bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First experiences with an adjustable gravitational valve in childhood hydrocephalus
Authors: Rohde Veit , Haberl Ernst-Johannes , Ludwig Hans , Thomale Ulrich-W. 
Published: September 2009

Object
The goal of this report was to describe the authors' initial experiences with an adjustable gravity-assisted valve (GAV) called the ProGAV in treating childhood hydrocephalus.

Methods
The ProGAV was implanted in 53 children (29 boys and 24 girls, median age 7.3 years) with hydrocephalus of various origins. The ProGAV consists of a differential-pressure unit with adjustable opening pressures and a gravitational unit with a fixed opening pressure.

Results
The mean follow-up period was 15.2 months (range 6–44 months). The authors did not observe any valve-related complications. Four infections (7.5%) occurred, warranting the removal of the shunt. In 19 children, the opening pressure was changed at least once during the follow-up period, for underdrainage in 10, overdrainage in 8, and shunt weaning in 1, with substantial clinical improvement in 18 children. Overall, good clinical results were obtained in 47 (88.7%) of the 53 valve placements.

Conclusions
With an overall success rate of 88.7%, the first experiences with the ProGAV in childhood hydrocephalus are promising and justify its further use in the pediatric population.
Medial pectoral nerve to musculocutaneous nerve neurotization for the treatment of persistent birth-related brachial plexus palsy: an 11-year institutional experience
Authors: Wellons John C. , Tubbs R. Shane , Pugh Jeffrey A. , Bradley Nadine J. , Law Charles R. , Grabb Paul A. 
Published: September 2009

Object
Medial pectoral nerve (MPN) to musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) neurotization for recovery of elbow flexion by biceps reinnervation is a valid option following traumatic injury to the upper brachial plexus. A major criticism of the application of this technique in infants is the smaller size of the MPN and mismatch of viable axons. We describe our institutional experience utilizing this procedure and critically examine functional outcomes.

Methods
Office charts and hospital records of children from over an 11-year period beginning January 1997 were reviewed. Of the 53 children of various ages undergoing brachial plexus exploration for traumatic injury of any nature, 20 underwent MPN to MCN neurotization as a part of an overall procedure in the first year of life to treat birth-related brachial plexus palsy and had at least 9 months' follow-up. Medial pectoral nerve to MCN neurotization was chosen if the results of clinical examination and intraoperative electrophysiological evidence were consistent with medial cord function. Functional recovery was defined as the ability of the child to bring their hand to their mouth.

Results
Sixteen patients (80%) gained functional recovery. The median age at surgery was 7 months. Median time to first clinic visit documenting recovery was 11.5 months and median overall follow up was 21.5 months. Preoperative hand function was a useful predictor of recovery of elbow flexion.

Conclusions
Medial pectoral nerve to MCN neurotization is a valid surgical option for the reinnervation of the biceps muscle for birth-related brachial plexus palsy when the hand is functional preoperatively. Useful elbow flexion can be expected in the majority of these children.
Neck injuries in young pediatric homicide victims
Authors: Brennan Laura K. , Rubin David , Christian Cindy W. , Duhaime Ann-Christine , Mirchandani Haresh G. , Rorke-Adams Lucy B. 
Published: September 2009

Object
In this study, the authors estimate the prevalence of injuries to the soft tissue of the neck, cervical vertebrae, and cervical spinal cord among victims of abusive head trauma to better understand these injuries and their relationship to other pathophysiological findings commonly found in children with fatal abusive head trauma.

Methods
The population included all homicide victims 2 years of age and younger from the city of Philadelphia, Pennyslvania, who underwent a comprehensive postmortem examination at the Office of the Medical Examiner between 1995 and 2003. A retrospective review of all available postmortem records was performed, and data regarding numerous pathological findings, as well as the patient's clinical history and demographic information, were abstracted. Data were described using means and standard deviations for continuous variables, and frequency and ranges for categorical variables. Chi-square analyses were used to test for the association of neck injuries with different types of brain injury.

