The efficacy of cystoperitoneal shunting for the surgical management of intracranial arachnoid cysts in the elderly: A systematic review of the literature

Background: Intracranial arachnoid cysts (AC) are benign, cerebrospinal fluid filled spaces within the arachnoid layer of the meninges. Neurosurgical intervention in children and young adults has been extensively studied, but the optimal strategy in the elderly remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a single center retrospective study combined with a systematic review of the literature to compare cystoperitoneal (CP) shunting with other surgical approaches in the elderly cohort. Methods: Retrospective neurosurgical database search between January 2005 and December 2018, and systematic review of the literature using PRISMA guidelines were performed. Inclusion criteria: Age 60 years or older, radiological diagnosis of intracranial AC, neurosurgical intervention, and neuroradiological (NOG score)/clinical outcome (COG score). Data from both sources were pooled and statistically analyzed. Results: Our literature search yielded 12 studies (34 patients), which were pooled with our institutional data (13 patients). CP shunts (7 patients; 15%), cyst fenestration (28 patients; 60%) and cyst marsupialisation/resection (10 patients; 21%) were the commonest approaches. Average duration of follow-up was 23.6, 26.9, and 9.5 months for each approach, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between choice of surgical intervention and NOG score (P = 0.417), COG score (P = 0.601), or complication rate (P = 0.955). However, CP shunting had the lowest complication rate, with only one patient developing chronic subdural haematoma. Conclusion: CP shunting is a safe and effective surgical treatment strategy for ACs in the elderly. It has similar clinical and radiological outcomes but superior risk profile when compared with other approaches. We advocate CP shunting as first line neurosurgical intervention for the management of intracranial ACs in the elderly.

Atorvastatin combined with dexamethasone in chronic subdural haematoma (ATOCH II): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a common condition in the elderly that often requires neurosurgical management. For small CSDH, evidence has emerged that statins may reduce haematoma volume and improve outcomes, presumably by reducing local inflammation and promoting vascular repair. We wish to extend this evidence in a study that aims to determine the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin combined with low-dose dexamethasone in patients with CSDH. Methods The second ATorvastatin On Chronic subdural Hematoma (ATOCH-II) study is a multi-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial which aims to enrol 240 adult patients with a conservative therapeutic indication for CSDH, randomly allocated to standard treatment with atorvastatin 20 mg combined with low-dose dexamethasone (or matching placebos) daily for 28 days, and with 152 days of follow-up. The primary outcome is a composite good outcome defined by any reduction from baseline in haematoma volume and survival free of surgery at 28 days. Secondary outcomes include functional outcome on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and modified Barthel Index at 28 days, surgical transition and reduction in haematoma volumes at 14, 28 and 90 days. Discussion This multi-centre clinical trial aims to provide high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of the combined treatment of atorvastatin and low-dose dexamethasone to reduce inflammation and enhance angiogenesis in CSDH. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900021659. Registered on 3 March 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36157.

Dexamethasone enhances the efficacy of atorvastatin in inhibiting excessively inflammation-induced abnormal angiogenesis by regulating macrophages

Background We have recently showed that atorvastatin (ATO) combined with low dose of dexamethasone (DEX) was more efficacious in treating patients with chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) than ATO monotherapy. This study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the improved efficacy of this combined therapy. Methods Mass spectrometry was performed to quantitatively detect drugs in haematoma fluids and serum samples from CSDH patients and also in cultured macrophages after treatment with either ATO alone or in combination with DEX. The differentiation and apoptosis of macrophages were evaluated using flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines, chemokines and angiogenesis-related proteins was evaluated using proteome profile arrays, immunoblots and ELISA, respectively. Results ATO was detected in haematoma fluids and serum samples, whose levels were increased significantly in samples collected from patients treated with both ATO and DEX. ATO was also increased in cultured macrophages treated with ATO and DEX. The numbers of M1-polarized macrophages were higher than the M2 phenotype in the haematoma fluids of patients. Cultured macrophages treated with ATO and DEX had reduced numbers of M1-polarized macrophages, increased numbers of M2-polarized macrophages as compared to monotherapies, and decreased rate of apoptosis induced by high-dose DEX. DEX enhanced the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activity of ATO by suppressing VEGFA and other inflammatory angiogenic factors. Consistent with the finding, patients responded well to the drug treatments had lower serum levels of VEGFA. Conclusions We have shown for the first time that ATO given orally was detected in CSDH haematoma fluids. DEX enhances the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects of ATO, primarily by increasing the presence of ATO in haematoma and macrophages and by regulating the functions of macrophages.

Mini craniotomy for chronic subdural haematoma: surgical outcome from a single institution experience and predictors of success

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is an increasingly common neurological disease in daily neurosurgical practice. Despite the wide prevalence of CSDH, there remains a lack of consensus regarding numerous aspects of its surgical management. The diagnosis and treatment are well established but there are different surgical procedures and outcome related to these procedures are not completely understood.Methods: The study conducted was conducted in department of neurosurgery at Ibrahim cardiac hospital and research institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh between January 2019 to July 2020, 105 patients were treated for chronic subdural haematoma This study evaluated the clinical features, radiological findings and surgical outcome by mini craniotomy assessed by modified Rankin scale (mRS) score and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score in a large series of patients treated at single institution.Results: At 6 months follow up, only one patient died (0.95%) because of co-morbidities and not directly related to the chronic subdural haematoma, 15 patients (14.3%) improved to mRS 0, 33.33% showed only mild symptoms without any significant disability-mRS 1, slight disability was observed in 28.5% patients, moderate disability was observed in 17.14% patients-mRS 3, moderately severe disability was observed in 5.7%-mRS 4.Conclusions: GOS score at 6 months follow up which shows majority of the patient improved to GOS score 4 (45.71%) and 5 (38.09%). Based on these results, among various method of surgical management, mini craniotomy provides better outcome.

Can compliment and complaint data inform the care of individuals with chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH)?

ObjectivesTo explore the frequency and nature of complaints and compliments reported to Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) in individuals undergoing surgery for a chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH).DesignA retrospective study of PALS user interactions.SubjectsIndividuals undergoing treatment for cSDH between 2014 and 2019.MethodsPALS referrals from patients with cSDH between 2014 and 2019 were identified. Case records were reviewed and data on the frequency, nature and factors leading up to the complaint were extracted and coded according to Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool (HCAT).ResultsOut of 531 patients identified, 25 (5%) had a PALS interaction, of which 15 (3%) were complaints and 10 (2%) were compliments. HCAT coding showed 8/15 (53%) of complaints were relationship problems, 6/15 (33%) a management problem and 1/15 (7%) other. Of the relationship problems, 6 (75%) were classed as problems with communication and 2 (25%) as a problem with listening. Of the compliments, 9/10 (90%) related to good clinical quality and 1/10 (10%) to staff–patient relationship. Patients were more likely to register a compliment than family members, who in turn were more likely to register a complaint (p<0.005). Complaints coded as a relationship problem had 2/8 (25%) submitted by a patient and 6/8 (75%) submitted by a relative.ConclusionsUsing the HCAT, routinely collected PALS data can easily be coded to quantify and provide unique perspective on tertiary care, such as communication. It is readily suited to quality improvement and audit initiatives.