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Hasib SA, Rizvi I, Garg RK, Bajaj A, Malhotra HS, Kumar N, Uniyal R, Pandey S, Verma R, Sharma PK. Prognostic Model to Predict Outcome of Adult Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis Undergoing Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study. World Neurosurg 2025; 194:123562. [PMID: 39672507 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of adult patients with tuberculous meningitis undergoing ventriculoperitoneal (VP) surgery is not well known. Prognostic models developed to predict the prognosis might help clinicians immensely. METHODS This was a prospective study. Adult patients (≥18 years) with tuberculous meningitis undergoing VP shunt surgery were included in the study. Patients were followed for 6 months. The primary outcome was death and the secondary outcome was a composite outcome of death plus disability. Prognostic models were developed using binary logistic regression. The model performance was assessed using discrimination and calibration. Internal validation of the model was performed using bootstrap. The models were plotted on a nomogram and e-calculator for bedside use. RESULTS Of 92 patients, 28 (30.4%) died and 36 (39.1%) experienced a composite poor outcome. The final model showed Medical Research Council grade III, papilledema, seizures, and size of the temporal horn to be predictors of poor outcome. The models showed good discrimination: area under the curve of 83.7% (95% confidence interval, 75.1%-92.3%; P < 0.001) for death and area under the curve of 84.7% (95% confidence interval, 75.9%-93.5%; P < 0.001) for composite poor outcome. Both the models showed good calibration; the Hosmer-Lemeshow test P value of 0.448 for death and 0.093 for composite outcome. The model remained valid after performing a bootstrap procedure, thus signifying internal validation. CONCLUSIONS About 39% of adult patients with tuberculous meningitis die or remain disabled after VP shunt surgery. Medical Research Council grade III illness, papilledema, seizures, and size of hydrocephalus are the most important baseline predictors that can help in prognostication. The nomograms developed may help the treating physician with prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saddam Ahmad Hasib
- Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India.
| | | | - Ankur Bajaj
- Department of Neurosurgery, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Ravi Uniyal
- Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Shweta Pandey
- Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajesh Verma
- Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
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Daniel BD, Selladurai E, Balaji S, Venkatesan A, Venkatesan M, Giridharan P, Shanmugam S, Natrajan S, Karunaianantham R, Kandasamy D, Subramani R, Muthuramalingam K, Pramila SK, Hissar S, Dooley KE, Thakur KT. Clinical and diagnostic features of central nervous system tuberculosis in Indian children - a descriptive study. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241274251. [PMID: 39290458 PMCID: PMC11406600 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241274251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) present with diagnostic challenges as they often have atypical clinical features. Objective To describe the baseline characteristic features of children diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) TB (TBM and tuberculoma). Design Retrospective descriptive study. Methods Children less than 12 years presenting with neurological signs and symptoms were assessed for a therapeutic TBM trial eligibility. The results of their clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid evaluations were analysed for TBM diagnosis. Results Of 600 children evaluated, 61(10%) had CNS tuberculosis; TBM 47, tuberculoma 14. 20(33%) had definite TBM. Mean age of children with TBM was 5 ± 3.4 years. Of 47, 13(28%), 21(45%) and 13(28%) had grade I, II, and III disease respectively. Abnormalities suggestive of TBM in MRI and computed tomography brain were observed in 76% (26/34) and 77% (24/31) respectively. Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count, protein and glucose were observed in 56% (24/43), 49% (22/45), 47% (21/45) respectively. Among 41 patients with TBM followed up until discharge, five died. Conclusion Younger children with TBM have severe forms. Confirmatory results may not be available in all. A holistic approach to care including addressing complications of hydrocephalus and strokes is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella Devaleenal Daniel
- ICMR - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, No 1, Mayor Satyamoorthy Road, Chetpet, Chennai 600031, India
| | | | - Sarath Balaji
- Institute of Child Health, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Devika Kandasamy
- ICMR - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Snegha K Pramila
- ICMR - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - Syed Hissar
- ICMR - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - Kelly E Dooley
- John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kiran T Thakur
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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Yiek SH, Wong ASH. Challenges and Controversies in the Management of Tuberculous Meningitis with Hydrocephalus: A Systematic Review and Sarawak Institution's Experience. Asian J Neurosurg 2022; 17:189-198. [PMID: 36120621 PMCID: PMC9473842 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction To date, there are no standard practice guidelines available and no universal consensus regarding treatment protocol in management of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with hydrocephalus. Over the years, diverse views have existed in neurosurgical management of TBM with hydrocephalus. Some authors advocate ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt, while others suggest that external ventricular drainage (EVD) may be the preferable neurosurgical procedure for a poor-grade patient.
