scholarly journals Skull Base Osteomyelitis and Long Term Outcome

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-137
Author(s):  
Seniha Basaran ◽  
Oguz Evlice ◽  
Aysun Benli ◽  
Serap Simsek-Yavuz ◽  
Atahan Çağatay ◽  
...  

Objective: Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a rare, life-threatening infection and frequently followed and treated by otolaryngologists previously. In this study, we analyzed the diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes of SBO from the perspective of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology (IDCM). Methods: Hospitalized patients with SBO between 2012-2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory data of the patients were recorded. The patients who recovered with and without sequelae were compared. Results: The mean age of 16 SBO cases was 66 years, 75% of them were male and 87.5% had diabetes mellitus (DM). Cranial nerve and vascular/dural involvement were present in 75% and 56.3% of them, respectively. The most common isolated microorganism were P. aeruginosa, staphylococci and Candida spp. 81.2%, 43.7%, and 56% of the patients received anti-pseudomonal antibiotics, additional glycopeptide and additional antifungal drugs, respectively. The sequelae rate was 46.7% in a 24-month follow-up. Hypertension (p=0.041), duration of complaints (p=0.003), bilateral involvement of skull base (p=0.001), vascular thrombosis/inflammation or dural involvement (p=0.007), previous surgical intervention (p=0.041) and elevated ESR at the end of treatment (p=0.014) were defined as risk factors for permanent sequelae. There was no in-hospital mortality.  Conclusions: SBO mainly affects older male patients with DM and causes significant sequelae in half of them. In the cases unresponsive to anti-pseudomonal agents, the addition of antifungal therapy empirically may provide a clinical response. Permanent sequelae are more common in cases with delayed diagnosis/treatment, bilateral, vascular or dural involvement, and elevated ESR at the end of treatment.  ESR can be used to determine the treatment response and duration. The follow-up and treatment of SBO cases by IDCM with the support of experienced surgeons may contribute to the positive clinical results.

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Becherucci ◽  
Francesca Guzzi ◽  
Luigi Cirillo ◽  
Alessandra Bettiol ◽  
Arianna Zuccato ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease in childhood. Solitary functioning kidney (SFK) is part of the spectrum of CAKUT. Congenital SFK is mainly due to unilateral renal agenesis (URA) and multi-cystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). With the implementation of routine fetal ultrasound screening, SFK is increasingly recognized before birth, significantly raising the number of patients referred to paediatric nephrology units for clinical monitoring during childhood. Understanding the pathophysiology of SFK is pivotal for guiding the clinical management and informing long-term outcome. However, observational studies performed in children with SFK are controversial, especially about the need, methodology and timing of functional assessment. This may be at least in part due to the fact that different models of SFK, including congenital and acquired after unilateral nephrectomy, are often grouped together. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical, laboratory and functional features of congenital SFK caused by URA and MCDK in children, with a particular focus on the role of renal scintigraphy in estimating kidney function during childhood and adolescence. Method We retrospectively collected clinical, laboratory and instrumental records of all consecutive pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) affected by congenital SFK caused by URA or MCDK referred to the Nephrology and Dialysis Unit of Meyer Children’s Hospital of Florence (Italy) from 1992 to 2019. Patients with unilateral kidney hypodysplasia were excluded. In particular, we reviewed data from ultrasound scanning and sequential renal scintigraphy over time. URA and MCDK were compared for clinical features, long-term course and outcome. Results A total of 155 patients with congenital SFK were included in the study and divided in two groups according to the cause of SFK (URA, n=100; MCDK, n=55). The median length of follow-up was 47 and 45 months, respectively. Male sex and ethnicity were equally distributed in the two groups. Prenatal diagnosis was more frequent in MCDK group. We did not observe either preterm birth or low birth weight in patients enrolled. Overall, the clinical features were not statistically different between the two groups. In particular, SFK associated CAKUT, including vesicoureteral reflux, occurred at a comparable frequency. Also, measurement of kidney length by ultrasound scanning, which is often considered suggestive of compensatory hypertrophy, did not differ between groups. Although renal clearance from sequential renal scintigraphy appeared not statistically different between URA and MCDK, the latter seems to reach complete functional adaptation more rapidly and earlier in the first two years of life. Conclusion The clinical course and long-term outcome of SFK has been a topic of extensive debate. Due to poor-quality of data (unclear inclusion/exclusion criteria, lack of uniformity in data collection and outcome definition), generalization of findings from observational studies to all patients with SFK could be inappropriate. Congenital SFK could represent the most unbiased group to analyze and this study provides a thorough clinical characterization of a large and strictly selected cohort. Insights from sequential renal scintigraphy suggest a different trend in reaching single kidney complete functional adaptation in URA and MCDK. These results could potentially reveal significant differences in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of reaching compensatory hypertrophy and functional adaptation by the solitary kidney in the two models. Whether confirmed in larger cohorts, these findings could provide important implications for follow-up planning, informing the need, methodology and timing for function assessment, tailoring the clinical management and understanding long-term prognosis.


