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How should we treat long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA)? A retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) is a heterogenous group of conditions with differing presentations. Few studies have evaluated success rates of available surgical treatments, or ascertained the natural history. There is a need to assess the efficacy of both endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) as first-line treatments. We conducted a retrospective, single-centre study of adults with LOVA at a tertiary neurosurgery centre in England, UK, aiming to identify presentation, management strategy, and outcome following treatment. A total of 127 patients were included (mean age 48.1 years, 61/127 male). Most patients were symptomatic (73.2%, n = 93/127, median symptom duration 10 months). The most common symptoms were gait ataxia, headache, and cognitive decline (52.8%, 50.4%, and 33.9%, respectively). Fourteen patients had papilloedema. Ninety-one patients (71.7%) underwent surgery (84 ETV, 7 VPS). Over a median follow-up of 33.0 months (interquartile range [IQR] 19.0-65.7), 82.4% had a clinical improvement after surgery, and 81.3% had radiological improvement. Clinical improvement rates were similar between ETV and VP shunt groups (82.1% vs 85.7%, p = 0.812). Surgical complication rates were significantly lower in the ETV group than the VP shunt group (4.8% vs 42.9%, p < 0.001). Of the patients treated surgically, 20 (22.0%) underwent further surgery, with 14 patients improving. This study demonstrates the efficacy of ETV as a first-line treatment for LOVA.

SUBMITTER: Gillespie CS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9492616 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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How should we treat long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA)? A retrospective cohort study.

Gillespie Conor S CS Richardson George E GE Mustafa Mohammad A MA Evans Daisy D George Alan M AM Islim Abdurrahman I AI Mallucci Conor C Jenkinson Michael D MD McMahon Catherine J CJ

Neurosurgical review 20220611 5

Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) is a heterogenous group of conditions with differing presentations. Few studies have evaluated success rates of available surgical treatments, or ascertained the natural history. There is a need to assess the efficacy of both endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) as first-line treatments. We conducted a retrospective, single-centre study of adults with LOVA at a tertiary neurosurgery centre in England, UK ...[more]

PMID: 35688957

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Project description:ObjectiveGait disturbance is one of the features of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and decompensated long-standing overt ventriculomegaly (LOVA). The timed-up-and-go (TUG) test and the timed-10-m-walking test (10MWT) are frequently used assessments tools for gait and balance disturbances in NPH and LOVA, as well as several other disorders. We aimed to make smart-phone apps which perform both the 10MWT and the TUG-test and record the results for individual patients, thus making it possible for patients to have an objective assessment of their progress. Patients with a suitable smart phone can perform repeat assessments in their home environment, providing a measure of progress for them and for their clinical team.Methods10MWT and TUG-test were performed by 50 healthy adults, 67 NPH and 10 LOVA patients, as well as 5 elderly patients as part of falls risk assessment using the Watkins2.0 app. The 10MWT was assessed with timed slow-pace and fast-pace. Statistical analysis used SPSS (version 25.0, IBM) by paired t-test, comparing the healthy and the NPH cohorts. Level of precision of the app as compared to a clinical observer using a stopwatch was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics curve.ResultsAs compared to a clinical observer using a stopwatch, in 10MWT the app showed 100% accuracy in the measure of time taken to cover distance in whole seconds, 95% accuracy in the number of steps taken with an error ± 1-3 steps, and 97% accuracy in the measure of total distance covered with error of ± 0.25-0.50 m. The TUG test has 100% accuracy in time taken to complete the test in whole seconds, 97% accuracy in the number of steps with an error of ± 1-2 steps and 87.5% accuracy in the distance covered with error of ± 0.50 m. In the measure of time, the app was found to have equal sensitivity as an observer. In measure of number of steps and distance, the app demonstrated high sensitivity and precision (AUC > 0.9). The app also showed significant level of discrimination between healthy and gait-impaired individuals.Conclusion'Watkins' and 'Watkins2.0' are efficient apps for objective performance of 10MWT and the TUG-test in NPH and LOVA patients and has application in several other pathologies characterised by gait and balance disturbance.

Project description:BackgroundGlobally, most countries have implemented a test-and-treat policy to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However, the impact of this strategy has not been critically appraised in many settings, including Zambia. We evaluated the retention and clinical outcomes of adults enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and assessed the impact of the test-and-treat policy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study among 6,640 individuals who initiated ART between January 1, 2014 and July 31, 2016 [before test-and-treat cohort (BTT), n = 2,991] and between August 1, 2016 and October 1, 2020 [after test-and-treat cohort (ATT), n = 3,649] in 12 districts of the Southern province. To assess factors associated with retention, we used logistic regression (xtlogit model).ResultsThe median age [interquartile range (IQR)] was 34.8 years (28.0, 42.1), and 60.2% (n = 3,995) were women. The overall retention was 83.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 82.6, 84.4], and it was significantly higher among the ATT cohort, 90.6 vs. 74.8%, p < 0.001. The reasons for attrition were higher in the BTT compared to the ATT cohorts: stopped treatment (0.3 vs. 0.1%), transferred out (9.3 vs. 3.2%), lost to follow-up (13.5 vs. 5.9%), and death (1.4 vs. 0.2%). Retention in care was significantly associated with the ATT cohort, increasing age and baseline body mass index (BMI), rural residence, and WHO stage 2, while non-retention was associated with never being married, divorced, and being in WHO stage 3.ConclusionThe retention rate and attrition factors improved in the ATT compared to the BTT cohorts. Drivers of retention were test-and-treat policy, older age, high BMI, rural residence, marital status, and WHO stage 1. Therefore, there is need for interventions targeting young people, urban residents, non-married people, and those in the symptomatic WHO stages and with low BMI. Our findings highlight improved ART retention after the implementation of the test-and-treat policy.

