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Neurosurgical Focus Jun 2024Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an effective treatment for hypertonia in children involving the implantation of a pump and catheter system. The highest concentration of...
OBJECTIVE
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an effective treatment for hypertonia in children involving the implantation of a pump and catheter system. The highest concentration of ITB is at the catheter tip. The catheter tip location is most commonly within the lumbar or thoracic spine. The cervical tip location has traditionally been avoided because of concerns of hypoventilation and pneumonia; however, these complications in cervical compared with thoracic or lumbar placement have not been reliably proven. Some studies have suggested that cervical ITB location better treats upper-extremity hypertonia. There are limited data describing the safety and efficacy of cervical ITB on hypertonia. The authors present a single-institution retrospective case series highlighting the safety and efficacy of using cervical ITB location for the treatment of hypertonia.
METHODS
Retrospective data analysis was performed for children who underwent continuous dosing cervical ITB between April 2022 and October 2023. Nonmodifiable risk factors, clinical variables, operative characteristics, and adverse outcomes were collected.
RESULTS
This study included 25 patients (8 female). The mean age at implantation was 12.4 years, and the mean operative duration was 90 minutes. The mean Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale score decreased by 9.5 points (p = 0.01). The mean aggregated modified Ashworth scale score in the upper extremities decreased by 2.14 points (p = 0.04), and that in the lower extremities decreased by 4.98 points (p < 0.01). One patient each (4%) had infection and baclofen toxicity. Two patients (8%) had respiratory depression requiring continuous positive airway pressure. There was no incidence of pneumonia or wound dehiscence.
CONCLUSIONS
The cervical catheter tip location for ITB is safe, is effective to control tone, and should be considered for the treatment of hypertonia. Larger studies with longer follow-up are necessary to further determine upper-limit dosing safety along with long-term functional benefits in these patients.
Topics: Humans; Baclofen; Female; Retrospective Studies; Male; Child; Injections, Spinal; Adolescent; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Treatment Outcome; Child, Preschool; Muscle Hypertonia; Infusion Pumps, Implantable; Cervical Vertebrae
PubMed: 38823059
DOI: 10.3171/2024.3.FOCUS2475 -
Neurosurgical Focus Jun 2024Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience medically refractory hypertonia, for which there are surgical therapies including neuromodulation and rhizotomy....
OBJECTIVE
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience medically refractory hypertonia, for which there are surgical therapies including neuromodulation and rhizotomy. Traditional surgical treatment for medically refractory mixed hypertonia or dystonia includes intrathecal baclofen pumps and selective dorsal rhizotomy. A nonselective lumbosacral ventral-dorsal rhizotomy (VDR; ventral and dorsal roots lesioned by 80%-90%) has the potential to address the limitations of traditional surgical options. The authors highlighted the institutional safety and efficacy of nonselective lumbosacral VDR for palliative tone management in nonambulatory patients with more severe CP.
METHODS
The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone lumbosacral VDR between 2022 and 2023. Demographic factors, clinical variables, and operative characteristics were collected. The primary outcomes of interest included tone control and quality of life improvement. Secondary outcome measures included, as a measure of safety, perioperative events such as paresthesias. Postoperative complications were also noted.
RESULTS
Fourteen patients (7 female) were included in the study. All patients had undergone a T12-L2 osteoplastic laminoplasty and bilateral L1-S1 VDR. Nine patients had quadriplegic mixed hypertonia, 4 had quadriplegic spasticity, and 1 had generalized secondary dystonia. Following VDR, there was a significant decrease in both lower-extremity modified Ashworth Scale (mAS) scores (mean difference [MD] -2.77 ± 1.0, p < 0.001) and upper-extremity mAS scores (MD -0.71 ± 0.76, p = 0.02), with an average follow-up of 3 months. In the patient with generalized dystonia, the lower-extremity Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale score decreased from 8 to 0, and the overall score decreased from 32 to 13. All parents noted increased ease in caregiving, particularly in terms of positioning, transfers, and changing. The mean daily enteral baclofen dose decreased from 47 mg preoperatively to 24.5 mg postoperatively (p < 0.001). Three patients developed wound dehiscence, 2 of whom had concurrent infections.
CONCLUSIONS
Lumbosacral VDR is safe, is effective for tone control, and can provide quality of life improvements in patients with medically refractory lower-limb mixed hypertonia. Lumbosacral VDR can be considered for palliative tone control in nonambulatory patients with more severe CP. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to further determine safety and long-term benefits in these patients.
