The impact of repeated surgery and adjuvant therapy on survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma

Objective

Treatment of glioblastoma recurrence can have a palliative aim, after considering risks and potential benefits. The aim of this study is to verify the impact of surgery and of palliative adjuvant treatments on survival after recurrence.

Methods

From January 2002 to June 2008, we treated 76 consecutive patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Treatment was: 1-surgery alone – 17 patients; 2-adjuvant-therapy alone – 24 patients; 3-surgery and adjuvant therapy – 16 patients; no treatment – 19 patients. The impact on median overall-survival (OS-time between recurrence and death/last follow-up) of age, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), resection extent and adjuvant treatment scheme (Temozolomide alone vs low-dose fractionated radiotherapy vs others) was determined. Survival curves were obtained through the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional-hazards was used for multivariate analyses. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Median OS was 7 months. At univariate analysis, patients with a KPS ≥ 70 had a longer OS (9 months vs 5 months – p < 0.0001). OS was 6 months for patients treated with surgery alone, 5 months for patients that received no treatment, 8 months for patients treated with chemotherapy alone, 14 months for patients treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy-p = 0.01. Patients with a KPS < 70 were significantly at risk for death – HR 2.8 – p = 0.001.Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences between patients receiving gross total or partial tumor resection and among patients receiving different adjuvant therapy schemes. Major surgical morbidity at tumor recurrence occurred in 16 out of 33 patients (48%).

Conclusion

It is fundamental, before deciding to operate patients for recurrence, to carefully consider the impact of surgical morbidity on outcome.     

The assessment of prognostic factors in surgical treatment of low-grade gliomas: A prospective study

Objective

A prospective volumetric analysis of extent of resection (EOR) was carried out to assess surgical outcomes in adults diagnosed with hemispheric low grade gliomas (LGGs).

Materials and methods

68 consecutive patients diagnosed with LGGs were enrolled in the study. Pre- and post-operative tumor volumes and EOR were measured based on FLAIR MRI. Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (DSC MRI) was used for the assessment of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV). Three outcome measures were assessed: overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and malignant degeneration-free survival (MFS).

Results

In 6 (9%) patients permanent neurologic deficits were observed. No statistically significant dependence between the EOR and the occurrence of permanent deficits was found. The eloquent or close to the eloquent location was statistically connected with lower EOR (p = 0.023). The preoperative volume of tumors treated with gross total resection was significantly smaller than the volume of tumors in subtotal or partial resection groups (p = 0.020, p < 0.001, respectively). OS was predicted by age at diagnosis (p = 0.032), and rCBV (p = 0.002). Progression and malignant transformation occurred in 22 (32%) and 11 (16%) out of 68 patients. PFS was predicted by preoperative tumor volume (p = 0.005), postoperative tumor volume (p = 0.008), the EOR (p = 0.001), and by the rCBV (p = 0.033). MFS was predicted by preoperative tumor volume (p = 0.034), the EOR (p p = 0.020), and by rCBV (p = 0.022). Postoperative tumor volume was associated with a trend of improved MFS (p = 0.072). The univariate analysis shows the statistical trend for the relationship between histological subtype and PFS and MFS (p = 0.079, p = 0.078, respectively). Multivariate analysis selected preoperative tumor volume and rCBV as independently associated with PFS (p = 0.009, p = 0.019, respectively) and MFS (p = 0.023, p = 0.035, respectively). EOR was associated with a trend of improved PFS, and MFS (p = 0.069, p = 0.094, respectively).

Conclusions

Tumor resection of LGG with the use of intraoperative monitoring and neuronavigation is associated with a low risk of new permanent deficits, but EOR significantly decreases with the size of the tumor and/or its location in/close to the eloquent areas. Smaller preoperative tumor volume and greater EOR are significantly associated with longer OS, PFS and MFS. Preoperative rCBV is one of the important prognostic factors significantly connected with survival. Prognosis in LGGs is still under discussion. Other factors such as age, histopathological subtype and KPS should not be underestimated.     