Results
The sample included 52 children, 41 (79%) of whom died of abusive head trauma. Of these, 29 (71%) had primary cervical cord injuries: in 21 there were parenchymal injuries, in 24 meningeal hemorrhages, and in 16, nerve root avulsion/dorsal root ganglion hemorrhage were evident. Six children with abusive head trauma had no evidence of an impact to the head, and all 6 had primary cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). No child had a spinal fracture. Six of 29 children (21%) with primary cervical SCIs had soft-tissue (ligamentous or muscular) injuries to the neck, and 14 (48%) had brainstem injuries. There was a significant association of primary cervical SCI with cerebral edema (p = 0.036) but not with hypoxia-ischemia, infarction, or herniation.

Conclusions
Cervical SCI is a frequent but not universal finding in young children with fatal abusive head trauma. In the present study, parenchymal and/or root injury usually occurred without evidence of muscular or ligamentous damage, or of bone dislocation or fracture. Moreover, associated brainstem injuries were not always seen. Although there was a significant association of primary cervical cord injury with cerebral edema, there was no direct relationship to brainstem herniation, hypoxia-ischemia, or infarction. This suggests that cervical spinal trauma is only 1 factor in the pathogenesis of these lesions.
Primary closure of large thoracolumbar myelomeningocele with bilateral latissimus dorsi flaps
Authors: Hosseinpour Mehrdad , Forghani Siamak 
Published: September 2009

Object
Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most complex congenital malformation of the CNS that is compatible with life. Different closure techniques are available for defect reconstruction, but wound healing and tension-free closure of the skin in the midline remain major considerations in large MMCs. In this study, the authors used bilateral proximally based latissimus dorsi (LD) skin island muscle pedicle flaps for closure of large thoracolumbar MMC defects.

Methods
Twenty infants with very large thoracolumbar MMCs were enrolled in the study. The mean of age of the patients was 4.1 ± 2.3 months. The width of the MMC was 6 ± 1.2 cm. At operation, 2 triangular V-Y flaps were designed on each side of the defect; the tip of the triangle was extended to the posterior axillary line. The LD flaps based on the thoracodorsal arteries were elevated bilaterally and advanced toward the midline with moderate tension and sutured together. Postoperatively, infants were positioned prone for 7 days and discharged on the 8th day after the operation. They were followed every 2 weeks for evaluation of wound healing.

Results
The wounds healed without any major complication. There was no dehiscence in the postoperative period.

Conclusions
The authors recommended bilateral superiorly based LD skin flaps as an effective method for closure of large thoracolumbar MMC defects. Neural tube defects are among the most common of all human birth defects.
Clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Vachhrajani Shobhan , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Kestle John R. W. 
Published: September 2009

In the era of evidence-based medicine, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have become an integral part of many aspects of medical practice. Because practicing neurosurgeons rarely have the time or, in some cases, the methodological expertise, to assess and assimilate the totality of primary research, CPGs can in theory provide a vehicle through which neurosurgeons could more efficiently integrate the most current evidence into patient management. Clinical practice guidelines have been met with some skepticism, however, particularly within the neurosurgical community. Some have expressed concerns that the promise of CPGs has not been matched by the reality. Others who oppose CPGs fear that they hinder the art of medicine, and limit physician and patient autonomy. The purpose of this paper is to provide the practicing neurosurgeon with an up-to-date review of CPGs. The authors discuss some of the complexities and recent advancements in CPG development, appraisal, and publication. An overview of the various systems for grading medical evidence and issuing CPG recommendations, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages, is included, and the current knowledge on the impact of CPGs in 2 important realms, patient care and medicolegal issues, is discussed.
The purpose of this review is to provide a balanced, current synopsis of what CPGs are, how they are developed, and what they can and cannot do. The authors hope that this will allow neurosurgeons to make more informed decisions about the many CPGs that will inevitably become an essential component of medical practice in the years to come.
Electromagnetic-guided neuroendoscopy in the pediatric population
Authors: Sangra Meharpal , Clark Simon , Hayhurst Caroline , Mallucci Conor 
Published: September 2009