Author(s):  
O. Cohen-Inbar

Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is well-established in the management of inaccessible, recurrent, or residual benign skull base meningiomas. Most series report clinical outcome parameters and complications in the short -intermediate period after radiosurgery. Reports of long-term tumor control and neurological status are still lacking. Objective: We report the presentation, treatment, and long-term outcome of skull base meningiomas after GKRS. Methods: From a prospectively collected IRB approved database, we selected patients with a WHO grade I skull base meningioma treated with a single-session GKRS and a minimum of 60 months follow up. 135 patients, 54.1% males (n=73) form the cohort. Median age was 54 years (19-80). Median tumor volume was 4.7 cm3 (0.5-23). Median margin dose was 15 Gy (7.5-36). Median follow up was 102.5 months (60.1-235.4). Patient and tumor characteristics were assessed to determine predictors of neurological function and tumor progression. Results: At last follow up, tumor volume control was achieved in 88.1% (n=119). Post-GKRS clinical improvement or stability was reported in 61.5%. The 5, 10, and 15 years actuarial progression free survival rates are 100%, 95.4%, and 68.8%, respectively. Favorable outcome (both tumor control and clinical preservation/improvement) was attained in 60.8% (n=79). Pre-GKRS performance status (KPS) was shown to influence tumor progression (p=0.0001) and post-GKRS clinical improvement / preservation (p=0.003). Conclusion: GKRS offers a highly durable rate of tumor control for WHO-I skull base meningiomas, with an acceptably low incidence of neurological deficits. KPS at the time of radiosurgery serves as a reliable long-term predictor of overall outcome.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 334-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael B. Soyka ◽  
Carlo Serra ◽  
Luca Regli ◽  
Eva Meier ◽  
David Holzmann

Background The nasoseptal flap (NSF) is a universally used surgical technique to cover defects of the skull base after extended sinonasal surgery. Long-term follow-up of complications, sequelae, and smell function is largely unknown. Objective The main objective of this study was to investigate monorhinal olfaction after transsphenoidal skull base surgery. Methods Patients who underwent skull base surgery for midline lesions (craniopharyngioma and pituitary tumors) by using a NSF, also referred to as the Haddad flap, were assessed for their long-term outcome. Endoscopic examination was conducted and the bilateral “Sniffin’ Sticks” test was performed before surgery. Each side was tested separately in the postoperative follow-up consultation. Results Twenty patients were included in the study. No flap failures were observed. One anterior perforation and one small posterior septal perforation were found during long-term follow-up. None of the patients had nasal breathing impairment, whereas two patients had nose bleeds. A significant decrease in olfactory function was observed on the flap donor side in four patients (20%) compared with that observed in one patient (5%) on the opposite side. Conclusion NSF reconstructions for midline lesions were efficient and safe in the long term. Olfactory impairment on the donor side was frequently encountered. Although subclinical, these findings justified a monorhinal smell testing before surgery, which possibly prevented bilateral smell impairment in patient with preexisting single-sided olfactory loss.


2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Hayhurst ◽  
Dawn Williams ◽  
Jawad Yousaf ◽  
David Richardson ◽  
Barry Pizer ◽  
...  