Short-course whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for brain metastases due to small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Objective

Many patients with brain metastases due to SCLC have a poor survival prognosis. The most common treatment is whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). This retrospective study compares short-course WBRT with 5 × 4 Gy in 1 week to standard WBRT with 10 × 3 Gy in 2 weeks.

Methods

Forty-four SCLC patients receiving WBRT with 5 × 4 Gy were compared to 102 patients receiving 10 × 3 Gy for survival (OS) and local (intracerebral) control (LC). Seven further potential prognostic factors were investigated: age, gender, Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), number of brain metastases, extracerebral metastases, interval from tumor diagnosis to WBRT, RPA (Recursive Partitioning Analysis) class.

Results

After 5 × 4 Gy, 12-month OS was 15%, versus 22% after 10 × 3 Gy (p = 0.69). On multivariate analysis, improved OS was associated with age ≤60 years (p = 0.013), KPS ≥70 (p < 0.001), <4 brain metastases (p = 0.011), and RPA class 1 (p < 0.001). 12-month LC was 34% after 5 × 4 Gy versus 25% after 10 × 3 Gy (p = 0.32). On multivariate analysis, improved LC was associated with KPS ≥70 (p < 0.001), <4 brain metastases (p = 0.027), and RPA class 1 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with brain metastases due to SCLC, short-course WBRT with 5 × 4 Gy provided similar outcomes as 10 × 3 Gy and appears preferable, particularly for patients with poor estimated survival.     

Early prognostic factors related to progression and malignant transformation of low-grade gliomas

Objective

Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are infiltrative tumors characterized by slow growth. However, during early period, LGGs can progress and transform into a malignant pathology. We analyzed the prognostic factors for progression and malignant transformation in LGGs.

Materials and methods

From 2000 to 2009, we operated on 86 patients: 42 oligodendrogliomas, 12 oligoastrocytomas, and 32 astrocytomas. The male:female ratio was 47:39, and the median age was 41 (±17.4) years. The mean follow-up period was 4.25 (±2.8) years. We analyzed the prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and malignant transformation, considering age, sex, KPS, clinical presentation, tumor location, radiologic pattern, extent of removal, pathologic subtype, and adjuvant treatment.

Results

In univariate analysis, non-eloquent location, gross total removal, and oligodendroglial pathology statistically correlated with improved PFS and OS. In multivariate analysis, gross total removal correlated with longer PFS (p = 0.043), and gemistocytic astrocytoma had a poor PFS (p = 0.004). Younger age and non-eloquent area showed an improved OS (p = 0.002 and 0.041), and astrocytic pathology showed a poor OS (p = 0.01). Malignant transformation was pathologically diagnosed in 13 out of 86 patients (15%). Gemistocytic astrocytoma correlated independently with malignant transformation (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

In LGGs, extent of removal associated with tumor progression. The pathology of astrocytoma, especially gemistocytic astrocytoma, was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and malignant transformation.     

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis: Prognostic value of clinical,cerebrospinal fluid,and neuroimaging features

Introduction

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a devastating complication occurring in 5% of all patients with cancer. To date there are no well-established prognostic markers in patients with LC, except for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) blocks and the Karnofsky performance status scale (KPS). We aimed to identify clinical, neuroradiologic and CSF prognostic factors related to LC survival and to develop an easy-to-use Prognostic Scoring Scale (PSS) to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from receiving treatment.

Methods

Single-center retrospective study evaluating patients who had a diagnosis of LC during a 10-year period. Diagnosis was made by malignant cytology or imaging; suspicious cases treated as LC were also included.

Results

Fifty patients with LC were analyzed (58% women). Median age was 54.4 years, and KPS was 60%. The most common types of tumor were breast (35%), lung (24%), and hematologic malignancies (16%). Thirty-two percent of patients were diagnosed by imaging, 22% by cytology, and 40% by both. Median overall survival (OS) was 10 weeks (95% confidence interval 5.1–14.9). Median OS for patients who received specific treatment was 21.2 weeks vs. 6.38 weeks for patients receiving supportive care only (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, initial KPS, initial CSF protein level (<112 mg/dL) and time from diagnosis of primary tumor to diagnosis of LC (>67 weeks) were significant and independent predictors of increased survival.

