 32870422
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04543-y -
Arkhiv Patologii 2023Differential diagnosis of supratentorial ependymomas is of particular difficulty in neurooncology due to nonspecific clinical and radiographic findings, a rare seen...
BACKGROUND
Differential diagnosis of supratentorial ependymomas is of particular difficulty in neurooncology due to nonspecific clinical and radiographic findings, a rare seen «classic» morphological picture, and a nonspecific immunophenotype. Thanks to molecular genetic methods, in particular real-time PCR, it has become possible to verify supratentorial ependymomas and identify their molecular group, on which further prognosis depends.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a set of molecular genetic tests based on real-time PCR to verify supratentorial ependymomas.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
56 tissue samples were collected from patients with supratentorial ependymomas, WHO Grade II, and anaplastic ependymomas, WHO Grade III. We developed primers and fluorescent TaqMan probes for real-time PCR analysis to detect the , , , , and gene fusions. For immunohistochemical analysis, monoclonal rabbit anti-NF-kb p65 antibodies (HUABIO, China) were used, the study was carried out on AutostainerLink 48 immunostainer (DAKO, Denmark).
RESULTS
Real-time PCR was able to verify the diagnosis for 69.9% (=39) of samples and classify them into molecular groups of ZFTA- or YAP1-positive supratentorial ependymomas. Immunohistochemically it was possible to verify 58% (=29) ependymomas.
CONCLUSION
Diagnosis by real-time PCR is a relatively fast, accessible and easily interpreted method that allows verification of the molecular group in 70% of cases of supratentorial ependymomas without the use of additional methods.
Topics: Rabbits; Animals; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; NF-kappa B; Prognosis; Ependymoma
PubMed: 37272434
DOI: 10.17116/patol2023850315 -
Endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal excision of tuberculum sellae meningiomas: a systematic review.Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences Dec 2016The endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) for the resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) has, more recently, been advocated as an alternative approach to deal... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) for the resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) has, more recently, been advocated as an alternative approach to deal with this challenging tumor. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of publications of TSMs excised through the transsphenoidal route in the past 10 years and review data on the extent of excision, visual outcomes and complication rates.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We performed a thorough systematic review of the medical literature following the PRISMA guidelines. A medical librarian retrieved a list of 3443 articles published from 2006-2015 from the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central databases. Two of the authors independently screened for titles and abstracts and excluded 3340 of them. We reviewed the full text of the remaining 103 articles and included in our analysis 12 that met the following inclusion criteria: 1) 5 or more cases reported; 2) the extent of resection, visual outcomes and complication rates that were specifically documented for TSMs excised through the transsphenoidal route.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Twelve studies that included 150 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 55 years. The mean tumor volume, reported in 2 studies, was 6.6 cc and mean maximum diameter, reported in 11 studies, was 25 mm. The gross total resection rate was 77.2%. Vision improved in 79.5% of cases and deteriorated in 7.3%. CSF leak postoperatively occurred in 15.3% of patients. In the 11 studies that reported hormonal outcomes, there was a 9.4% transient hyponatremia or diabetes insipidus and 2.2% of patients developed a new permanent endocrine dysfunction. A symptomatic vascular injury was reported in 2.6% of patients. There was one mortality (0.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
The endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal excision of TSMs is a feasible, safe and effective surgical option with a low morbidity and mortality. The use of this approach has evolved in the last 10 years and in some centers has replaced the transcranial route for selected cases. Given the limited availability and heterogeneity of comparative observational studies, a direct comparison with transcranial approaches was not performed for the purpose of this review analysis. Likewise, from an epidemiological and statistical perspective a meta-analysis was deemed inappropriate.
Topics: Endoscopy; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Neurosurgical Procedures; Skull Base Neoplasms; Supratentorial Neoplasms
PubMed: 27280544
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology Jan 2024Preoperative anxiety is common among patients, particularly in neurosurgical patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and predictive factors of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Preoperative anxiety is common among patients, particularly in neurosurgical patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and predictive factors of preoperative anxiety using the state anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) among patients undergoing elective craniotomy for a supratentorial neoplasm. This study also determined the optimal Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) score for the identification of preoperative anxiety in this cohort.
METHODS
Sixty patients aged 18 to 65 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score I/II scheduled for elective craniotomy for a supratentorial neoplasm were recruited into this prospective, observational study. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using STAI-S and APAIS questionnaires. Using STAI-S ≥37 to define preoperative anxiety, the optimal APAIS to identify preoperative anxiety was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictive factors for preoperative anxiety.
RESULTS
Sixty percent of patients had preoperative anxiety (STAI-S ≥37). An APAIS score of 10 identified preoperative anxiety with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 97%, 96%, and 97%, respectively. Right-sided tumor location ( P =0.047) and need-for-information on surgery ( P =0.007) were independent predictors of preoperative anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with supratentorial neoplasms have a high incidence of preoperative anxiety; an APAIS score of 10 is the optimal cutoff to identify anxious patients in the preoperative period. Need-for-information about surgery and right-sided tumor laterality are independent predictors of preoperative anxiety.
Topics: Humans; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Anxiety; Brain Neoplasms; Supratentorial Neoplasms
PubMed: 36418242
DOI: 10.1097/ANA.0000000000000896