Object
Image-guided neuroendoscopy is being increasingly used in an attempt to reduce the morbidity associated with surgery and to make navigation easier. It has a particularly useful application in the pediatric population for the treatment of conditions such as complex hydrocephalus and arachnoid cysts. However, its use has been limited by the requirement for rigid head fixation, which may be difficult in infants because of the immaturity of the skull. In addition there can be line-of-sight issues, which can be a problem with optical-based systems. Electromagnetic navigation has eliminated the requirement for head immobilization, and its successful use in the infant population has been reported. The authors present their series to date, define its role, and discuss its advantages over other forms of image-guided navigation.

Methods
The authors used the electromagnetic StealthStation and software (Medtronic) for neuronavigation. A dynamic reference frame was attached to the head using an adhesive dressing. The patient was positioned without rigid fixation and was registered using a specially designed stylet. Navigation was through a stylet, which could be placed within the endoscope. Direct advantages were no rigid head fixation, the ability to maneuver the endoscope without the requirement for a bulky optical attachment, and no loss of navigation caused by user obstruction of reflective fiducial markers. The authors performed a total of 28 procedures in 23 patients. There were 9 arachnoid cyst marsupializations, 4 multiple fenestrations for multiloculated hydrocephalus, 4 aqueductal stenting procedures for encysted fourth ventricles, 5 endoscopic third ventriculostomies, 3 septum pellucidotomies, 2 tumor biopsies, and 1 tumor cyst decompression.

Results
Electromagnetic navigation was successful in all cases. Two complications were reported: a subdural collection, requiring bur hole drainage after a successful fenestration of the arachnoid cyst and failed treatment of complex hydrocephalus requiring subsequent placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Conclusions
The electromagnetic technology provides reliable image-guided endoscopy. It has several advantages over alternative forms of stereotaxy, and the ability to use it without the need for rigid head fixation makes it eminently suitable for the pediatric population. Its use and application in the treatment of a variety of different conditions has been demonstrated successfully.
Linear vein–based arteriovenous malformations in children
Authors: Maher Cormac O. , Scott R. Michael 
Published: September 2009

Object
The authors reviewed the experience of a single surgeon in the surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children, with specific attention to the angioarchitectural appearance of these lesions.

Methods
The authors performed a retrospective review of pediatric cases of AVM treated at a single institution over a 15-year period. Inclusion criteria consisted of pediatric age at time of treatment and resection of a pial AVM. The AVMs were considered linear-based if they had a single, centrally located, dominant vein with a linear configuration rather than the typical central nidus.

Results
Sixty-seven patients, ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years, underwent surgical treatment of an AVM between January 1, 1990, and December 30, 2005. In these patients, 31 AVMs (46%) had a distinct linear configuration that was centered on a dominant draining vein (“vein-based”). These AVMs presented with hemorrhage (61%), incidental findings on imaging (16%), or seizures (13%). In 4 cases, AVM recurrence was noted on angiographic follow-up after postoperative angiography showed no residual lesion. Recurrence was seen at 1 year in 2 cases, and at 3 and 11 years in 1 case each.

Conclusions
A linear vein–based morphological pattern is common in pediatric AVMs and may recapitulate the embryological origins of the cerebral circulation. Surgical treatment in these cases can also be vein-based, through a narrow surgical corridor, which leads to minimal cortical disruption.
Ultrasound-aided fixation of a biodegradable cranial fixation system: uses in pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Aldana Philipp R. , Roy Saswata , Postlethwait Richard A. , James Hector E. 
Published: September 2009

Object
Bioresorbable implant systems have been used in neurosurgery for the rigid fixation of cranial and facial bones. A relatively recent advancement has been the fixation of these implants using an ultrasonic device. The experience with such a device in neurosurgical practice has been limited. The authors report on their experience with ultrasound-aided fixation of bioresorbable implants in pediatric neurosurgical practice.

