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World Neurosurgery Mar 2024The cautionary stance normally taken towards tranexamic acid (TXA) is rooted in concerns regarding its complication profile, namely its purported risk for venous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Tranexamic Acid Demonstrates Efficacy without Increased Risk for Venous Thromboembolic Events in Cranial Neurosurgery: Systematic Review of the Evidence and Current Applications in Nontraumatic Pathologies.
BACKGROUND
The cautionary stance normally taken towards tranexamic acid (TXA) is rooted in concerns regarding its complication profile, namely its purported risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). In the present review, we intend to bring increased attention to TXA as a remarkably valuable tool that does not appear to increase the risk for VTE when used as indicated in select patients.
METHODS
We queried three databases to identify reporting use of TXA during nontraumatic cranial neurosurgery procedures (excluded traumatic brain injury). Data gathered included VTE complications, deep venous thrombosis, use of allogeneic blood transfusions, estimated blood loss, and operative duration.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in the present meta-analysis, including nine studies on surgical resection of intracranial neoplasms, ten studies on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and nine studies on craniosynostosis. In brain tumor surgery, TXA appears to successfully reduce blood loss without predisposing patients to VTE or seizure (P < 0.01). However, it does not appear to reduce rates of vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (P = 0.27), and its administration is not associated with clinically meaningful differences in long term neurological outcomes. For pediatric patients undergoing craniosynostosis procedures, TXA similarly reduces blood loss (P < 0.01). Nonetheless, low dosing protocols should be used because they appear effective and the effects of high dose TXA in children have not been studied.
CONCLUSIONS
TXA is an effective hemostatic agent that can be administered to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements for a wide range of neurosurgical applications in a broad spectrum of patient populations.
Topics: Humans; Child; Tranexamic Acid; Venous Thromboembolism; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Neurosurgery; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Blood Loss, Surgical; Venous Thrombosis; Craniosynostoses
PubMed: 38052364
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.11.148 -
World Neurosurgery Aug 2023A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) venous fistula (CVF) is an aberrant connection between the subarachnoid space and a vein resulting in CSF loss. The presentation and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) venous fistula (CVF) is an aberrant connection between the subarachnoid space and a vein resulting in CSF loss. The presentation and management of CVF with cognitive decline is incompletely understood.
METHODS
A systematic review was completed following the PRISMA guidelines. Articles that included at least 1 case of imaging-confirmed CVF with details on patient treatment were included. A separate review of cases of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or dementia symptoms was also completed.
RESULTS
Ten CVF articles (69 patients; average age, 51.5 years) and 5 SIH with FTD or dementia articles (n = 41; average age, 55.9 years) were identified. Only 1 patients with CVF with cognitive abnormalities was identified. The most common symptom was headache in both reviews. Brain sag was identified in all patients, whereas CSF leak was identified in only 2 patients with SIH with FTD or dementia (4.9%). An epidural blood or fibrin glue patch was used in all patients with CVF and in 33 patients with SIH with FTD or dementia. Fifty-five patients with CVF (79.7%) and 27 patients with SIH with FTD or dementia (65.9%) had surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The 2 cases and literature reviews show the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment of CVF with cognitive decline. Novel imaging techniques should be used in patients with cognitive decline in whom a CSF leak is suspected. Transvenous embolization or surgery should be considered before patching for treatment of CVF-induced brain sag and resulting dementia.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Frontotemporal Dementia; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Intracranial Hypotension; Cognitive Dysfunction; Fistula; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 36934870
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.03.056 -
The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care... Nov 2023This is a 10-year review of The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (JTACS) literature related to health care disparities, health care inequities, and patient...
Trends in disparities research on trauma and acute care surgery outcomes: A 10-year systematic review of articles published in The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.