Conclusions

Prognosis remains poor in LC. The predictive factors for patients with LC here identified could help to improve the selection of patients who are more likely to benefit from receiving treatment.     

A comparison between cyberknife and neurosurgery in solitary brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of cyberknife (CK) and neurosurgery (NS) in patients newly diagnosed as solitary brain metastasis (SBM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and materials

We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients between 1990 and 2012 from our institution, including 38 patients performing CK and the other half performing NS. The observation end point was overall survival time (OS), local control of treated metastasis (LC) and intracranial control (IC). Kaplan–Meier OS curves were compared with the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to determine prognosticators for OS, LC and IC.

Results

The baseline characteristic between the two groups was not significantly different. The 1-year OS rates were 53.5% and 30.5% in the CK group and NS group, respectively, (p = 0.121). The 1-year LC rates were 50.8% and 31.3%, respectively, (p = 0.078). The 1-year IC rates were 50.8% and 27.7%, respectively, (p = 0.066). In multivariate analysis, improved OS was significantly associated with younger age (p = 0.016), better ECOG performance status (p = 0.000) and graded prognostic assessment (GPA, 3.5–4.0, p = 0.006). The LC was also associated with better ECOG performance status (p = 0.000). The IC was associated with both better ECOG performance status (p = 0.000) and GPA (3.5–4.0, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

There was no statistical difference between CK and NS for SBM from NSCLC in OS, LC and IC. However, CK is less invasive and may be more acceptable for patients. The result needs randomized trials to confirm and further study.     

The influence of surgery on recurrence pattern of glioblastoma

Objectives

Glioblastoma recurs within 2 cm from the primary tumor's margins in 90–95% of cases. Natural history of recurrence is not well defined. The aim of this study was to verify if pattern of recurrence can be influenced by the extent of surgery.

Patients and methods

131 patients with glioblastoma underwent tumor removal, followed by standard adjuvant radio-chemotherapy. Depending on the amount of apparently normal white matter measured around the tumor in the surgical specimen, the extent of surgery was classified into: “border resection” (BR, resection margins at the level of tumor border) or “extended resection” (ER, resection margins 1–2 cm far from tumor border). 88 patients had no residual tumor at post-operative MRI. Among these, 60 patients had a local recurrence (LR) – within 2 cm from the primary tumor's margins, 15 patients had a distant recurrence (DR), 13 patients had no recurrence. Survival curves were obtained through the Kaplan–Meier method. Dichotomous data were compared with the chi-square test.

Results

Patients who underwent ER presented a LR in 67% of cases. Patients who underwent BR presented a LR in 87.5% of cases (p = 0.03). Survival for 60 patients with LR was 16 months vs 35 months for 15 patients with DR (p = 0.06). PFS for patients with LR was 9 months vs 21 months for patients with DR (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

If tumor grows far from eloquent areas, ER may increase the probability to obtain a gross total resection, a greater number of patients with DR and, therefore, a longer survival.     

The number of involved extracranial organs: A new predictor of survival in breast cancer patients with brain metastasis

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the potential impact of the number of involved extracranial organs on survival in patients with brain metastasis from breast cancer.

Methods

The data of 196 patients treated with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) alone for brain metastases from breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Six potential prognostic factors were evaluated for associations with survival. These factors included WBRT regimen, age, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), number of brain metastases, interval from breast cancer diagnosis to WBRT, and the number of involved extracranial organs.

Results

The 6-month survival rates of patients with involvement of 0, 1, 2, 3 and ≥4 extracranial organs were 59%, 49%, 26%, 26% and 13%, respectively, and the 12-month survival rates were 45%, 36%, 17%, 17% and 13%, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the number of involved extracranial organs (risk ratio 1.17; 95%-confidence interval 1.02–1.35; p = 0.028) maintained significance, as did KPS (p < 0.001), but not age (p = 0.27).