Topics: Humans; Cerebral Palsy; Female; Rhizotomy; Male; Child; Retrospective Studies; Muscle Hypertonia; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; Child, Preschool; Lower Extremity; Lumbosacral Region; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38823052
DOI: 10.3171/2024.3.FOCUS2472 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Jun 2024This study aimed to assess membrane use with a bone substitute graft for guided bone regeneration (GBR) in experimental dehiscence defects.
The effect of a barrier membrane on the incorporation of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in experimental defects at the time of early implant placement. A preclinical study.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess membrane use with a bone substitute graft for guided bone regeneration (GBR) in experimental dehiscence defects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Maxillary second incisors (I2) in 9 dogs were extracted. Six weeks later, implants were inserted and experimental dehiscence defects (5 × 3 mm) created on the buccal aspect. The defects and surrounding bone were grafted with deproteinized bovine bone mineral. One side (test) was covered with a resorbable collagen membrane whereas the contralateral side (control) was not. After 6 weeks, histomorphometrical analysis was performed to evaluate: (a) first bone-to-implant contact (fBIC), (b) buccal bone thickness at 1 mm increments from implant shoulder, (c) regenerated area (RA), (d) area and percentages of new bone (B), bone substitute (BS) and mineralized tissue (MT).
RESULTS
The histological appearance was similar between test and control sites. At central and lateral sections, there were no differences between groups for fBIC, buccal bone thickness, RA, BS, B, %B, MT and %MT. At central sections, membrane use favoured more %BS and %MT (p = 0.052). There was significantly more B, %B and MT at lateral compared to central sections.
CONCLUSIONS
Membrane use tended to retain more bone substitute, but had no effect on new bone ingrowth. Lateral sections showed significantly more bone ingrowth and mineralized tissue compared to central sections, confirming that new bone ingrowth takes place mainly from the lateral walls of the defect.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Preclinical research to clarify the dynamics of bone regeneration in GBR procedures is relevant in clinical practice.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dogs; Bone Substitutes; Membranes, Artificial; Bone Regeneration; Incisor; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Maxilla; Dental Implants; Collagen; Surgical Wound Dehiscence; Minerals
PubMed: 38822921
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05748-6 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery May 2024Against the technological advances in limb salvage, below-the-knee amputation (BKA) remains a common procedure. Although most elective BKA is classified as clean...
INTRODUCTION
Against the technological advances in limb salvage, below-the-knee amputation (BKA) remains a common procedure. Although most elective BKA is classified as clean operation, the reported stump complication rate is much higher than predicted. Postoperative casting (PC) may reduce the number of these complications. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of elastic bandage with knee immobilizer (EBKI) and PC in BKA stump complications.
METHODS
Retrospective cohort comparison design identified patients who underwent BKA between 2000-2023 for uncorrectable lower extremity ischemia, or excessive tissue loss secondary to non-correctable critical limb ischemia (CLI), excessive tissue loss secondary to CLI, infection, severe neuropathy, or the combination of these and stratified them into 2 cohorts based on their postoperative stump dressing: EBKI and PC. BKAs that were done for trauma or neoplastic process were excluded. The primary outcome measures: wound healing in 6 weeks and length of stay (LOS).
SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
stump injury, infection, dehiscence, necrosis, number of higher-level amputations, knee contracture and post BKA mobility with SIGAM score.
RESULTS
116 patients with 122 limbs (52 EBKI, 70 PC) were found who met inclusion criteria and analyzed. The groups were comparable in demographics and comorbidities and pre-operative variables, including mobility. The primary wound healing at 6 weeks was higher (p=0.007), wound dehiscence (p=0.01) and length of stay (p=0.006) was lower in the PC group compared to EBKI group. The PC group achieved higher SIGAM mobility score and lower number of contractures developed compared to the EBKI group.
CONCLUSIONS
Applying and maintaining PC to the BKA stump during the first month of healing reduced the incidence of stump complications, shortened the LOS and improved post rehabilitation mobility results. We found no effect of PC on postoperative infections, stump necrosis and higher-level amputations.
PubMed: 38815907
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.03.011 -
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics Jun 2024Drug resistant (DR) osteoarticular TB (OATB) is a challenge in view of it being deep seated lesion and paucibacillary disease. Case definition, investigation protocol,...
BACKGROUND
Drug resistant (DR) osteoarticular TB (OATB) is a challenge in view of it being deep seated lesion and paucibacillary disease. Case definition, investigation protocol, treatment of proven DR and those cases where DR could not be demonstrated lacks clarity and evidence. Hence, a series of studies were conducted to develop an algorithm to investigate and treat therapeutically refractory disease (TRD) or presumptive drug resistance (PDR) cases of OATB.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
6 studies were conducted. Study one and two evaluated criteria to label TRD/PDR. Three subsequent studies were conducted where TDR/PDR or fresh cases of OATB cases were investigated by AFB smear, Bactec/liquid culture, histology and genotypic DST by CBNAAT & LPA. Sixth study was a retrospective evaluation of all DR cases treated for proven or clinical drug resistance (CDR).
