Antisecretory Factor 16 (AF16): A Promising Avenue for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury-An In Vitro Model Approach.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an external mechanical force to the head, resulting in abnormal brain functioning and clinical manifestations. Antisecretory factor (AF16) is a potential therapeutic agent for TBI treatment due to its ability to inhibit fluid secretion and decrease inflammation, intracranial pressure, and interstitial fluid build-up, key hallmarks presented in TBI. Here, we investigated the effect of AF16 in an in vitro model of neuronal injury, as well as its impact on key components of the autophagy pathway and mitochondrial dynamics.

Optic nerve sheath diameter and eyeball transverse diameter in severe head injury and its correlation with intracranial pressure.

Background: Gold standard for determining intracranial pressure (ICP), intraventricular catheter, is invasive with associated risks. Non-invasive investigations like magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography have demonstrated correlation between optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and raised ICP. However, computed tomography (CT) is accessible and less operator-dependent.

Post-operative epidural haematoma as complication of overconsumption of dried fruit in lumbar spinal surgery: a case report and review of the literature.

Purpose: Mebos, a traditional South Africa confection consisting of dried, pulped, and sugared apricots, is rich in fibre and vitamins, but also contains salicylic acid, flavonoids, and citric acid. We report a case of postoperative surgical site bleeding in a healthy patient who consumed approximately 2 kg of mebos per day prior to his elective spinal surgery.

Methods: The clinical course of a previously healthy 54-year-old male patient with cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent surgical intervention with subsequent bleeding into the surgical site is discussed.

Effect of antisecretory factor, given as a food supplement to adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury (SASAT): protocol for an exploratory randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a global epidemic. Overall outcome is poor, with mortality ranging from 10 to 70% and significant long-term morbidity. Several experimental reports have claimed effect on traumatic edema, but no clinical trials have shown effect on edema or outcome.

The role of tertiary neurosurgical intervention in non-missile penetrating injuries of the spine.

Purpose: The objective of the study was to determine whether all patients with spinal non-missile penetrating injuries (NMPIs) need to be managed at a tertiary neurosurgical centre.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical, demographic, and imaging records was performed on all NMPI patients referred to the Department of Neurosurgery at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019.

Results: Ninety-six patients were identified (94 males and 2 females) with 35 cervical, 60 thoracic, and 1 lumbar spinal stab.

Complications, outcomes, and management strategies of non-missile penetrating head injuries.

Objective: While high-velocity missile injury (gunshot) is associated with kinetic and thermal injuries, non-missile penetrating head injury (NMPHI) results in primary damage along the tract of the piercing object that can be associated with significant secondary complications. Despite the unique physical properties of NMPHI, factors associated with complications, expected outcomes, and optimal management have not been defined. In this study, the authors attempted to define those factors.

Thoracic disc herniation: An unusual complication after prone positioning in spinal surgery.

Neurological complications of the prone position have been well documented. Post-operative paraplegia and neurological deterioration unrelated to the site of surgery after proning in spinal surgery is a rare but potentially devastating complication. We describe the case of a 47 year old female who underwent an L4/5 discectomy and posterior instrumented fusion.

A double-edged sword: the effect of technological advancements in the management of neurotrauma patients.

Introduction: Despite South Africa's rapidly growing population, the number of patients evaluated by our trauma unit remains static. However, after presentation, increased delays in time to surgery is an issue. With a vast array of technological advancements having been implemented since 2008 at our institution, a clear problem exists at some stage of the patient management process.

The Kimberley Hospital Rule (KHR) for urgent computed tomography of the brain in a resource-limited environment.

Background: The indications for urgent computed tomography of the brain (CTB) in the acute setting are controversial. While guidelines have been proposed for CTB in well-resourced countries, these are not always appropriate for resource-limited environments. Furthermore, no unifying guideline exists for trauma-related and non-trauma-related acute intracranial pathology.