Implementation of systematic safety checklists in a neurocritical care unit: a quality improvement study.

Background And Objectives: Structured and systematised checklists have been shown to prevent complications and improve patient care. We evaluated the implementation of systematic safety checklists in our neurocritical care unit (NCCU) and assessed its effect on patient outcomes.

Design/methods: This quality improvement project followed a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology.

Temporal Relationship between Hyponatremia and Development of Cerebral Vasospasm in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: Hyponatremia is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Previous studies have reported an association between hyponatremia and vasospasm, however whether hyponatremia directly contributes to the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm (CVS), or is a by-product is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore an association between hyponatremia and CVS after aSAH, and evaluating the temporality of these 2 events.

Acute toxic leukoencephalopathy associated with a non-prescription weight loss supplement: a report of two cases.

Weight loss dietary supplements are used with some frequency by an increasingly overweight population. Some products are not adequately regulated and may pose potential health risks. We report two new cases of acute toxic leukoencephalopathy (ATL) due to the use of a supplement marketed as a thermogenic weight loss aid.

CSF concentrations of adipsin and adiponectin in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is described as a neurodegenerative disorder. However, neuroinflammation and chemokine expression are prominent pathological finding at sites of injury. Adipsin and adiponectin are molecules that are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuroimmune disorders.

Altered CSF cytokine network in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: A pathway-based statistical analysis.

Introduction: Increased cytokine expression is a prominent finding in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Due to their interdependence and pleiotropism, interpretation of CSF concentrations of a single cytokine is challenging. We describe a cytokine analysis in ALS patients using a pathway-based statistical method to identify changes in the whole cytokine network.

[New oral manifestations of Branchio-oculo-facial syndrome. Case report].

The branchio-oculo-facial syndrome is a dominant autosomic condition with variable expressivity that affects particularly the facial and neck structures by an inadequate development of the first and second branchial arch. It is characterized by malformations of eyes and ears, with distinct facial characteristics. It is associated with alterations in TFAP2A gene.

[Retinitis pigmentosa in an adolescent].

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common chronic and inherited condition of retinal dystrophy. The progressive involvement of retinal photoreceptors and other layers characterize this condition. This situation results in optic disc pallor and retinal pigment deposition vascular attenuation.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in pregnancy: clinical outcome during the post-partum period after stem cell transplantation into the frontal motor cortex.

Background Aims: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is rare in pregnant patients. Stem cell therapy has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS.

Methods: We describe a young woman with sporadic ALS that started during the second trimester of pregnancy with a rapid progression after delivery and severe motor impairment.

[Vestibular schwannoma].

The vestibular schwannoma is a benign intracranial tumor of the myelin-forming cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve or cranial nerve VIII. It comprises 8-10% of all intracranial neoplasms in adults. It originates in the vestibular portion of the cranial nerve VIII and it is located in the cerebellopontine angle.