RESULTS
Patient of bone/spine TB on ATT for 5 months or more show poor clinico-radiological treatment response as worsening of lesion, increased spinal deformity, persistent discharging sinus/ulcer, appearance of fresh lesion, recurrence of previous lesion, wound dehiscence of post-operative surgical scar cab labelled as PDR cases. These cases on histology ascertained TB and were proven DR on genotypic and phenotypic DST and are treated successfully. The patients of histologically ascertained TB and no/indeterminate phenotypic and genotypic DST were successfully treated as clinical drug resistance on MDR protocol.
CONCLUSIONS
We described an algorithm. We must suspect PDR(TRD) based on criteria described. The tissue must be procured and submitted for AFB smear, histology and phenotypic and genotypic DST for diagnosis of TB. Genotypic and phenotypic DST will be useful to prove (90% instances) type of drug resistance. Remaining on strong clinical suspicion of DR and yet inconclusive on phenotypic/genotypic DST (<10%), may be treated as CDR as MDR. The adverse drug reactions and hepatic side-effects should be monitored diligently and these cases to be treated till healed status is demonstrated.
PubMed: 38812873
DOI: 10.1007/s43465-024-01138-y -
International Urology and Nephrology May 2024To investigate if predictors of wound complications differed between patients undergoing excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty (EPA) and augmented urethroplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate if predictors of wound complications differed between patients undergoing excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty (EPA) and augmented urethroplasty.
METHODS
The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2006 to 2018 was queried for male patients undergoing urethroplasty. Thirty-day wound complications were identified and categorized (superficial/deep/organ-space surgical site infections and dehiscence). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors associated with wound complications. Smoking history was defined as current smoker within the past year.
RESULTS
Urethroplasty was performed in 2251 males, with 25.46% (n = 573) using a flap or graft. There was no significant difference in wound complications for patients undergoing augmented urethroplasty (n = 17, 2.97%) or EPA (n = 45, 2.68%) (p = 0.9). The augmented group had a higher BMI, longer operative time, and longer length of stay. On multivariable logistic regression, risk factors associated with wound complications for patients undergoing EPA were diabetes (OR 2.56, p = 0.03) and smoking (OR 2.32, p = 0.02). However, these factors were not associated with wound complications in patients undergoing augmented urethroplasty.
CONCLUSIONS
Smoking and diabetes were associated with increased wound complications for men undergoing EPA, but not in patients undergoing augmented urethroplasty. Patients with comorbidities associated with worse wound healing may be more likely to have a wound complication when undergoing EPA.
PubMed: 38811450
DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04085-7 -
Journal of Tissue Viability May 2024This study aimed to evaluate adherence to an antibiotic prophylaxis protocol and its impact on incidence of surgical site infection (SSI).
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate adherence to an antibiotic prophylaxis protocol and its impact on incidence of surgical site infection (SSI).
MATERIALS AND METHOD
A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at a teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from September to November 2015. The population were adults who underwent surgery with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. The main outcomes measured were incidence of SSI at 30-days postoperatively, protocol adherence and surgical wound complications. STROBE guidelines were followed.
RESULTS
Among the 527 participants recruited, a 30-day follow-up was completed by 78.7 % (n = 415). Within this cohort, 57.6 % were females aged over 60 years (36.4 %). The incidence of SSI stood at 9.4 % (n = 39), with dehiscence being the most prevalent complication at 64.1 % (n = 25), followed by increased exudate at 51.3 % (n = 20). Notably, full adherence to the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol was low at 1.7 % (n = 7). The study observed a 60 % increased risk of SSI for every protocol mistake made. Alarmingly, 17.8 % (n = 74) of participants received antibiotic treatment exceeding the stipulated protocol duration. The overall mortality rate stood at 13.5 % (n = 56), with 1 % (n = 4) of these deaths attributed to SSI.
CONCLUSION
There is a pressing global necessity to enhance antibiotic management, as underscored by this study's revelation of low adherence to the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol. This lack of adherence correlated with a notable incidence of SSI and subsequent wound complications. Nearly 20 % of participants received prolonged antibiotic treatment. Adhering strictly to the protocol could substantially impact SSI-related outcomes and enhance global antibiotic management.
PubMed: 38811295
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2024.05.002 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... May 2024To report the clinical use, adverse events, and outcomes after using amikacin in 30% poloxamer 407 (amikacin-P407) during open wound management or in a closed wound...