Conclusion

The number of involved extracranial organs is an independent prognostic factor of survival in patients with brain metastasis from breast cancer.     

Patterns of care and survival of glioblastoma patients: A comparative study between 2004 and 2008 in Lyon,France

Introduction

The treatment of glioblastomas (GBMs) has changed significantly since 2005. However, the extent to which this change has improved overall survival (OS) of patients treated outside clinical trials remains to be determined.

Methods

We compared the patterns of care and OS of all GBM patients diagnosed in 2004 (n = 105) and in 2008 (n = 130) in our center.

Results

Younger patients (aged < 70 years) diagnosed in 2008 received temozolomide radiochemotherapy as the initial treatment and bevacizumab at recurrence more frequently than those diagnosed in 2004 (69% vs 26% P < 10⁻⁴ and 41% vs 3%, P < 10⁻⁴, respectively). Elderly patients (aged ≥ 70 years) diagnosed in 2008 received an oncological treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy) more frequently than those diagnosed in 2004 (67% vs 38%, P = 0.006). The patients diagnosed in 2008 had longer OS than those diagnosed in 2004 (10.5 months vs 5.3 months, P = 0.001). This finding was true for both younger and elderly patients (15.3 months vs 8.9 months, P = 0.02 and 6.4 months vs 3.2 months, P = 0.0002, respectively) and when considering only IDH1 wild-type patients (8.9 months vs 5.3 months, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

In our center, the change in the patterns of care for GBMs between 2004 and 2008 has been associated with a significant improvement in OS.     

Rearrangement of motor centers and its relationship to the neurological status of low-grade glioma examined on pre- and postoperative fMRI

Objective

Well-developed compensatory mechanisms, based on the phenomenon of brain plasticity, exist in patients with neuroepithelial tumors, especially with highly differentiated gliomas (WHO grade II). We studied phenomenon of rearrangement of sensorimotor cortex using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and verified relationship between observed changes and results of neurological and neuropsychological assessment.

Methods

Study group included 20 patients with WHO grade II gliomas located within motor or sensory cortex. fMRI examination, as well as clinical, neurological (Karnofsky performance score [KPS] and Lovett's scale [Lo]), and neuropsychological assessment (Digit Coding Symbol Test and Digit Span Test) were performed pre-operatively and 3 months post-surgery.

Results

There were no significant differences in pre- and postoperative performance status of patients. Although statistically insignificant, an increase in frequency of activation of primary and secondary cortical motor centers was observed postoperatively (p > 0.05). Prior to surgery, motor centers were characterized by lower values of t-statistics than in postoperative period (p > 0.05). In contrast, values of parameters describing the size of examined centers, i.e. mean number of clusters, were lower, but not statistically significant on postoperative examination (p > 0.05). Compared to individuals without motor deficit, patients with preoperative Lo3/Lo4 paralysis showed significantly higher mean values of t-statistics in the accessory motor area on postoperative examination (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The processes of motor cortex rearrangement seemed to be associated with the pre- and postoperative neurological and neuropsychological status of patients. After contralateral primary motor cortex, accessory motor area was the second most frequently activated center, both pre- and postoperatively.     

Management and outcome of primary spinal ependymomas: A single center experience from Taiwan

Background

Surgical treatment of spinal ependymomas requires careful consideration of the relative risks of neurological worsening from surgery. Our aim was to determine the risk factors of neurological deterioration after surgery for spinal ependymomas.

Material and methods

This 20-year study included 17 patients (seven men and 10 women; 44.65 ± 13.62 years) with histologically confirmed spinal ependymomas. The basic features were reviewed and the functional status was assessed by using the modified McCormick classification. We subdivided the patient population into two groups according to whether neurological deterioration occurred after primary tumor resection (N = 5) or not (N = 12), and compared their clinical characteristics.