Method We systematically reviewed published literature and presented our institution's experience. We performed a retrospective case study in our Sarawak neurosurgical center from 2018 to 2020. We tabulated the outcome according to preoperative classifications, which were Vellore Grading (VG), Modified Vellore Grading (MVG), British Medical Research Council Classification (MRC), and others: author-defined.
Result In our center, there were 20 cases of TBM with hydrocephalus treated by EVD and VP shunt from 2018 to 2020. We systematically searched published medical literature, and 23 articles were retrieved and analyzed. Poor outcomes were observed in poor-grade patients, especially VG/MVG 3/4 and MRC 3, from both institution and systemic review data. Shunt complication rate was lower in our center as compared with published literature.
Conclusion Unfortunately, morbidity and mortality were approximately twofold higher in poor-grade as compared with good-grade patients. However, about one-third of poor-grade patients achieved a good outcome. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion would be an unavoidable treatment for hydrocephalus. Poor-grade patients tend to have cerebral infarcts in addition to hydrocephalus. An extended duration of EVD placement could be a potential measure to assess Glasgow coma scale recovery and monitor serial CSF samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Hong Yiek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia
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Chalasani R, Goonathilake MR, Waqar S, George S, Jean-Baptiste W, Yusuf Ali A, Inyang B, Koshy FS, George K, Poudel P, Mohammed L. The Outcome of Surgical Intervention (Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy) in Patients With Hydrocephalus Secondary to Tuberculous Meningitis: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e25317. [PMID: 35637922 PMCID: PMC9131440 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to analyze the outcome of the safety and efficiency of the surgical interventions (ventriculoperitoneal shunt [VPS] and endoscopic third ventriculostomy [ETV]) in patients with hydrocephalus due to tuberculous (TB) meningitis. A systematic literature search has been conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, PMC, and ScienceDirect databases from 2001 to 2022 April. A total of 16 studies have been included, irrespective of their design. These studies include patients diagnosed with hydrocephalus secondary to TB meningitis (TBM) treated with VPS or ETV. A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficiency of surgical procedures based on the outcomes and complications associated with these procedures. A total of 2207 patients (aged one month to 68 years) have been included in this study, out of which 1723 underwent VPS and 484 underwent ETV. The overall success rate in the VPS group varied from 21.1% to 77.5%. The overall success rate in the ETV group ranged from 41.1% to 77%. The overall complications rate in the VPS group varied from 10% to 43.8%, and the complications rate in the ETV group varied from 3.8% to 22.5%. After ruling out the significant differences in the average percentages of outcomes and complications followed by VPS and ETV, ETV is suggested in patients with chronic phases of illness because the chances of ETV failure are high during the initial stage. The uncertainty of the ETV gradually decreases over time. To attain favourable long-term outcomes with ETV in patients with TBM hydrocephalus (TBMH), ETV should be performed after chemotherapy, anti-tubercular treatment, and steroids. In addition, ETV is considered beneficial over VP shunt as associated long-term complications are significantly less compared to VP shunt. In contrast, VP shunt is suggested as a modified Vellore grading which shows a more favourable outcome in patients with acute illness than ETV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopa Chalasani
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mastiyage R Goonathilake
- Pediatrics/Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sara Waqar
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sheeba George
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Wilford Jean-Baptiste
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Amina Yusuf Ali
- Pediatrics, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Bithaiah Inyang
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Feeba Sam Koshy
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Kitty George