Object Skull base tumors in children are rare but require complex approaches with potential morbidity to the developing craniofacial skeleton, in addition to tumor-related morbidity. Reports of long-term clinical and functional outcome following skull base approaches in children are scarce. The authors report long-term outcome in children with tumors undergoing multidisciplinary skull base surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was undertaken of children undergoing surgery at a single institution between 1998 and 2008 for benign and malignant lesions of the anterior, middle, or posterior cranial base. Patients with craniopharyngioma, pituitary tumors, and optic glioma were excluded. Histology, surgical morbidity, length of hospital stay, progression-free survival, and adjuvant therapy were recorded. Functional and cognitive outcome was assessed prospectively using the Late Effects Severity Score (LESS). Results Twenty-three children ranging in age from 13 months to 15 years underwent skull base approaches for resection of tumors during the study period. The median follow-up duration was 60 months. Tumor types included meningioma, schwannoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, angiofibroma, and chordoma. Complete resection was achieved in 12 patients (52%). Thirteen patients (57%) had benign histology. The median hospital stay was 7 days. There were 3 deaths, 1 perioperative and 2 from tumor progression. Two patients had CSF leakage (9%) and 2 developed meningitis. Two children (9%) had residual neurological deficit at last follow-up evaluation. Thirteen (59%) of 22 surviving patients received adjuvant therapy. The majority of the patients remain in mainstream education and 19 of the 20 surviving children have an LESS of 3 or lower. Conclusions Children tolerate complex skull base procedures well, with minimal surgical-related morbidity as well as good long-term tumor control rates and functional outcomes from maximal safe resection combined with adjuvant treatment when required.


1997 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. HERZOG ◽  
H.-C. DETER ◽  
W. FIEHN ◽  
E. PETZOLD

Background. Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) run a high risk of becoming chronically ill and of dying. In the acute phase of their illness they present with numerous physical and laboratory abnormalities. However, little is known about the long-term prognostic value of these findings or about the medical morbidity in large samples of consecutively treated patients in the long-term.Methods. We evaluated 84 consecutive female patients with AN who were studied again an average of 11·9 years later. The ability of some of the laboratory data obtained at the initial examination to predict a fatal or chronic course was analysed by discriminant and multiple regression analyses.Results. Abnormally low serum albumin levels ([les ] 36 g/l) and a low weight ([les ] 60% of average body weight) at the initial examination were variables best able to predict a lethal course. In addition, high serum creatinine and uric acid levels predicted a chronic course. Most of the initial abnormal laboratory findings were reversible with a normal food intake. At a 12-year follow-up 67% of the chronic anorexic patients and 27% of those in the good/intermediate outcome group (compared to 8% morbidity in normal controls) presented with medical co-morbidity, in particular osteoporosis and renal disease. The standardized mortality ratio was 9·6.Conclusions. Laboratory findings obtained at the initial examination may be helpful in predicting a fatal or chronic course of AN. An evaluation of the long-term outcome of eating disorders should include an assessment of the medical co-morbidity.


VASA ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
. Bucek ◽  
Hudak ◽  
Schnürer ◽  
Ahmadi ◽  
Wolfram ◽  
...  

Background: We investigated the long-term clinical results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and the influence of different parameters on the primary success rate, the rate of complications and the long-term outcome. Patients and methods: We reviewed clinical and hemodynamic follow-up data of 166 consecutive patients treated with PTA in 1987 in our department. Results: PTA improved the clinical situation in 79.4% of patients with iliac lesions and in 88.3% of patients with femoro-popliteal lesions. The clinical stage and ankle brachial index (ABI) post-interventional could be improved significantly (each P < 0,001), the same results were observed at the end of follow-up (each P < 0,001). Major complications occurred in 11 patients (6.6%). The rate of primary clinical long-term success for suprainguinal lesions was 55% and 38% after 5 and 10 years (femoro-popliteal 44% and 33%), respectively, the corresponding data for secondary clinical long-term success were 63% and 56% (60% and 55%). Older age (P = 0,017) and lower ABI pre-interventional (P = 0,019) significantly deteriorated primary clinical long-term success for suprainguinal lesions, while no factor could be identified influencing the outcome of femoro-popliteal lesions significantly. Conclusion: Besides an acceptable success rate with a low rate of severe complications, our results demonstrate favourable long-term clinical results of PTA in patients with PAOD.


Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Curran ◽  
Michael Fitzgerald ◽  
Vincent T Greene

There are few long-term follow-up studies of parasuicides incorporating face-to-face interviews. To date no study has evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity at long-term follow-up of parasuicides using diagnostic rating scales, nor has any study examined parental bonding issues in this population. We attempted a prospective follow-up of 85 parasuicide cases an average of 8½ years later. Psychiatric morbidity, social functioning, and recollections of the parenting style of their parents were assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule, the Social Maladjustment Scale, and the Parental Bonding Instrument, respectively. Thirty-nine persons in total were interviewed, 19 of whom were well and 20 of whom had psychiatric morbidity. Five had died during the follow-up period, 3 by suicide. Migration, refusals, and untraceability were common. Parasuicide was associated with parental overprotection during childhood. Long-term outcome is poor, especially among those who engaged in repeated parasuicides.


2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azman Ates ◽  
Yahya �nl� ◽  
Ibrahim Yekeler ◽  
Bilgehan Erkut ◽  
Yavuz Balci ◽  
...  

Purpose: To evaluate long-term survival and valve-related complications as well as prognostic factors for mid- and long-term outcome after closed mitral commissurotomy, covering a follow-up period of 14 years. Material and Methods: Between 1989 and 2003, 36 patients (28 women and 8 men, mean age 28.8 6.1 years) underwent closed mitral commissurotomy at our institution. The majority of patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class IIB, III, or IV. Indication for closed mitral commissurotomy was mitral stenosis. Closed mitral commissurotomy was undertaken with a Tubbs dilator in all cases. Median operating time was 2.5 hours 30 minutes. Results: After closed mitral commissurotomy, the mitral valve areas of these patients were increased substantially, from 0.9 to 2.11 cm2. No further operation after initial closed mitral commissurotomy was required in 86% of the patients (n = 31), and NYHA functional classification was improved in 94% (n = 34). Postoperative complications and operative mortality were not seen. Follow-up revealed restenosis in 8.5% (n = 3) of the patients, minimal mitral regurgitation in 22.2% (n = 8), and grade 3 mitral regurgitation in 5.5% (n = 2) patients. No early mortality occurred in closed mitral commissurotomy patients. Reoperation was essential for 5 patients following closed mitral commissurotomy; 2 procedures were open mitral commissurotomies and 3 were mitral valve replacements. No mortality occurred in these patients. Conclusions: The mitral valve area was significantly increased and the mean mitral valve gradient was reduced in patients after closed mitral commissurotomy. Closed mitral commissurotomy is a safe alternative to open mitral commissurotomy and balloon mitral commissurotomy in selected patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca K. den Ottelander ◽  
Robbin de Goederen ◽  
Marie-Lise C. van Veelen ◽  
Stephanie D. C. van de Beeten ◽  
Maarten H. Lequin ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe authors evaluated the long-term outcome of their treatment protocol for Muenke syndrome, which includes a single craniofacial procedure.METHODSThis was a prospective observational cohort study of Muenke syndrome patients who underwent surgery for craniosynostosis within the first year of life. Symptoms and determinants of intracranial hypertension were evaluated by longitudinal monitoring of the presence of papilledema (fundoscopy), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; with polysomnography), cerebellar tonsillar herniation (MRI studies), ventricular size (MRI and CT studies), and skull growth (occipital frontal head circumference [OFC]). Other evaluated factors included hearing, speech, and ophthalmological outcomes.RESULTSThe study included 38 patients; 36 patients underwent fronto-supraorbital advancement. The median age at last follow-up was 13.2 years (range 1.3–24.4 years). Three patients had papilledema, which was related to ophthalmological disorders in 2 patients. Three patients had mild OSA. Three patients had a Chiari I malformation, and tonsillar descent < 5 mm was present in 6 patients. Tonsillar position was unrelated to papilledema, ventricular size, or restricted skull growth. Ten patients had ventriculomegaly, and the OFC growth curve deflected in 3 patients. Twenty-two patients had hearing loss. Refraction anomalies were diagnosed in 14/15 patients measured at ≥ 8 years of age.CONCLUSIONSPatients with Muenke syndrome treated with a single fronto-supraorbital advancement in their first year of life rarely develop signs of intracranial hypertension, in accordance with the very low prevalence of its causative factors (OSA, hydrocephalus, and restricted skull growth). This illustrates that there is no need for a routine second craniofacial procedure. Patient follow-up should focus on visual assessment and speech and hearing outcomes.


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