ABSTRACT
This is a 10-year review of The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (JTACS) literature related to health care disparities, health care inequities, and patient outcomes. A retrospective review of articles published in JTACS between January 1, 2013, and July 15, 2022, was performed. Articles screened included both adult and pediatric trauma populations. Included articles focused on patient populations related to trauma, surgical critical care, and emergency general surgery. Of the 4,178 articles reviewed, 74 met the inclusion criteria. Health care disparities related to gender (n = 10), race/ethnicity (n = 12), age (n = 14), income status (n = 6), health literacy (n = 6), location and access to care (n = 23), and insurance status (n = 13) were described. Studies published on disparities peaked in 2016 and 2022 with 13 and 15 studies respectively but dropped to one study in 2017. Studies demonstrated a significant increase in mortality for patients in rural geographical regions and in patients without health insurance and a decrease in patients who were treated at a trauma center. Gender disparities resulted in variable mortality rates and studied factors, including traumatic brain injury mortality and severity, venous thromboembolism, ventilator-associated pneumonia, firearm homicide, and intimate partner violence. Under-represented race/ethnicity was associated with variable mortality rates, with one study demonstrating increased mortality risk and three finding no association between race/ethnicity and mortality. Disparities in health literacy resulted in decreased discharge compliance and worse long-term functional outcomes. Studies on disparities in JTACS over the last decade primarily focused on location and access to health care, age, insurance status, and race, with a specific emphasis on mortality. This review highlights the areas in need of further research and funding in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery regarding health care disparities in trauma aimed at interventions to reduce disparities in patient care, ensure equitable care, and inform future approaches targeting health care disparities.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Systematic Review; Level IV.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; United States; Insurance, Health; Ethnicity; Healthcare Disparities; Critical Care; Homicide
PubMed: 37405809
DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004067 -
Injury Mar 2024Non-aortic arterial injuries are common and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Historically, open surgical repair (OSR) was the conventional method of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Non-aortic arterial injuries are common and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Historically, open surgical repair (OSR) was the conventional method of repair. With recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques, endovascular repair (ER) has gained popularity. We sought to compare outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular and open repairs of traumatic non-aortic penetrating arterial injuries.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using MEDLINE (OVID), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus Database from January 1st, 1990, to March 20th, 2023. Titles and abstracts were screened, followed by full text review. Articles assessing clinically important outcomes between OSR and ER in penetrating arterial injuries were included. Exclusion criteria included blunt injuries, aortic injuries, pediatric populations, review articles, and non-English articles. Odds ratios (OR) and Cohen's d ratios were used to quantify differences in morbidity and mortality.
RESULTS
A total of 3770 articles were identified, of which 8 met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The articles comprised a total of 8369 patients of whom 90 % were male with a median age of 28 years. 85 % of patients were treated with OSR while 15 % underwent ER. With regards to injury characteristics, those who underwent ER were less likely to present with concurrent venous injuries (OR: 0.41; 95 %CI: 0.18, 0.94; p = 0.03). Regarding hospital outcomes, patients who underwent ER had a lower likelihood of in-hospital or 30-day mortality (OR: 0.72; 95 %CI: 0.55, 0.95; p = 0.02) and compartment syndrome (OR: 0.29, 95 %CI: 0.12, 0.71; p = 0.007). The overall risk of bias was moderate.
CONCLUSION
Endovascular repair of non-aortic penetrating arterial injuries is increasingly common, however open repair remains the most common approach. Compared to ER, OSR was associated with higher odds of compartment syndrome and mortality. Further prospective research is warranted to determine the patient populations and injury patterns that most significantly benefit from an endovascular approach.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Adult; Female; Endovascular Procedures; Arteries; Odds Ratio; Probability; Vascular System Injuries; Compartment Syndromes; Treatment Outcome; Risk Factors; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation
PubMed: 38309083
DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111368 -
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia Nov 2023The venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score presents a prospect of valuable clinical utility. The study aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of the VExUS...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score presents a prospect of valuable clinical utility. The study aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of the VExUS score in detecting venous congestion across emergency, critical care, and peri-operative contexts; assessing its utility in improved patient outcomes; and exploring its relationship with established parameters.
METHODS
This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023421034). A comprehensive literature search, employing pre-defined search terms related to the VExUS score in diverse clinical contexts, was conducted on articles published between 2000 and 15 May 2023 across databases- PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, Scopus, Elsevier Clinical Key, and Google Scholar. Bias risk assessment was carried out using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies tool. Given the significant heterogeneity across studies concerning participants, interventions, outcomes, and study designs, data pooling for a meaningful meta-analysis was not feasible.
RESULTS
The review included 15 articles comprising observational studies, case series, and case reports. Most patients exhibited moderate-to-severe venous congestion based on their baseline VExUS scores. Higher VExUS scores correlated with a greater risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in post-operative patients. The VExUS score strongly correlated with central venous pressure; specific components, such as the intra-renal monophasic pattern, portal-pulsatility, and inferior vena cava diameter, exhibited robust predictive value for venous congestion.
CONCLUSION
VExUS score is valuable in assessing and predicting venous congestion, especially regarding AKI prediction risk and guiding interventions. However, its utility in predicting outcomes in acute heart failure patients appears less certain.
PubMed: 38187971
DOI: 10.4103/ija.ija_475_23 -
International Journal of Infectious... Sep 2023Chorea following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, has been increasingly recognized. We aimed to synthesize clinical and paraclinical characteristics, treatment...