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Prakar Poudel
- Internal Medicine, Chitwan Medical College of Medical Science, Chitwan, NPL
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Lubna Mohammed
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Bhushan B, Sardana V, Shringi P, Yadav SR, Maheshwari D. Role of Surgical Procedures (VP Shunt and ETV) in Tuberculous Meningitis with Hydrocephalus (TBMH): A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Neurosci 2021; 16:106-112. [PMID: 35018177 PMCID: PMC8706600 DOI: 10.4103/jpn.jpn_286_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hydrocephalus is one of the most common complications of tuberculous meningitis. Various cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and shunt surgery, are performed for the management of the hydrocephalus associated with tuberculous bacterial meningitis (TBM). There is decreased clarity on the type of procedure to be done. So, this study aims at generating knowledge to understand the conditions in which either of the two procedures, ETV and shunt surgery, is a better option and to develop good practice guidelines for the treatment of tubercular meningitis hydrocephalus (TBMH). Materials and Methods A systematic search of literature was performed by using PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for articles published from January 2001 to April 2020. A total of 15 studies were included irrespective of their design and having diagnosis with TBMH treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery (VPS) or ETV. Then, a systemic review was done regarding outcomes, complications, and recommendations made in different studies. Results The total number of patients diagnosed with TBMH was 603; among them, 348 patients had VPS and 255 patients had ETV. In the VPS group, the patient's good outcome varied from 25% to 68% and complication rate ranged from 10% to 43.8%. The average percentage of good outcome in the VPS group was 51.8%. In the ETV group, the patient's good outcome varied from 41% to 77% and complication rate ranged from 10% to 23.5%. The average percentage of good outcome in the ETV group was 68%. There was a significant difference in the average percentage of good outcome in the ETV versus the VPS shunt group (P-value was 0.008). Conclusion There was a significant difference in the average percentage of good outcome after ETV than VPS, and complication rate was also slightly lower after ETV than VPS during the chronic phase of illness. So during the acute phase of illness VPS placement is preferred whereas in the chronic burnout phase ETV is preferred because poor anatomy leads to more complications with ETV during the acute phase of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Bhushan
- Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vijay Sardana
- Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prashant Shringi
- Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India
| | - Seeta Ram Yadav
- Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India
| | - Dilip Maheshwari
- Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India
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Rajshekhar V. Three Decades of Vellore Grading for Tuberculous Meningitis with Hydrocephalus: A Reappraisal. Neurol India 2021; 69:S569-S574. [DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.332251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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TB Meningitis and TB Peritonitis: Abdominal Pseudocyst and VP-Shunt Link. Case Rep Radiol 2019; 2019:4893547. [PMID: 31183240 PMCID: PMC6512015 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4893547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
TB meningitis (TBM) carries high morbidity and mortality and is a relatively common extrapulmonary TB in the third world countries. TBM as thick exudative disease manifests on MRI and CT as nodular basal leptomeningitis, hydrocephalus, basal infarcts, and tuberculomas. Hydrocephalus is treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS). Shunt malfunction and revision are common. We report a case of multidrug-resistant TBM with spinal involvement and dissemination of the disease via VPS causing TB peritonitis (TBP). TBP presented as a large abdominal pseudocyst around the catheter tip with shunt malfunction. There was no evidence for any other site of extra-CNS disease. TBP per se is relatively less common. This is the first case reporting VPS as a means of TB spread.