Results

The average duration of presenting symptoms in the 17 patients was 23.53 ± 21.45 months. Three (17.6%) patients underwent subtotal or partial resection and 14 (82.4%) patients underwent gross total resection. The incidence of neurological deterioration after primary resection of spinal ependymomas was 29.4%. There were five (100%) and two (16.7%) male patients in the neurological-deterioration and no-deterioration groups, respectively (p = 0.003). The duration of presenting symptoms was 24 months or over in all the patients with neurological deterioration and five of the 12 patients with improved or stabilized function (p = 0.044).

Conclusion

The risk associated with surgical resection of spinal ependymomas should not be overlooked because of the significant incidence of neurological deterioration. The male gender and long-standing symptom (≥24 months) are risk factors of postoperative neurological worsening. Early diagnosis and surgery are therefore critical for successful treatment of spinal ependymomas.     

Lipid status,anti-oxidant enzyme defence and haemoglobin content in the blood of long-term clozapine-treated schizophrenic patients

Objective

Despite clozapine's unique effectiveness in patients with schizophrenia, a number of adverse effects have been recognised including abnormalities in lipid and glucose metabolisms. A high clozapine level in red blood cells (RBCs) and disturbed anti-oxidant enzyme activities in blood from schizophrenic patients prompted us to investigate lipid status and anti-oxidant enzyme defence in the blood of chronic schizophrenic patients on long-term clozapine therapy.

Methods

Plasma lipids, RBC anti-oxidant enzyme activities and haemoglobin (Hb) content were measured using established procedures in a group of eighteen chronically-medicated (average 630 days of therapy) schizophrenic patients receiving clozapine (average dose of 295 mg/day) and data were compared with those from a group of eighteen well-matched normal controls.

Results

Significantly higher levels of plasma triglycerides (by 47%, p < 0.01) and total cholesterol and phospholipids (by 8% and 11%, respectively p < 0.05) in patients were found. CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) activity was markedly higher (by 35%, p < 0.001) while selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px1) activity was markedly lower (by 41%, p < 0.001) in patients. In addition, metHb and HbA1c levels in patients were significantly higher (by 58% and 25%, respectively p < 0.001). SOD1 activity was negatively correlated (p < 0.001) to GSH-Px1 activity in patients.

Conclusions

The findings support the view that ongoing oxidative stress may be a mechanism by which clozapine induces some adverse effects that increase the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. If valid, this would indicate that in parallel with long-term clozapine treatment, schizophrenic patients could be encouraged to make some lifestyle changes to limit the detrimental effects of the medication.     

Predictors of tracheostomy in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

One third of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) require mechanical ventilation; in most, tracheostomy may be necessary. Limited data exist about predictors of tracheostomy in ICH. The aim of our study is to identify predictors of tracheostomy in ICH.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of patients seen in our institution between 2005 and 2009, using ICD-9 codes for ICH, for admission clinical and radiological parameters. A stepwise logistic regression model was used to identify tracheostomy predictors.

Results

Ninety patients with ICH were included in the analysis, eleven of which required tracheostomy. Patients requiring a tracheostomy were more likely to have a large hematoma volume (≥30 mL) (63.4% vs. 29.1%, p = 0.037), intraventricular hemorrhage (81.8% vs. 27.8%, p < 0.0001), hydrocephalus (81.8% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.0001), admission GCS < 8 (81.8% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.0001), intubation ≥ 14 days (54.5% vs. 1.27%, p < 0.0001) and pneumonia (63.6% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.003). Stepwise logistic regression yielded admission GCS (OR = 80.55, p = 0.0003) and intubation days (OR = 87.49, p < 0.006) as most important predictors.

Conclusion

We could potentially predict the need for tracheostomy early in the course of ICH based on the admission GCS score; duration of intubation is another predictor for tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy could decrease the time, and therefore risks of prolonged endotracheal intubation and length of hospital stay.     