OBJECTIVES
Chorea following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, has been increasingly recognized. We aimed to synthesize clinical and paraclinical characteristics, treatment responses, and outcomes of this neurologic complication.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed LitCOVID, the World Health Organization database on COVID-19, and MedRxiv up to March 2023, following a published protocol.
RESULTS
We included 14 chorea cases in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and eight following COVID-19 vaccination. Acute or subacute chorea preceded COVID-19 symptoms within 1-3 days or developed up to 3 months after infection. Frequently it was generalized (85.7%), with associated neurological manifestations (encephalopathy 35.7%; other movement disorders 7.1%). After vaccination, chorea had a sudden onset (87.5%) within 2 weeks (75%); 87.5% of cases presented hemichorea, with hemiballismus (37.5%) or other movement disorders; 12.5% presented additional neurological findings. Cerebrospinal fluid was normal in 50% of infected individuals but abnormal in all vaccinated cases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging detected normal basal ganglia in 51.7% of infection cases and 87.5% following vaccination.
CONCLUSION
In SARS-CoV-2 infection, chorea may present several pathogenic mechanisms: autoimmune response to infection, direct infection-related injury, or an infection-related complication (i.e., acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, hyperglycemia); also, previous Sydenham chorea may relapse. After COVID-19 vaccination, chorea could be due to an autoimmune reaction or other mechanisms (vaccine-induced hyperglycemia, stroke).
Topics: Humans; Chorea; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Hyperglycemia; Movement Disorders; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination
PubMed: 37423421
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.07.001 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Sep 2023Although several complications of proximal hamstring tendon ruptures have been reported in the literature, few studies have comprehensively analyzed the complication...
BACKGROUND
Although several complications of proximal hamstring tendon ruptures have been reported in the literature, few studies have comprehensively analyzed the complication profile of proximal hamstring tendon repair.
PURPOSE
To identify the overall rate of complications following proximal hamstring tendon repair and to differentiate these complications into categories.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
Included in this review were studies that examined surgical repair of proximal hamstring tendon ruptures; all studies were in English and had an evidence level of 4 or higher. No restrictions were made regarding publication date or methodological quality. Data regarding complications were extracted to calculate the overall complication rate as well as the rate of major and minor complications. A quantitative data synthesis was conducted using the chi-square test to compare the proportion of patients who experienced complications with the endoscopic versus open approach.
RESULTS
A total of 43 articles including 2833 proximal hamstring tendon repairs were identified. The overall postoperative complication rate was 15.3% (n = 433). The rate of major complications was 4.6%, including a 1.7% rate of sciatic nerve injury, 0.8% rate of venous thromboembolism, 0.8% reoperation rate, 0.8% rerupture rate, and 0.4% rate of deep infection. Minor complications included a 2.4% rate of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve injury, 2.3% rate of persistent hamstring myopathy, 2.2% rate of persistent sitting pain, 1.8% rate of peri-incisional numbness, 1.1% rate of superficial infection, and 0.8% rate of hematoma/seroma.
CONCLUSION
Proximal hamstring tendon repair is associated with an overall complication rate of 15.3%, including a 4.6% rate of major complications.
PubMed: 37781641
DOI: 10.1177/23259671231199092 -
Cureus Sep 2023Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating disorder causing severe, episodic, unilateral stabbing facial pain disturbing enough to disrupt the activities of daily life.... (Review)
Review
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating disorder causing severe, episodic, unilateral stabbing facial pain disturbing enough to disrupt the activities of daily life. Classic TN is caused due to compression injury of the trigeminal nerve at the cistern segment caused by either an artery or a vein, referred to as neurovascular contact or conflict (NVC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the standard tool for the diagnosis of NVC. This study aimed to determine the incidence of NVC in TN, as identified by MRI, assess the various MRI grading patterns among patients with TN, and identify the vessels primarily involved in NVC. A systematic search of studies that used MRI for the diagnosis of TN in reference to NVC was conducted on DOAJ and PubMed/PubMed Central. Data were extracted and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The outcomes measured were the incidence of NVC as shown in MRI, vessels involved in NVC, and MRI grading patterns. We identified and selected 20 studies that fulfilled inclusion/exclusion criteria. In total, 1,436 patients were enrolled in all included studies. The type of MRI used was 1.5 T or 3 T MRI. The mean age of the patients varied from 49 to 63 years, with an equivalent male-to-female ratio. NVC was seen in 1,276 cases out of 1,436 cases (88.85%) of TN on the ipsilateral side, as shown by MRI. The vessels involved were arteries in 80-90% of the cases, followed by veins. Among the arteries, the superior cerebellar artery was the most common artery (80-90% of cases). The grades of NVC as assessed by MRI included grades I, II, and III with varied proportions in different studies. NVC is a common problem in TN, wherein there is compression at the nerve root entry zone, and it shows a strong predilection for the elderly population. MRI seems to be a novel imaging diagnostic investigation to identify NVC associated with TN. Moreover, NVC grading must be done with MRI so that it may help the surgeon in stratifying the patient's treatment.