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Dhawan SR, Sankhyan N. Additional Details for Improved Reporting of Tuberculous Meningitis Studies. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 64:1804-1805. [PMID: 28383635 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet R Dhawan
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Naveen Sankhyan
- Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Risk factors and outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage in HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningitis after the ventriculoperitoneal shunting procedure. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2018; 51:545-551. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rizvi I, Garg RK, Malhotra HS, Kumar N, Sharma E, Srivastava C, Uniyal R. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt surgery for tuberculous meningitis: A systematic review. J Neurol Sci 2017; 375:255-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Garg RK, Malhotra HS, Kumar N, Uniyal R. Vision loss in tuberculous meningitis. J Neurol Sci 2017; 375:27-34. [PMID: 28320145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vision loss is a disabling complication of tuberculous meningitis. Approximately, 15% of survivors are either completely or partially blind. All structures of the visual pathway may be affected in tuberculous meningitis. Optic nerve and optic chiasma are most frequently and dominantly affected. Thick-gelatinous exudates lying over the base of brain, are the pathological hallmark of tuberculous meningitis and are responsible for almost all of its major complications, including vision loss. Strangulation of optic nerves and optic chiasma by the exudates, compression over optic chiasma by the dilated third ventricle, raised intracranial pressure, endarteritis, shunt failure, bacterial invasion of optic nerves and drug-induced optic nerve damage are important reasons that are considered responsible for vision loss. Prompt antituberculosis treatment is the best management option available. Immunomodulatory drugs and cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures are of limited help. Early recognition and treatment of tuberculous meningitis is the only way forward to tackle this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Kumar Garg
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | | | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ravi Uniyal
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Kankane VK, Gupta TK, Jaiswal G. Outcome of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, without prior placement of external ventricular drain in Grades III and IV patients of tubercular meningitis with hydrocephalus: A single institution's experience in the pediatric population and review of literature. J Pediatr Neurosci 2016; 11:35-41. [PMID: 27195031 PMCID: PMC4862286 DOI: 10.4103/1817-1745.181265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hydrocephalus is a most common complication of tubercular meningitis (TBM). Relieving hydrocephalus by ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement has been considered beneficial in patient in Palur Grades II or III. The role of VPS placement in those of Grades III and IV is controversial, and general tendency is to avoid its use. Some authors have suggested that patient in Grades III and IV should receive a shunt only if their condition improves with a trial placement of external ventricular drain (EVD). However, recent studies suggest that VPS may be undertaken without the trial of an EVD. Our study prospectively evaluates the role of direct VPS placement in patient in Grades III and IV TBM with hydrocephalus (TBMH). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out on 50 consecutive pediatric patients of TBMH in Palur Grades III and IV from July 2013 to December 2014 in R.N.T. Medical College and M.B. Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan. All patients underwent direct VPS placement, without prior placement of EVD. The outcome was assessed at the end of 3 months using Glasgow Outcome Score. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 3.25 years (range, 3 months-14 years). Forty (80%) patients were in Grade III, and 10 (20%) were in Grade IV. Good outcome and mortality in Grade IV patients were 30% (3/10) and 10% (1/10), respectively; whereas in Grade III patients, it was 77.5% (31/40) and 0% (0/40), respectively. Twenty-five patients presented with focal neurological deficit at admission, which persisted in only 14 patients at 3 months follow-up. VPS-related complications were observed in 5 (10%) patients. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that direct VPS surgery could improve the outcome of Grades III and IV TBMH. Despite poor grade at admission, 80% patients in Grade III and 20% patients in Grade IV had a good outcome at 3 months follow-up. Direct VPS placement is a safe and effective option even in a patient in Grades III and IV grade TBMH with a low complication rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Kumar Kankane
- Department of Neurosurgery, R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gaurav Jaiswal
- Department of Neurosurgery, R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Henderson D, Sims-Williams HP, Wilhelm T, Sims-Williams H, Bhagani S, Thorne L. Neurosurgery and human immunodeficiency virus in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy: a review. J Neurosurg 2016; 126:897-907. [PMID: 27081898 DOI: 10.3171/2016.1.jns151194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global health problem. It renders the central nervous system susceptible to infectious and noninfectious diseases. HIV-positive individuals may present to neurosurgical services with brain lesions of unknown etiology. The differential diagnosis in these cases is broad, including opportunistic infections and malignancies, and investigation should be tailored accordingly. Opportunistic infections of the central nervous system can be complicated by hydrocephalus, and the management is pathogen dependent. Patients may also present to a neurosurgical service with conditions unrelated to their HIV status. This review outlines important conditions that cause brain lesions and hydrocephalus. It addresses the issues of diagnosis and intervention in HIV-positive patients in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy, while not ignoring the potential for opportunistic central nervous system infection in undiagnosed patients. The care of HIV-positive patients presenting to neurosurgical services requires a multidisciplinary approach, which is reflected in the authorship of this review, as well as in the guidance given.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lewis Thorne
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
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