Nathan R. Selden

Guidelines for the acute medical management of severe traumatic brain injury in infants, children, and adolescents--second edition.

Author Affiliations Patrick M. Kochanek, MD, FCCM, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Nancy Carney, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University P. David Adelson, MD, FACS, FAAP, Director, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Chief, Pediatric Neurosurgery/ Children’s Neurosciences Stephen Ashwal, MD, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, Chief of the Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine Michael J. Bell, MD, Associate Professor of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Susan Bratton, MD, MPH, FAAP, Professor of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine Susan Carson, MPH, Senior Research Associate, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University Randall M. Chesnut, MD, FCCM, FACS, Professor of Neurological Surgery, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine Jamshid Ghajar, MD, PhD, FACS, Clinical Professor of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, President of the Brain Trauma Foundation Brahm Goldstein, MD, FAAP, FCCM, Senior Medical Director, Clinical Research, Ikaria, Inc., Professor of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Gerald A. Grant, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine Niranjan Kissoon, MD, FAAP, FCCM, Professor of Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine, British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia Kimberly Peterson, BSc, Research Associate, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University Nathan R. Selden, MD, PhD, FACS, FAAP, Campagna Professor and Vice Chair of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University Robert C. Tasker, MBBS, MD, FRCP, Chair and Director, Neurocritical Care, Children’s Hospital Boston, Professor of Neurology and Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School Karen A. Tong, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology, Loma Linda University Monica S. Vavilala, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine Mark S. Wainwright, MD, PhD, Director, Pediatric Neurocritical Care, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Craig R. Warden, MD, MPH, MS, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Chief, Pediatric Emergency Services, Oregon Health & Science University/Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

Central nervous system stem cell transplantation for children with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

OBJECT Infantile and late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are invariably fatal lysosomal storage diseases associated with defects in lysosomal enzyme palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT-1) or tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) activity. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated that human CNS stem cells (HuCNS-SCs) produce both PPT-1 and TPP1 and result in donor cell engraftment and reduced accumulation of storage material in the brain when tested in an NCL mouse model. METHODS HuCNS-SC transplantation was tested in an open-label dose-escalation Phase I clinical trial as a potential treatment for infantile and late-infantile NCL. Study design included direct neurosurgical transplantation of allogeneic HuCNS-SCs into the cerebral hemispheres and lateral ventricles accompanied by 12 months of immunosuppression. RESULTS Six children with either the infantile or late-infantile forms of NCL underwent low- (3 patients) and high- (3 patients) dose transplantation of HuCNS-SCs followed by immunosuppression. The surgery, immunosuppression, and cell transplantation were well tolerated. Adverse events following transplantation were consistent with the underlying disease, and none were directly attributed to the donor cells. Observations regarding efficacy of the intervention were limited by the enrollment criteria requiring that patients be in advanced stages of disease. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the first-in-human clinical trial involving transplantation of a purified population of human neural stem cells for a neurodegenerative disorder. The feasibility of this approach and absence of transplantation-related serious adverse events support further exploration of HuCNS-SC transplantation as a potential treatment for select subtypes of NCL, and possibly for other neurodegenerative disorders.

The National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N2QOD): a collaborative North American outcomes registry to advance value-based spine care.

Study Design. National Prospective Observational Registry Objective. Describe our preliminary experience with the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N2QOD), a national collaborative registry of quality and outcomes reporting after low back surgery. Summary of Background Data. All major health care stakeholders are now requiring objective data regarding the value of medical services. Surgical therapies for spinal disorders have faced particular scrutiny in recent value-based discussions, in large part due to the dramatic growth in the cost and application of these procedures. Reliable data are fundamental to understanding the value of delivered health care. Clinical registries are increasingly used to provide such data. Methods. The N2QOD is a prospective observational registry designed to establish risk-adjusted expected morbidity and 1-year outcomes for the most common lumbar surgical procedures performed by spine surgeons; provide practice groups and hospitals immediate infrastructure for analyzing their 30-day morbidity and mortality and 3- and 12-month quality data in real-time; generate surgeon-, practice-, and specialty-specific quality and efficacy data; and generate nationwide quality and effectiveness data on specific surgical treatments. Results. In its first 2 years of operation, the N2QOD has proven to be a robust data collection platform that has helped demonstrate the objective quality of surgical interventions for medically refractory disorders of the lumbar spine. Lumbar spine surgery was found to be safe and effective at the group mean level in routine practice. Subgroups of patients did not report improvement using validated outcome measures. Substantial variation in treatment response was observed among individual patients. Conclusion. The N2QOD is now positioned to determine the combined contribution of patient variables to specific clinical and patient-reported outcomes. These analyses will ultimately facilitate shared decision making and encourage efficient allocation of health care resources, thus significantly advancing the value paradigm in spine care. Level of Evidence: 3

