Gram-Negative Ventriculostomy-Associated Infections Predict Shunt Dependency in Stroke Diagnoses and Other Brain Injuries.

Background: Several predictors have been studied for shunt dependency after stroke and other brain injuries. However, little is known about the association between ventriculostomy-associated infections (VAIs) and impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow. Moreover, gram-negative (GN) VAIs induce a potent neuroinflammatory process and are clinically challenging to treat.

Trans-Carotid and Trans-Radial Access for Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective We aim to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of extra-femoral endovascular access for mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke patients whose vascular anatomy precludes safe or maneuverable trans-femoral access. Methods Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis with articles published until March 2018. The search protocol, including research questions and inclusion and exclusion criteria, were developed a priori.

Trends in the Use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A 10-Year Analysis of 54 054 Patients.

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is an available bone graft option in spinal fusion surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the trends of BMP-2 utilization in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2011 was reviewed.

Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmissions and Reoperations After 3-Column Osteotomy for Spinal Deformity.

Study Design: Retrospective study of a prospectively collected database.

Objective: To investigate the rate and risk factors for 30-day readmissions and reoperations after 3-column osteotomy (3CO).

Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2012-2014) was reviewed.

Predicting critical care unit-level complications after long-segment fusion procedures for adult spinal deformity.

Background: To identify predictive factors for critical care unit-level complications (CCU complication) after long-segment fusion procedures for adult spinal deformity (ASD).

Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database [2010-2014] was reviewed. Only adult patients who underwent fusion of 7 or more spinal levels for ASD were included.