Adrenocortical Function in Children With Brain Tumors and Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients.

Adrenocortical insufficiency (AI) is a clinical condition defined by deficient production of glucocorticoids that can result in life-threatening complications. We examined the prevalence of AI in children with brain tumors and those undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation (stim) testing was used for the assessment of adrenocortical function.

Concurrent Versus Staged Procedures for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Cranioplasty: A 10-Year Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Surgical Outcomes.

Background: Many patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy will develop persistent hydrocephalus before cranioplasty. Therefore, surgeons must decide whether to perform ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement and cranioplasty simultaneously or in staged procedures. With limited, conflicting data reported, this decision has often been made by personal preference.

A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Titanium Mesh and Custom Implants for Cranioplasty.

Background: Autologous bone removed during craniectomy is often the material of choice in cranioplasty procedures. However, when the patient's own bone is not appropriate (infection and resorption), an alloplastic graft must be utilized. Common options include titanium mesh and polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based custom flaps.

Autologous Bone Cranioplasty: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Frozen and Subcutaneous Bone Flap Storage Methods.

Objective: The use of autologous bone for cranioplasty offers superior cosmesis and cost-effectiveness compared with synthetic materials. The choice between 2 common autograft storage mechanisms (subcutaneous vs. frozen) remains controversial and dictated by surgeon preference.

Acute Surgical Risk Profile of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor Resection in Pediatric Patients: A Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to characterize the acute (30-day) surgical risk profile of pediatric patients undergoing surgical resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs).

Methods: Preoperative factors were collected from the Pediatric American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for patients identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes for laminectomy and International Classification of Diseases codes for IMSCTs from 2012 to 2016. The postoperative outcomes were compared by tumor location and type.