OBJECTIVE
To report the clinical use, adverse events, and outcomes after using amikacin in 30% poloxamer 407 (amikacin-P407) during open wound management or in a closed wound application in dogs.
ANIMALS
29 client-owned dogs.
METHODS
Medical records from January 2017 to August 2023 from a single hospital were reviewed for dogs that received amikacin-P407 in an open or closed wound application. Information reviewed included signalment, nature of wound and/or surgical site infection (SSI), bacterial cultures, amikacin dose, gel volume, route of administration, estimated wound surface area, biochemistry parameters, urine casts, wound progression, and general clinical outcome.
RESULTS
Amikacin-P407 was applied during open wound care (10 dogs), via injection (5 dogs), and at time of wound closure (13 dogs) and was used both in open and closed wound management (1 dog). Wounds were associated with SSIs in 18 of 30 sites. Multidrug resistance was noted in 21 of 30 preapplication cultures. Median amikacin dose was 14.5 mg/kg (range, 3 to 59.5 mg/kg), median total volume was 5.0 mL (range, 1 to 12 mL), and median tissue surface area was 6.6 cm2 (range, 1.6 to 36 cm2), for a local wound dose of 62.5 mg/cm2 (range, 6.9 to 214.3 mg/cm2). No short-term adverse local or systemic effects were noted in any wounds or dogs. No dehiscence was seen in 17 of 19 closed sites.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The results of this case series suggested that Amikacin-P407 can be applied in a variety of ways with no adverse effects. Amikacin-P407 may be considered in open wound management or in a closed setting for infected wounds and SSIs.
PubMed: 38810661
DOI: 10.2460/javma.24.01.0048 -
BMJ Open May 2024Childbirth-related perineal trauma (CRPT) is the most common complication of childbirth affecting 80% of women overall after vaginal birth. There remains a lack of...
INTRODUCTION
Childbirth-related perineal trauma (CRPT) is the most common complication of childbirth affecting 80% of women overall after vaginal birth. There remains a lack of comprehensive evidence relating to the prevalence of subsequent health problems. Current evidence is related to short-term outcomes, for example, pain, but there is less known about longer-term outcomes such as infection, wound dehiscence, pelvic floor function and psychological outcomes. This is a protocol for a cohort study assessing outcomes of women after CRPT.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
A multicentre, prospective UK cohort study aiming to include 1000 women. All women who have sustained CRPT will be eligible for inclusion and will be followed-up for 12 months after childbirth. The primary outcome will be perineal infection at 6 weeks post-birth. Secondary outcomes will include antibiotic use for perineal infection, wound breakdown, use of analgesia, the requirement for admission or surgical intervention, urinary and faecal incontinence, anxiety and depressive symptoms, sexual function and impact on daily activities. Outcomes will be measured at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post partum, with some outcomes being measured at all time points and others at selected most appropriate time points only. Outcome data will be obtained from a review of clinical notes and from patient questionnaires. Simple descriptive statistics will be used to summarise characteristics and outcomes, with categorical variables expressed as percentages and continuous variables as mean averages, alongside the corresponding standard deviatons.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Council with reference 23/WA/0169. Data collected from the Childbirth Acquired Perineal Trauma (CHAPTER) cohort study will highlight the prevalence and type of complications after CRPT and which women are more at risk. After the conclusion of this study, findings will be used to work with governmental organisations and Royal Colleges to target resources and ultimately improve care.
Topics: Humans; Female; Perineum; Prospective Studies; United Kingdom; Pregnancy; Delivery, Obstetric; Obstetric Labor Complications; Research Design; Adult; Parturition
PubMed: 38803248
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086724 -
The American Surgeon May 2024Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are a rare complication of high energy blunt trauma. There exist several studies evaluating and outlining potential management options...
Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are a rare complication of high energy blunt trauma. There exist several studies evaluating and outlining potential management options but still no generalized consensus on management. This series was meant to evaluate the diagnosis and management of traumatic abdominal wall hernias. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with TAWH from 2021 to 2022. The primary outcome was operative management. Secondary outcomes included: time to diagnosis and post-operative outcomes. Of the 19 patients in this case series, 100% (n = 19/19) were secondary to blunt trauma with a mean ISS of 21. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 17 cases. 14 cases had concomitant traumatic injuries to visceral structures. Complications were found in nearly half of the patients with 3 experiencing wound dehiscence. Future studies should be aimed at standardizing management approach taking into account nature of the mechanism and concomitant injuries.
PubMed: 38803146
DOI: 10.1177/00031348241256060