Hypo-fractionated IMRT for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: A 6 year single institutional experience

Objectives

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumour in adults. Surgery and radiotherapy constitute the cornerstones for the therapeutic management of GBM. The standard treatment today is maximal surgical resection followed by concomitant chemo-radiation therapy followed by adjuvant TMZ according to Stupp protocol. Despite the progress in neurosurgery, radiotherapy and oncology, the prognosis still results poor.In order to reduce the long time of standard treatment, maintaining or improving the clinical results, in our institute we have investigated the effects of hypo-fractionated radiation therapy for patients with GBM.

Patients and methods

Sixty-seven patients affected by GBM who had previously undergone surgical resection (total, subtotal or biopsy) were enrolled between October 2005 and December 2011 in a single institutional study of hypo-fractionated intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) followed or not by adjuvant chemotherapy with TMZ (6–12 cycles). The most important eligibility criteria were: biopsy-proven GBM, KPS ≥ 60, age ≥ 18 years, no previous brain irradiation, informed consensus. Hypo-fractionated IMRT was delivered to a total dose of 25 Gy in 5 fractions prescribed to 70% isodose. Response to treatment, OS, PFS, toxicity and patterns of recurrence were evaluated, and sex, age, type of surgery, Karnofsky performance status, Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA) classification, time between surgery and initiation of radiotherapy were evaluated as potential prognostic factors for survival.

Results

All patients have completed the treatment protocol. Median age was 64.5 years (range 41–82 years) with 31 females (46%) and 36 males (54%). Median KPS at time of treatment was 80. The surgery was gross total in 38 patients and subtotal in 14 patients; 15 patients underwent only biopsy.No grade 3–4 acute or late neurotoxicity was observed. With median follow-up of 14.9 months, the median OS and PFS were 13.4 and 7.9 months, respectively.

Conclusions

The hypo-fractionated radiation therapy can be used for patients with GBM, resulting in favourable overall survival, low rates of toxicity and satisfying QoL. Future investigations are needed to determine the optimal fractionation for GBM.     

Outcome of surgical decompression of spinal mass lesions in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and plasmacytoma

Objective

Surgical treatment for spinal mass lesions due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) or plasmacytoma is necessary only in rare instances. The purpose of this study was to investigate long-term outcome and quality of life of surgery combined with postoperative chemotherapy or radiochemotherapy.

Methods

The data of patients, who underwent spinal surgery for mass lesions in a 10-year periods were reviewed, identifying 10 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of NHL or plasmacytoma. Functional outcome were assessed by the Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), quality of life by the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey Questionnaire, and pain by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Results

Clinical presentations included pain (n = 10), paresis (n = 5), and sensory deficits (n = 5). Surgical treatment included removal of the mass lesion (total, n = 5; subtotal, n = 5) for decompression, interbody fusion (n = 3), and corporectomy followed by stabilization (n = 1). Histopathological findings revealed NHL in five patients and plasmacytoma/multiple myeloma in five other patients. Postoperatively, all patients underwent chemotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Mean follow-up time was 38 months. At the last follow-up, 2 patients had succumbed to progression of disease. Pain intensity remained significantly reduced as compared to preoperatively (p = 0.049). The KPS was 90–100% in five patients still alive, 70% in two, and 60% in one. SF-36 subscores were lower as compared to age-matched healthy controls.

Conclusions

This retrospective study shows that surgical decompression of spinal mass lesions is a valuable option in selected patients with NHL or plasmacytoma to improve neurological deficits and control pain. Long-term outcome after postoperative adjuvant therapy confirms prolonged stability of quality of life.     

Psychopathy and facial emotion recognition ability in patients with bipolar affective disorder with or without delinquent behaviors

Background

It is well known that patients with bipolar disorder are more prone to violence and have more criminal behaviors than general population. A strong relationship between criminal behavior and inability to empathize and imperceptions to other person's feelings and facial expressions increases the risk of delinquent behaviors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the deficits of facial emotion recognition ability in euthymic bipolar patients who committed an offense and compare with non-delinquent euthymic patients with bipolar disorder.

