Publications by authors named "Mohammed A Alvi"

Over the past three decades, advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) have underscored the critical importance of early treatment for both traumatic and non-traumatic cases. Early surgical intervention significantly improves outcomes by limiting the extent of secondary damage. Despite numerous studies highlighting the superior outcomes associated with early decompression surgery for patients with SCIs, hospital reviews reveal that less than 60% of patients undergo surgical decompression within 24 h of injury.

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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that is associated with long-term physical and functional disability. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of SCI has evolved significantly over the past three decades. In parallel, significant advances have been made in optimizing the management of patients with SCI.

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Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), the predominant cause of spinal cord dysfunction among adults, exhibits diverse interrelated symptoms and significant heterogeneity in clinical presentation. This study sought to use machine learning-based clustering algorithms to identify distinct patient clinical profiles and functional trajectories following surgical intervention.

Methods: In this study, we applied k-means and latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify patient phenotypes, using aggregated data from three major DCM trials.

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Article Synopsis
  • The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale is commonly used for evaluating outcomes in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) but doesn't account for neck pain or the full recovery process post-surgery.
  • The study aimed to reassess the effectiveness of riluzole in patients undergoing surgery for DCM using a comprehensive statistical approach that considers multiple outcome measures.
  • Results showed that patients taking riluzole had a significantly better chance of overall improvement compared to those on a placebo after one year, indicating riluzole's potential benefit in surgical outcomes for DCM patients.
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Introduction: Non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is a term used to describe damage to the spinal cord from sources other than trauma. Neuroimaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved our ability to diagnose and manage NTSCIs. Several practice guidelines utilize MRI in the diagnostic evaluation of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI to direct surgical intervention.

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Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: In an effort to prevent intraoperative neurological injury during spine surgery, the use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has increased significantly in recent years. Using IONM, spinal cord function can be evaluated intraoperatively by recording signals from specific nerve roots, motor tracts, and sensory tracts.

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Study Design: Protocol for the development of clinical practice guidelines following the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) standards.

Objectives: Acute SCI or intraoperative SCI (ISCI) can have devastating physical and psychological consequences for patients and their families. The treatment of SCI has dramatically evolved over the last century as a result of preclinical and clinical research that has addressed important knowledge gaps, including injury mechanisms, disease pathophysiology, medical management, and the role of surgery.

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Study Design: An overview of the methods used to develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

Objectives: Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and intraoperative SCI (ISCI) can have devastating physical and psychological consequences for patients and their families. To date, there are several studies that have discussed the diagnostic and management strategies for both SCI and ISCI.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate intra-operative spinal cord injury (ISCI), which lacks a uniform definition, leading to variable reports on its frequency and risk factors.
  • A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, resulting in a table that summarizes risk factors for ISCI based on systematic analysis and expert input from a Guidelines Development Group.
  • Key findings revealed that ISCI frequency can range from 0 to 61%, with older age and certain medical conditions increasing risk, while improved neurological status and intra-operative neuromonitoring decrease risk.*
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Article Synopsis
  • The article summarizes the 2023 AO Spine-Praxis guidelines for managing acute spinal cord injuries, focusing on recommendations for surgical and medical interventions.
  • It emphasizes the importance of early surgical intervention while highlighting gaps in research regarding optimal decompression techniques and the effects of blood pressure on recovery.
  • The guidelines were developed through systematic reviews and input from a multidisciplinary group, using established evaluation frameworks to ensure the quality of the recommendations.
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Study Design: This study is a mixed methods approach.

Objectives: Intraoperative spinal cord injury (ISCI) is a challenging complication in spine surgery. Intra-operative neuromonitoring (IONM) has been developed to detect changes in neural function.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study is a scoping review that looks at how to respond to alerts during spine surgeries to protect patients' nerves.
  • Researchers searched many sources, including medical journals and guidelines from important health organizations, to gather information.
  • They found that there's not enough research on how to best manage these alerts, and they want to create a standard checklist to help doctors reduce risks during surgery.
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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to develop clinical guidelines for using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) to detect spinal cord injuries during spine surgery, targeting high-risk patients and establishing management protocols.
  • The research involved a systematic review following PRISMA standards and GRADE protocols, with an international team reaching consensus on recommendations for IONM effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy.
  • Key recommendations included using IONM for high-risk spine surgery patients and promoting proactive identification and interdisciplinary management strategies for those at risk of intraoperative spinal cord injury.
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  • The study investigated how the Modified Frailty Index-5 (mFI-5) relates to neurological outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).
  • The analysis involved 261 patients 60 years and older from three major clinical trials, comparing outcomes between frail and nonfrail patients using various health assessments over 6-month and 1-year follow-ups.
  • Results indicated that frail patients had worse initial health scores but experienced greater improvements in HRQoL after surgery, suggesting that mFI-5 can be a useful predictor of surgical outcomes in this population.*
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Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a debilitating neurological condition with significant long-term consequences on the mental health and well-being of affected individuals. We aimed to investigate anxiety and depression in individuals with pediatric-onset TSCI.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to December 20th, 2022 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, and studies were included according to the eligibility criteria.

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Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a devastating occurrence that significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. Surgical decompression with stabilization is the most effective way to minimize the damaging sequelae that follow acute tSCI. In recent years, strong evidence has emerged that supports the rationale that early surgical intervention, within 24 h following the initial injury, is associated with a better prognosis and functional outcomes.

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Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious disorder that results in severe impairment of neurological function as well as disability, ultimately reducing a patient's quality of life. The pathophysiology of SCI involves a primary and secondary phase, which causes neurological injury.

Methods: Narrative review on current clinical management of spinal cord injury and emerging therapies.

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Background: Given the potential for social media to allow widespread public engagement, its role in healthcare, including in cancer care as a support network, is garnering interest. To date, the use of social media in neuro-oncology has not been systematically explored. In the current manuscript, we sought to review Twitter use on glioblastoma among patients, caregivers, providers, researchers, and other stakeholders.

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Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive neurologic condition caused by age-related degeneration of the cervical spine. Social media has become a crucial part of many patients' lives; however, little is known about social media use pertaining to DCM.

Objective: This manuscript describes the landscape of social media use and DCM in patients, caretakers, clinicians, and researchers.

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Introduction: Though all physicians are at risk for medical malpractice litigation, those in surgical specialties, particularly neurosurgeons, are at increased risk. Because intracranial hemorrhages are a life-threatening and commonly misdiagnosed condition, the aim of this study is to identify and increase awareness of factors associated with litigation in cases of intracranial hemorrhages.

Methods: The online legal database Westlaw was utilized to query public litigation cases related to the management of intracranial hemorrhages between 1985 and 2020.

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Article Synopsis
  • Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a condition that affects the neck and can cause problems as people get older, and researchers are trying to better understand and treat it.
  • A group called RECODE-DCM has been formed to bring together patients, doctors, and scientists to discuss ways to improve research and treatments for DCM.
  • The article talks about new discoveries in DCM, including how to better diagnose it, treatment options, and how genetics play a role in creating personalized treatments for patients.
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Study Design: Case Series and Technical Note, Objective: UBS has been extensively used in open surgery. However, the use of UBS during UBESS has not been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to describe a new spinal surgical technique using an ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) during unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBESS) and to report the preliminary results of this technique.

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