PubMed: 37799230
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44614 -
Pediatric Radiology Jan 2024Extravasation of iodinated contrast material during computed tomography (CT) is a rare complication. A few patients may develop severe complications such as compartment...
BACKGROUND
Extravasation of iodinated contrast material during computed tomography (CT) is a rare complication. A few patients may develop severe complications such as compartment syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the prevalence, severity, management, and outcome of contrast extravasations in our institution and to perform a comparison to what has been reported in the existing literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a research ethics board (REB)-approved retrospective study comprising 11 patients who had intravenous contrast-enhanced CT between 2019 and 2022 in a tertiary pediatric center, and experienced extravasation of iodinated contrast as a complication. Age, weight, sex, co-morbidities, angiocatheter size, venous access location, total contrast volume, flow rate, patient's symptoms, severity of injury, and management were collected. For the systematic review, PRISMA guidelines were followed.
RESULTS
Only 11 (0.3%) (0.17-0.54 (95%CI)) contrast extravasations occurred in a total of 3638 CTs performed with intravenous contrast during the same period in children. The median age (IQR) was 12.5 (10.0, 15.0) years. In our cohort, 1/11 patients developed compartment syndrome and required fasciotomy. The systematic review assessed 12 articles representing a population of 110 children with extravasations. Pooled prevalence from articles stratified by age was 0.32% (0.06-0.58% (95%CI)). Only three children experienced moderate to severe complications.
CONCLUSIONS
We confirm that severe complications of contrast extravasation are rare and can occur at any age. No strong associations were seen with the need for surgical consultation (including age, sex, weight, flow rate, injection site, catheter size, and type of contrast).
Topics: Child; Humans; Contrast Media; Retrospective Studies; Injections, Intravenous; Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Compartment Syndromes
PubMed: 37991500
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05811-6 -
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Feb 2024Existing diagnostics for polytrauma patients continue to rely on non-invasive monitoring techniques with limited sensitivity and specificity for critically unwell... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Existing diagnostics for polytrauma patients continue to rely on non-invasive monitoring techniques with limited sensitivity and specificity for critically unwell patients. Lactate is a known diagnostic and prognostic marker used in infection and trauma and has been associated with mortality, need for surgery, and organ dysfunction. Point-of-care (POC) testing allows for the periodic assessment of lactate levels; however, there is an associated expense and equipment burden associated with repeated sampling, with limited feasibility in prehospital care. Subcutaneous lactate monitoring has the potential to provide a dynamic assessment of physiological lactate levels and utilize these trends to guide management and response to given treatments.
STUDY OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to appraise the current literature on dynamic subcutaneous continuous lactate monitoring (SCLM) in adult trauma patients and its use in lactate-guided therapy in the prehospital environment.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. Searched databases included PubMed, EMBASE via Ovid SP, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Databases were searched from inception to March 29, 2022. Relevant manuscripts were further scrutinized for reference citations to interrogate the fullness of the adjacent literature.
RESULTS
Searches returned 600 studies, including 551 unique manuscripts. Following title and abstract screening, 14 manuscripts met the threshold for full-text sourcing. Subsequent to the scrutiny of all 14 manuscripts, none fully met the specified eligibility criteria. Following careful examination, no article was found to cover the exact area of scientific inquiry due to disparity in technological or environmental characteristics.
CONCLUSION
Little is known about the utility of dynamic subcutaneous lactate monitoring, and this review highlights a clear gap in current literature. Novel subcutaneous lactate monitors are in development, and the literature describing the prototype experimentation has been summarized. These studies demonstrate device accuracy, which shows a close correlation with venous lactate while providing dynamic readings without significant lag times. Their availability and cost remain barriers to implementation at present. This represents a clear target for future feasibility studies to be conducted into the clinical use of dynamic subcutaneous lactate monitoring in trauma and resuscitation.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Lactic Acid; Multiple Trauma; Sensitivity and Specificity; Point-of-Care Testing; Emergency Medical Services
PubMed: 38047359
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X23006623