Method

Fifty-five euthymic patients with delinquent behaviors and 54 non-delinquent euthymic bipolar patients as a control group were included in the study. Ekman's Facial Emotion Recognition Test, sociodemographic data, Hare Psychopathy Checklist, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale were applied to both groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between case and control groups in the meaning of average age, gender, level of education, mean age onset of disease and suicide attempt (p > 0.05). The three types of most committed delinquent behaviors in patients with euthymic bipolar disorder were as follows: injury (30.8%), threat or insult (20%) and homicide (12.7%). The best accurate percentage of identified facial emotion was “happy” (>99%, for both) while the worst misidentified facial emotion was “fear” in both groups (<50%, for both). The total accuracy rate of recognition toward facial emotions was significantly impaired in patients with delinquent behaviors than non-delinquent ones (p < 0.05). The accuracy rate of recognizing the fear expressions was significantly worse in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, it tended to be worse toward angry facial expressions in criminal euthymic bipolar patients. The response times toward happy, fear, disgusted and angry expressions had been significantly longer in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study is the first, searching the ability of facial emotion recognition in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder who had delinquent behaviors. We have shown that patients with bipolar disorder who had delinquent behaviors may have some social interaction problems i.e., misrecognizing fearful and modestly anger facial emotions and need some more time to response facial emotions even in remission.     

Prehospital transfer medicalization increases thrombolysis rate in acute ischemic stroke. A French stroke unit experience

Objectives

Narrow therapeutic window is a major cause of thrombolysis exclusion in acute ischemic stroke. Whether prehospital medicalization increases t-PA treatment rate is investigated in the present study.

Patients and methods

Intrahospital processing times and t-PA treatment were analyzed in stroke patients calling within 6 h and admitted in our stoke unit. Patients transferred by our mobile medical team (SAMU) and by Fire Department (FD) paramedics were compared.

Results

193 (61.6%) SAMU patients and 120 (38.4%) FD patients were included within 30 months. Clinical characteristics and onset-to-call intervals were similar in the two groups. Mean door-to-imaging delay was deeply reduced in the SAMU group (52 vs. 159 min, p < 0.0001) and was <25 min in 50% of SAMU patients and 14% of FD patients (p < 0.0001). SAMU management was the only independent factor of early imaging (p = 0.0006). t-PA administration rate was higher in SAMU group than in FD group (42% vs. 28%, p = 0.04). Proportion of patients with delayed therapeutic window was higher in FD group than in SAMU group (38% vs. 26%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Prehospital transfer medicalization promotes emergency room bypass, direct radiology room admission and high thrombolysis rate in acute ischemic stroke.     

Alternative grafts in anterior cervical fusion

Objective

The present retrospective study was conducted to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) cages, or allograft.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of ACDF using allograft in 20 patients, and CFRP in 19 who had sequential radiographs before and after surgery, and at 1 year.

Results

There were no apparent significant differences between the 2 groups in age (p = 0.057), gender (p = 0.635), or complications (p = 0.648). At 12 months, there were no cases of construct failure, and fusion appeared to have been achieved in patients of both groups. Lordosis was increased significantly in both groups after surgery (p < 0.001 in allograft and p = 0.025 in CFRP), and was maintained up until 1 year (p < 0.018 in allograft and p = 0.05 in CFRP) without a difference between groups (p = 0.721). Anterior interbody height was significantly increased (p < 0.001 in both groups at each time points) after surgery, without a significant difference between groups (p > 0.21). This increase in height was greatest in magnitude immediately after surgery, and declined with the passage of time. There was no detectable health-related quality of life difference between allograft and CFRP group after surgery (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that CFRP cages appear to have comparable fusion rates, restoration of lordosis and disc space height, and complication rates to patients who undergo ACDF with allograft.     

Effect of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with spontaneous intra-cerebral hemorrhage: Does medication use predict worse outcome?

Objectives

To assess the impact of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents on the severity and outcome of spontaneous non-traumatic intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH). To evaluate associations between reversal of anticoagulation and mortality/morbidity in these patients.

Methods

Data was collected on a consecutive cohort of adults presenting with ICH to an academic Emergency Department over a 3-year period starting January 2006.