Optimal timing of autologous cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy in children

OBJECT The object of this study was to determine if early cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy for elevated intracranial pressure in children reduces complications. METHODS Sixty-one consecutive cases involving pediatric patients who underwent autologous cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy for raised intracranial pressure at a single academic childrens hospital over 15 years were studied retrospectively. RESULTS Sixty-one patients were divided into early (< 6 weeks; 28 patients) and late (≥ 6 weeks; 33 patients) cranioplasty cohorts. The cohorts were similar except for slightly lower age in the early (8.03 years) than the late (10.8 years) cranioplasty cohort (p < 0.05). Bone resorption after cranioplasty was significantly more common in the late (42%) than the early (14%) cranioplasty cohort (p < 0.05; OR 5.4). No other complication differed in incidence between the cohorts. CONCLUSIONS After decompressive craniectomy for raised intracranial pressure in children, early (< 6 weeks) cranioplasty reduces the occurrence of reoperation for bone resorption, without altering the incidence of other complications.

Fundamental skills for entering neurosurgery residents: report of a Pacific region "boot camp" pilot course, 2009.

BACKGROUND:Incorporation of the first postgraduate year of training into neurological surgery residencies in 2009 posed new challenges to neurosurgical educators. A “boot camp” course was held in August 2009 to introduce first year neurosurgical trainees to various fundamental cognitive and practical skills. OBJECTIVE:The effectiveness of this course was evaluated by electronic survey of all trainees and faculty members. METHODS:Eighteen trainees entering 5 western neurosurgical residencies (in either the first or second postgraduate year) participated in a course taught by 10 faculty members at a single host institution (Oregon Health & Science University) for 2 days. All trainees completed an online survey evaluating the relevance and quality of each didactic and hands-on course component and answered additional questions about the goals and design of the course. Faculty members were also surveyed. RESULTS:All trainees thought the course met its goals, provided relevant and useful information and experience, and was likely to improve patient care. In particular, hands-on procedural and operative course components were highly valued. CONCLUSION:A fundamental skills boot camp course for first year neurosurgical trainees seems valuable.

Terminal myelocystocele and sacrococcygeal teratoma: A comparison of fetal ultrasound presentation and perinatal risk

SUMMARY: This case exemplifies the difficulty in differentiating cystic sacrococcygeal teratoma and terminal myelocystocele. Fetal sonography presentation and perinatal risks of sacrococcygeal teratoma and terminal myelocystocele are compared, and we emphasize the importance of obtaining fetal MR imaging to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Model-based simulation for early neurosurgical learners

BACKGROUND Restrictions on duty hours and shift length by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and public pressure to reduce complications and to improve outcomes in the clinical educational environment have enhanced interest in the use of procedural and surgical simulation to train neurosurgical residents. OBJECTIVE To introduce simple, available, and, when possible, inexpensive model-based simulation for early learners into the initial stages of neurosurgical residency training. METHODS Simulation for early-stage trainees in neurological surgery has taken advantage of model-based systems. The Society of Neurological Surgeons postgraduate year 1 courses have served as one paradigm for designing and using model-based simulators for procedural and surgical skill training as part of a purpose-designed overall curriculum. Ongoing surveys of resident and faculty course participants have supported iterative improvements in simulator models and curriculum from year to year. RESULTS Simulation for basic neurosurgical and intensive care procedures has been undertaken through the use of available materials, surgical technology, and modifications of related existing model simulators. Simulation of common, standard surgical procedures for early learners may be broken into individual surgical skills and maneuvers to prepare trainees for safe practice of these component skills during live procedures under direct supervision appropriate to their training stage. CONCLUSION Model-based simulation is particularly effective for early surgical learners as part of a coordinated curriculum. Almost 600 residents have used model-based simulation during the first 3 years of the Society of Neurological Surgeons boot camp courses, with ongoing modification and improvement of individual simulation models.BACKGROUND:Restrictions on duty hours and shift length by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and public pressure to reduce complications and to improve outcomes in the clinical educational environment have enhanced interest in the use of procedural and surgical simulation to tr

Vagus nerve stimulation for partial and generalized epilepsy from infancy to adolescence