Project description:BackgroundMild fetal ventriculomegaly (VM) is a nonspecific finding common to several pathologies with varying prognosis and is, therefore, a challenge in fetal consultation. We aimed to perform a constant, detailed analysis of prenatal findings and postnatal outcomes in fetuses with early-onset and late-onset mild ventriculomegaly, and provide a new evidence basis and new perspective for prenatal counseling.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of women with a diagnosis of mild fetal VM between January 2018 and October 2020. The population was divided into two groups according to the gestational ages (GAs) at initial diagnosis: the early-onset group (diagnosed at/before 24+6 weeks) and the late-onset group (diagnosed after 24+6 weeks). Clinical data and pregnancy outcomes were obtained from hospital records. The children's neurodevelopment status was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3) and telephone interviews.ResultsOur study cohort comprised 324 fetuses, out of which 94 (29%) were classified as early-onset group and 230 (71%) late-onset group. Early-onset group was more likely to have concurrent additional abnormalities, whereas in the late-onset group, isolated enlargement was more common (P = 0.01). Unilateral enlargement was more common in the late-onset group (P = 0.05), and symmetrical enlargement in the early-onset group (P < 0.01). In addition, early-onset mild VM cases were more likely to have intrauterine progression (P = 0.03), and many had a higher proportion of complex multisystem abnormalities. Compared with the late-onset group, the early-onset group was more often associated with congenital brain structure malformations. Approximately 11% of fetuses with mild VM had postnatal neurodevelopmental delay/disorders, and the risk was higher in the early-onset group (19.4% vs. 7.4%). Regression analysis showed that the GA at first diagnosis, non-isolated, and intrauterine progression significantly correlated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities.ConclusionsEarly-onset and late-onset mild VM had significantly different ultrasound features and outcomes. Early-onset mild VM may have more complex potential abnormalities and are more likely to predict poor prognosis than the late-onset.

Project description:IntroductionAdult epiglottitis is a disease process distinct from pediatric epiglottitis in microbiology, presentation, and clinical course. While traditionally considered more indolent and benign than in children, adult epiglottitis remains a cause of acute airway compromise with a mortality rate from 1-20%. Our objective was to characterize the disease course and evaluate the rate and type of airway management in this population at a tertiary, academic referral center.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult patients (age ≥ 18) who were definitively diagnosed with infectious "epiglottitis," "supraglottitis," or "epiglottic abscess" by direct or indirect laryngoscopy during a nine-year period. Double data abstraction and a standardized data collection form were used to assess patient demographic characteristics, presenting features, and clinical course. The primary outcome was airway intervention by intubation, cricothyroidotomy, or tracheostomy, and the secondary outcome was mortality related to the disease.ResultsSeventy patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 50.2 years (standard deviation ± 16.7), 60% of the patients were male, and 14.3% were diabetic. Fifty percent had symptoms that were present for ≥ 48 hours; 38.6% had voice changes, 13.1% had stridor, 12.9% had fever, 45.7% had odynophagia, and 47.1% had dysphagia noted in the ED. Twelve patients (17.1%) received an acute airway intervention including three who underwent emergent cricothyroidotomy, and one who had a tracheostomy. Two patients died and one suffered anoxic brain injury related to complications following difficult airway management.ConclusionIn this case series the majority of patients (82.9%) did not require airway intervention, but a third of those requiring intervention (5.7% of total) had a surgical airway performed with two deaths and one anoxic brain injury. Clinicians must remain vigilant to identify signs of impending airway compromise in acute adult epiglottitis and be familiar with difficult and failed airway algorithms to prevent morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Project description:Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have recently been shown to play a role in cancer metastasis. In solid tumors, especially breast cancer, alterations in miRNA expression contribute to cancer pathogenesis, including metastasis. Considering the emerging role of miRNAs in metastasis, the identification of predictive markers is necessary to further understanding of stage-specific breast cancer development. This is a retrospective analysis that aimed to identify molecular biomarkers related to distant breast cancer metastasis development. Methods: A retrospective case cohort study was performed in 64 breast cancer patients treated during the period from 1998-2001. The case group (n=29) consisted of patients with a poor prognosis who presented with breast cancer recurrence or metastasis during follow up. The control group (n=35) consisted of a random sample of patients with a good prognosis who did not develop breast cancer recurrence or metastasis. These patient groups were stratified according to TNM clinical stage (CS) I, II and III, and the main clinical features of the patients were homogeneous. miRNA profiling was performed using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors. Biomarkers related to metastatic potential were identified independent of clinical stage, and a cutoff point was selected based on the optimal sensitivity and specificity (ROC curve). Finally, a hazard risk analysis of these biomarkers was performed to evaluate their relation to metastatic potential. Results: miRNA expression profiling identified several miRNAs that were either specific and shared across all clinical stages (p?0.05). Among these, we identified miRNAs previously associated with cell motility (let-7 family), cell proliferation and invasion (hsa-miR-16 and has-miR-205) and distant metastasis (hsa-miR-21). In addition, hsa-miR-494 and hsa-miR-21 were up-regulated in metastatic cases of CSI and II. Furthermore, the combination of the 3 miRNAs identified for CSII (hsa-miR-494, hsa-miR-183 and hsa-miR-21) was significant and were a more effective risk marker compared to the single miRNAs. Conclusions: Women with metastatic breast cancer, especially CSII, presented up-regulated levels of miR-183, miR-494 and miR-21, which were associated with a poor prognosis. These miRNAs therefore represent new risk biomarkers of breast cancer metastasis and may be useful for future targeted therapies.

Dataset Information

How should we treat long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA)? A retrospective cohort study.

Publications

How should we treat long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA)? A retrospective cohort study.

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