Results

The final cohort of 245 patients consisted of 125 females (51.1%). The median age of the cohort was 73 years [inter-quartile (IQR) range of 59–82 years]. Antiplatelet (AP) use was seen in 32.6%, 18.4% were using anticoagulant (AC) and 8.9% patients were on both drugs (AC + AP).Patients on AC had significantly higher INR (median 2.3) and aPTT (median 31 s) when compared to patients not on AP/AC (median INR 1.0, median aPTT 24 s; p < 0.001). Similarly patients on AC + AP also had higher INR (median 1.9) and aPTT (median 30 s) when compared to those not on AC/AP (p < 0.001).Hemorrhage volumes were significantly higher for patients on AC alone (median 64.7 cm³) when compared to those not on either AC/AP (median 27.2 cm³; p = 0.05). The same was not found for patients using AP (median volume 20.5 cm³; p = 0.813), or both AC + AP (median volume 27.7 cm³; p = 0.619). Patients on AC were 1.43 times higher at risk to have intra-ventricular extension of hemorrhage (IVE) as compared to patients not on AC/AP (95% CI 1.04–1.98; p = 0.035).There was no relationship between the use of AC/AP/AC + AP and functional outcome of patients. Patients on AC were 1.74 times more likely to die within 7 days (95% CI 1.0–3.03; p = 0.05). No relationship was found between use of AP or AC + AP use and mortality.Of the 82 patients with INR > 1.0, 52 patients were given reversal (minimum INR 1.4, median 2.3). Therapy was heterogeneous, with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) being the most commonly used agent (86.5% patients, median dose 4 U). Vitamin K, activated factor VIIa and platelets were the other agents used. Post reversal, INR normalized within 24 h (median 1.2, IQR 1.1–1.3). There was no association between reversal and volume of hemorrhage, IVE, early mortality (death < 7 days) or functional outcome.

Conclusions

Anticoagulated patients were at 1.7 times higher risk of early mortality after ICH. Reversal of INR to normal did not influence mortality or functional outcome.     

Intracerebral metastases of malignant melanoma and their recurrences—A clinical analysis

Introduction

Brain metastases (BM) commonly occur in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma (MM). Prognosis is poor even with maximal therapy. The aim of the current study was to retrospectively evaluate patients with BM of MM who were treated neurosurgically with respect to clinical presentation, recurrent disease, survival and factors affecting survival.

Patients and methods

Thirty-four patients (19 f/15 m) with BM of MM were treated in our hospital between 2000 and 2010. Patient data were analysed, survival was examined using Kaplan–Meier-estimates and factors affecting prognosis were evaluated using uni- and multivariate analysis.

Results

Twenty-two patients (64.7%) had a single BM, whereas twelve patients (35.3%) revealed two or more lesions. Median survival for patients with a single BM was 13.0 months (95%-CI 9.3–16.7 months), this was significantly (p = 0.014) better than for patients with two or more BM (median 5.0, 95%-CI 3.4–14.6 months).Nineteen patients (55.9%) developed an intracranial relapse after microsurgical resection of a first lesion. Patients with an isolated intracerebral relapse survived significantly (p = 0.003) longer than those with systemic progression (median 6.0, 95%-CI 0.0–15.3 months vs median 3.0, 95%-CI 1.7–4.3 months). Similarly, patients with a high performance status showed significantly (p = 0.001) prolonged survival (median 7.0, 95%-CI 0.0–19.9 months vs median 1.0, 95%-CI 0.0–2.2 months). Eleven out of nineteen patients (57.9%) underwent either another microsurgical resection (n = 6) or stereotactic radiosurgery (n = 5). These patients remained on a high performance status even after aggressive therapy.

Discussion

Even though the prognosis for patients with BM of MM is generally poor, patients with a single BM can benefit from microsurgical resection. However, there is a high risk of intracranial relapse. In selected patients with a good performance status and recurrent intracranial disease, recurrent local therapy can be justified and useful.