OBJECT Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of partial epilepsy in patients older than 12 years. Authors of the current study performed a large retrospective analysis and comparison of VNS outcomes in children with an age ≥ and < 12 years, including those with partial and generalized epilepsy. METHODS A retrospective review of the records of pediatric patients (age < 18 years) who had undergone primary VNS system implantation between 2001 and 2010 by a single pediatric neurosurgeon was undertaken. Considered data included demographics, epilepsy type (partial vs generalized), seizure frequency, seizure duration, postictal period duration, and antiepileptic medication use. RESULTS One hundred forty-six patients (49% female) were followed up for a mean of 41 months after VNS implantation. Thirty-two percent of patients had partial epilepsy and 68% had generalized epilepsy. After VNS system implantation, seizure frequency was reduced in 91% of patients, seizure duration in 50%, postictal period in 49%, and antiepileptic medication use in 75%. There was no significant difference in age, sex, or duration of follow-up according to epilepsy type. Neither was there any significant difference in seizure frequency reduction, seizure duration, postictal period, medication use, overall clinical improvement, or improvement in quality of life based on an age ≥ or < 12 years or epilepsy type. CONCLUSIONS Vagus nerve stimulation reduced both seizure frequency and antiepileptic medication use in the majority of pediatric patients regardless of sex, age cohort, or epilepsy type. Vagus nerve stimulation also reduced seizure duration and postictal period in approximately half of the pediatric patients. Contrary to expectation, children with partial epilepsy do not benefit from VNS at higher rates than those with generalized epilepsy.

Noradrenergic agonist administration into the central nucleus of the amygdala increases the tail-flick latency in lightly anesthetized rats

The amygdala is a medial forebrain structure with an established role in nociceptive modulation, including the expression of stress-induced hypoalgesia (SIH). Projections from the locus coeruleus increase levels of noradrenaline in the amygdala during acute stress. alpha(2)-Noradrenergic receptor agonists have significant clinical utility as analgesic agents. We therefore hypothesized that alpha(2)-noradrenergic activation of the amygdala may result in behaviorally measurable hypoalgesia. Lightly anesthetized rats underwent microinjection of the alpha(2)-noradrenergic agonist clonidine into the amygdala and intermittent measurement of thermal nociception using the tail-flick latency (TFL). Bilateral microinjection of clonidine into the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) resulted in a significant, dose-dependent increase in TFL. This effect was blocked by systemic pre-treatment with the alpha(2)-antagonist yohimbine or by local pre-injection of the alpha(2)-antagonist idazoxan but not by local pre-injection of the alpha(1)-antagonist WB-4101. When injected alone, no antagonist resulted in a significant change in TFL compared with baseline. Clonidine injection into the amygdala but outside the CeA, including the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, did not significantly alter TFL. These results demonstrate that anatomically and pharmacologically specific activation of alpha(2)-receptors in the CeA in lightly anesthetized rats results in behaviorally measurable antinociception.

Self-assessment in Neurological Surgery: The SANS Wired White Paper

OBJECTIVE:Periodic self-assessment is an important component of postgraduate medical education and certification. The Self-assessment in Neurological Surgery (SANS) examination has a history of usefulness for neurosurgical written and oral board examination preparation. The SANS Wired test represents a recreation of the original SANS test using an Internet-based platform. Advanced functionality and contemporary content have been added to meet the increasing requirements for demonstration of lifelong learning and self-assessment as part of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process. METHODS:A needs assessment was performed before the development of SANS Wired. Postexamination surveys for users obtaining continuing medical education credit were analyzed for user satisfaction with the platform and content. Test-item performance metrics were analyzed based on first-attempt responses. The economic value of SANS Wired as a component of the mandatory MOC process was evaluated. RESULTS:The needs assessment identified a deficiency of available content and mechanisms for neurosurgery-specific self-assessment. As of October 15, 2005, a total of 588 individuals had subscribed to SANS Wired (28 institutional licenses accounted for 229 users). Eighty-eight post-test surveys were analyzed for user satisfaction. Ninety-four percent of responses indicated that learning objectives had been met. Initial performance metrics show an average point-biserial discrimination index of +0.18 for all test items. CONCLUSION:The SANS Wired system seems to be an effective platform for neurosurgical self-assessment and is acceptable to users. The system satisfies, in part, two of the four required components of MOC, namely, periodic self-assessment and demonstration of cognitive expertise. It is endorsed by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons for MOC.