Methods
The study consisted of 2 parts. The retrospective portion consisted of a chart review of pertinent clinical information, complications, and outcomes after the use of a commercially available ultrasound-aided bioresorbable implant system (SonicWeld Rx, KLS Martin L.P.). Follow-up was obtained in all patients via clinical examination or telephone interview. The prospective portion of the study consisted of video analysis of the implantation technique in a routine craniotomy. Implantation times were measured, and delays during treatment were noted.

Results
Over a period of 2 years, 28 consecutive patients underwent placement of these implants for bone fixation during craniotomies or craniofacial reconstructions. The only complication was seen in a child with Crouzon syndrome, who had a wound infection caused by Serratia sepsis from a central venous line infection. There were no repeated operations for implant-related swelling, and no cases of premature plate resorption, bone instability, or settling. In vivo, the average time required to implant a resorbable pin with this system was 22 seconds.

Conclusions
The use of a bioresorbable implant system with ultrasound-aided pin fixation in pediatric neurosurgery cases achieved adequate stability with few complications. This system was easy to use and provided rapid fixation of implants.
Predictors of tumor progression among children with gangliogliomas
Authors: Khashab Mostafa El , Gargan Lynn , Margraf Linda , Koral Korgun , Nejat Farideh , Swift Dale , Weprin Bradley , Bowers Daniel C. 
Published: September 2009

Object
Few reports describe the outcome and prognostic factors for children with gangliogliomas. The objective of this report was to describe the progression-free survival (PFS) for children with low-grade gangliogliomas and identify risk factors for tumor progression.

Methods
A retrospective study was performed in children with low-grade gangliogliomas who were evaluated and treated in the neuro-oncology department between 1986 and 2006 to determine risk factors for subsequent tumor progression.

Results
A total of 38 children with newly diagnosed gangliogliomas were included in this report. Thirty-four children were treated with surgery alone, 3 with subtotal resection and radiation therapy, and 1 with subtotal resection and chemotherapy. The follow-up ranged from 4 months to 15.8 years (mean 5.7 ± 4.2 years [± SD]). Seven children have experienced tumor progression, and 1 child died after his tumor subsequently underwent malignant transformation. The 5-year PFS was calculated to be 81.2% using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Initial presentation with seizures (p = 0.004), tumor location in the cerebral hemisphere (p = 0.020), and complete tumor resection (p = 0.035) were associated with prolonged PFS. Further analysis of the above significant variables by a Cox regression model identified initial presentation with seizures as being associated with prolonged PFS (p = 0.028).

Conclusions
The PFS and overall survival of children with gangliogliomas are good. Tumors located in the cerebral hemispheres, the achievement of total resection, and seizures at presentation were associated with prolonged PFS. Cox regression analysis identified presenting symptoms including seizures as significant predictive factors of PFS. Prospective studies with larger numbers of children are needed to define the significant factors of tumor progression.
Outcome of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in Grade IV tubercular meningitis with hydrocephalus: a retrospective analysis in 95 patients
Authors: Srikantha Umesh , Morab Jagadeesh V. , Sastry Savitr , Abraham Rojin , Balasubramaniam Anandh , Somanna Sampath , Devi Indira , Bangalore Chandramouli A. , Pandey Paritosh 
Published: September 2009

Object
Hydrocephalus is the most common complication of tubercular meningitis (TBM). Relieving hydrocephalus by ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement has been considered beneficial in patients in Palur Grade II or III. The role of VP shunt placement in those of Grade IV is controversial and the general tendency is to avoid its use. Some authors have suggested that patients in Grade IV should receive a shunt only if their condition improves with a trial placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD). In the present study, the authors assessed the outcome of VP shunt placement in patients in Grade IV TBM with hydrocephalus to examine the factors predicting outcome and to determine whether a trial with an EVD is absolutely necessary prior to shunt placement.

