Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2013
Community consultation in emergency neurotrauma research: results from a pre-protocol survey.
Uncertainty remains as to the role of decompressive craniectomy (DC) for primary evacuation of an acute subdural haematoma (ASDH). In 2011, a collaborative group of neurosurgeons, neuro-intensive care physicians and trial methodologists was formed in the UK with the aim of answering the following question: "What is the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of DC, in comparison to simple craniotomy for adult patients undergoing primary evacuation of an ASDH?" The proposed RESCUE-ASDH trial (Randomised Evaluation of Surgery with Craniectomy for patients Undergoing Evacuation of Acute Subdural Haematoma) is a multi-centre, pragmatic, parallel group randomised trial of DC versus simple craniotomy for adult head-injured patients with an ASDH. Clinical trials in the emergency setting face the problem that potential participants may be incapacitated and their next of kin initially unavailable. As a result, consent and enrolment of participants can often be difficult. ⋯ Our community consultation survey shows that the proposed trial is acceptable to the public. In addition, the results suggest high levels of acceptability of surrogate consent by next of kin or independent doctor amongst our community.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2013
Syndromic versus nonsyndromic atlantoaxial dislocation: do clinico-radiological differences have a bearing on management?
This prospective study attempts to study the clinico-radiological differences between patients with syndromic AAD (SAAD), non-syndromic AAD (NSAAD), and AAD with Klippel-Feil anomaly (AADKFA) that may impact management. ⋯ Myelopathy is induced by recurrent cord trauma due to reducible AAD in SAAD, and compromised cervicomedullary canal diameter in NSAAD and AADKFA. SAAD in children may be missed due to incomplete odontoid ossification or coexisting angular deformities. In AADKFA, decisions regarding vertebral levels to be included in posterior stabilization should take into consideration intact intervening motion segments and compensatory cervical hyperlordosis. Following VA injury, endovascular primary vessel occlusion/stenting across pseudoaneurysm preempts delayed rehemorrhage.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2013
Intraperitoneal treatment with S100B enhances hippocampal neurogenesis in juvenile mice and after experimental brain injury.
Neurogenesis is documented in adult mammals including humans, is promoted by neurotrophic factors, and constitutes an innate repair mechanism following brain injury. The glial neurotrophic protein S100B is released following various types of brain injuries, enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and improves cognitive function following brain injury in rats when applied intrathecally. The present study was designed to elucidate whether the beneficial effect of S100B on injury-induced neurogenesis can be confirmed in mice when applied intraperitoneally (i.p.), and whether this effect is dose-dependent. ⋯ We conclude that S100B participates in hippocampal neurogenesis after injury at lower nanomolar concentrations. Therefore S100B may serve as a potential adjunct treatment to promote neuroregeneration following brain damage.