Neurosurgery
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The recovery of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors with long-term favorable outlook is understudied. Time to follow commands varies widely in this patient population but has important clinical implications. ⋯ In severe TBI survivors with favorable outcomes, time to follow commands varied widely. Most patients began to follow commands within 2 weeks. Evidence of diffuse axonal injury, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infections can delay cognitive improvement in the acute period. Patients make considerable recovery up to 2 years after their injury.
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Little is known about the independent association of language barriers on postoperative process outcomes after craniotomies. ⋯ LEP is an independent risk factor for extended LOS, higher hospitalization cost, and discharge to skilled care in neurosurgical patients who undergo craniotomy for brain tumor. Future research should seek to understand mediators of these observed disparities.
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Central tendency analysis studies demonstrate that surgery provides pain relief in spinal metastatic tumors. However, they preclude patient-specific probability of treatment outcome. ⋯ Although patients with milder preoperative symptoms are likely to achieve better pain relief after surgery, patients with worse preoperative symptom also benefit from surgery with adequate pain relief with an improvement in physical function.
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Previous studies comparing hearing outcomes in patients managed with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and a watch-and-wait strategy were limited by small sample sizes that prevented controlling for potential confounders, including initial hearing status, tumor size, and age. ⋯ When controlling for potential confounders, there was no significant difference in loss of class A or serviceable hearing between patients managed with SRS or with observation alone.
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Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor with a universally poor prognosis. GBMs express elevated levels of hexokinase 2 (HK2), catalyzing the critical step in glycolysis and influencing several oncogenic pathways. Previous preclinical work has suggested a role for repurposed posaconazole (PCZ) in downregulating HK2 activity, reducing lactate and pyruvate production, interfering with tumor cell metabolism, and increasing mouse survival. ⋯ A successful trial will support the decision to proceed to advanced phase trials. Any tumor penetration by PCZ, with concomitant effect on glycolysis, warrants further in-depth analysis, as therapeutic options for these deadly tumors are currently limited.