Methods
Ninety-five consecutive cases of TBM with hydrocephalus in which the patients underwent VP shunt placement were retrospectively analyzed, and direct VP shunts were placed whenever possible. An EVD was placed first only in the presence of deranged blood parameters. Outcomes were assessed both in the short and long term.

Results
The mean patient age was 17.5 years (range 1–55 years). Fifty-two patients underwent direct VP shunt placement, and the remaining 43 received EVDs first. Overall, 33 and 45% of patients had favorable short- and long-term outcomes, respectively. Age older than 3 years and duration of altered sensorium ≤ 3 days were predictive of a favorable short-term outcome. Glasgow Coma Scale score at presentation was predictive of long-term outcome. Of the patients who did not improve with placement of an EVD prior to VP shunt insertion, 24 and 18% had favorable short- and long-term outcomes, respectively; this was not significantly different from the outcome in the patients who underwent direct VP shunt placement.

Conclusions
Direct VP shunt placement is an effective option in patients with Grade IV TBM with hydrocephalus. Age and duration of altered sensorium are predictive of short-term outcome, while Glasgow Coma Scale score at presentation predicts long-term outcome. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts should be considered even in patients who do not improve with an EVD.
Sporadic unilateral vestibular schwannoma in the pediatric population
Authors: Walcott Brian P. , Sivarajan Ganesh , Bashinskaya Bronislava , Anderson Douglas E. , Leonetti John P. , Origitano Thomas C. 
Published: September 2009

Object
Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are rare in the pediatric population. Most often, these lesions manifest as a bilateral disease process in the setting of neurofibromatosis Type 2. Even in the absence of additional clinical diagnostic criteria, the presentation of a unilateral VS in a young patient may be a harbinger of future penetrance for this hereditary tumor syndrome.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of a cohort of 7 patients who presented with apparently sporadic, unilateral VSs. These patients had previously undergone surgery via translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, or combined approaches. Clinical outcomes were reviewed with emphasis on facial nerve function and follow-up for signs and symptoms of a heritable disorder.

Results
All patients underwent microsurgical resection in a multidisciplinary effort by the senior authors. The average tumor size was 4.57 cm, with an average duration of symptoms prior to definitive diagnosis of 31.2 months. The tumor size at the time of presentation followed a trend different from reports in adults, while the duration of symptoms did not. At a follow-up average of 6.3 years (range 1–12 years), 100% of patients demonstrated good facial function (House-Brackmann Grade I or II). No patient in this cohort demonstrated symptoms, objective signs, or genetic analysis indicating the presence of neurofibromatosis Type 2.

Conclusions
Diagnosis and management of sporadic, unilateral VSs in children is complicated by clinical presentations and surgical challenges unique from their adult counterparts. Careful consideration should be given to a heritable genetic basis for sporadic unilateral VS in the pediatric population. Results of genetic testing do not preclude the necessity for long-term follow-up and systemic investigation. In patients who present with large tumors, preliminary experience leads the authors to suggest that a combined retrosigmoid-translabyrinthine approach offers the greatest opportunity for preservation of facial nerve function.
Surgical treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with intracranial extension
Authors: Margalit Nevo , Wasserzug Oshri , De-Row Ari , Abergel Avraham , Fliss Dan M. , Gil Ziv 
Published: September 2009

Object
The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical treatment and outcomes of patients with intracranial extension of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).

Methods
Twenty-one patients who underwent operations for JNAs between 1994 and 2008 were enrolled in the study. Seven patients (33%) had intracranial tumor extension. The middle cranial fossa and cavernous sinus were involved in 4 patients who underwent operations via the combined infratemporal fossa-midfacial degloving approach. The anterior skull base was involved in 3 patients who underwent the subcranialmidfacial degloving approach.

Results
Complete tumor removal was achieved in all patients. Postoperative complications included 1 case of soft-tissue infection. None of the patients had tumor recurrence after a mean follow-up of 42 months (range 29–85 months). No adjuvant therapy was required in any patient.

Conclusions
Combined approaches can be used effectively for treatment of JNAs with intracranial extension without the need for adjuvant therapy.