World Neurosurg
-
The Aurora A F31I polymorphism has been linked to increased risk of several human cancers. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant glioma as well as the most frequent adult primary brain tumor. ⋯ The data obtained from this case-control study demonstrates that the Aurora A F31I polymorphism is not a significant risk for GBMs.
-
Neurosurgeons have been familiar with the idea that hypothermia is protective against various types of brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent randomized controlled trials, however, have failed to demonstrate the efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in patients with TBI. On the other hand, TH becomes popular in the treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors, after randomized controlled trials have shown that survival rate and functional outcome is improved with the use of TH in selected patients. We believe that knowledge on the recent progress in TH for OHCA is useful for neurosurgeons, because feedback of information obtained in the treatment of OHCA may revitalize the interest in TH for neurosurgical disorders, particularly TBI. ⋯ Neurosurgeons and critical care medicine physicians pursue the same goal of rescuing the brain from the secondary injury despite the difference in etiology (focal trauma vs. global ischemia), with the presumption that earlier and faster implementation of TH will result in better outcome. Thoughtful application of knowledge and techniques obtained in OHCA to TBI under a rigorously controlled situation will make a small, but significant difference in the outcome of TBI victims.
-
Comparative Study
Canadian health care and neurosurgery: the good, the bad and the ugly.