Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for shunt malfunction in the pediatric population: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis

OBJECTIVE

Despite growing published evidence of the merits of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) instead of shunt revision at the time of shunt malfunction (secondary ETV), concerns about its efficacy and complications remain and ETV is still not used widely in this context. This study aimed to carry out a comprehensive meta-analysis and reports on the success and safety of secondary ETV in the pediatric age group.

METHODS

In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central were undertaken from database inception to September 7, 2022. ETV success was defined as the lack of need for a shunt and was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were the rates of complications and mortality. A random-effects model was used. Summary-level meta-regression was performed to identify predictors for success in accordance with the ETV Success Score (ETVSS).

RESULTS

Sixteen studies reporting on 584 patients who underwent secondary ETV for shunt malfunction were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled mean (95% CI) age was 6.1 (3-9) years, and 57.0% of patients were male. The pooled prevalence rates of the hydrocephalus etiologies were as follows: aqueduct stenosis (39.3%); myelomeningocele (27.6%); postinfectious (17.1%); posthemorrhagic (13.0%); neoplasm (13.0%); and malformation (11.3%). The overall pooled success rates of ETV for shunt malfunction at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months were 65.69% (95% CI 52%-77%, prediction interval 47%-81%, I2 = 0, p = 0.775); 63.25% (95% CI 54%-72%, prediction interval 38%-83%, I2 = 65, p < 0.001); and 53.37% (95% CI 24%-81%, prediction interval 1%-99%, I2 = 47, p = 0.154). The overall pooled prevalence of intraoperative bleeding was 4.96% (95% CI 0%-64%, prediction interval 0%-99%, I2 = 85, p < 0.001). The overall rates of complications were low, with new neurological deficit (transient or permanent) having the highest rate at 1.61% (95% CI 0.68%-3.72%, prediction interval 0.67%-3.78%, I2 = 0, p > 0.999). On meta-regression, age (p = 0.138), proportion of patients with postinfectious hydrocephalus (p = 0.8736), and number of shunt revisions (p = 0.1775) were not statistically significant predictors of secondary ETV success at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates that secondary ETV after shunt malfunction in pediatric patients is a feasible option with acceptable success rates and low complication rates. Clinical trial registration no.: CRD42022359573 (PROSPERO).

Predictors of future haemorrhage from cerebral cavernous malformations: a retrospective cohort study

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are commonly diagnosed, with a low reported rate of haemorrhage on long-term follow-up. The identification of factors predictive of future haemorrhage risk would assist in guiding the management of patients with CCM. The aim of this study was to identify variables associated with haemorrhage, and calculate haemorrhage risk in CCM. We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with a CCM, managed at a specialist tertiary neuroscience centre (2007-2019). The primary outcome was symptomatic haemorrhage, and secondary outcomes were variables associated with increased risk of haemorrhage, using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Included were 545 patients, with 734 confirmed cavernomas. Median age at diagnosis was 47 (interquartile range [IQR] 35-60), with a median follow-up duration after diagnosis of 46 months (IQR 19-85). Of the patients, 15.0% had multiple lesions (N = 82/545). Symptomatic presentation was observed in 52.5% of patients (N = 286/545). The annual haemorrhage rate was 1.00% per lesion-year (25 events in 2512 lesion-years), and higher in those with symptoms at presentation (1.50% per lesion-year, 22 events vs 0.29%, 3 events, P < 0.001). The variables associated with symptomatic haemorrhage were increased size (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.07, P = 0.004), eloquent location (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.12-6.16, P = 0.026), and symptomatic haemorrhage at presentation (HR 5.37, 95% CI 2.40-11.99, P < 0.001). This study demonstrated that CCMs have a low haemorrhage rate. Increased size, eloquent location, and haemorrhage at presentation appear to be predictive of a higher risk of haemorrhage, and could be used to stratify management protocols.

Management and outcomes of myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele (MMC) place disproportionate burdens of disease on low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). MMC-associated hydrocephalus and its sequelae result in a spectrum of severely devastating clinical manifestations, for which LMICs are disproportionately unprepared in terms of human, capital and technological resources. This study aims to review and compare the management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus in LMICs and high-income countries.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. The following databases will be searched without restrictions on language, publication date or country of origin: EMBASE, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online and SciELO. All peer-reviewed studies of primary data reporting management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus will be included. Where high-quality homogeneous studies exist, meta-analyses will be conducted to compare the management and outcomes of MMC-associated hydrocephalus across socioeconomic and geographical regions of the world. The primary outcome will be treatment failure of the first-line hydrocephalus treatment, which we defined operationally as the performance of a second intervention for the same reason as the first. Secondary outcomes include time to failure, rates of mortality and postoperative complications.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was not applicable because this study does not involve human participants. Dissemination strategies will include publication in a peer-reviewed journal, oral and poster presentations at conferences and an interactive web application to facilitate interaction with the findings and promote the discussion and sharing of findings on social media.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021285850.

Management and outcomes of intracranial fungal infections in children and adults in Africa: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The protocol presents the methodology of a scoping review that aims to synthesise contemporary evidence on the management and outcomes of intracranial fungal infections in Africa.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley's framework. The research question, inclusion and exclusion criteria and search strategy were developed based on the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome framework. A search will be conducted in electronic bibliographic databases (Medline (OVID), Embase, African Journals Online, Cochrane Library and African Index Medicus). No restrictions on language or date of publication will be made. Quantitative and qualitative data extracted from included articles will be presented through descriptive statistics and a narrative description.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study protocol does not require ethical approval. Findings will be reported in a peer-reviewed medical journal and presented at local, regional, national and international conferences.

Is information provided within chronic subdural haematoma education resources adequate? A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is becoming increasingly prevalent, due to an aging population with increasing risk factors. Due to its variable disease course and high morbidity, patient centred care and shared decision making are essential. However, its occurrence in frail populations, remote from specialist neurosurgeons who currently triage treatment decisions, challenges this. Education is an important component of enabling shared decisions. This should be targeted to avoid information overload. However, it is unknown what this should be.

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to conduct analysis of the content of existing CSDH educational materials, to inform the development of patient and relative educational resources to facilitate shared decision making.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted (July 2021) of MEDLINE, Embase and grey literature, for all self-specified resources on CSDH education, and narrative reviews. Resources were classified into a hierarchical framework using inductive thematic analysis into 8 core domains: Aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology; natural history and risk factors; symptoms; diagnosis; surgical management; nonsurgical management; complications and recurrence; and outcomes. Domain provision was summarised using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

56 information resources were identified. 30 (54%) were resources designed for healthcare professionals (HCPs), and 26 (46%) were patient-orientated resources. 45 (80%) were specific to CSDH, 11 (20%) covered head injury, and 10 (18%) referenced both acute and chronic SDH. Of 8 core domains, the most reported were aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology (80%, n = 45) and surgical management (77%, n = 43). Patient orientated resources were more likely to provide information on symptoms (73% vs 13%, p<0.001); and diagnosis (62% vs 10%, p<0.001) when compared to HCP resources. Healthcare professional orientated resources were more likely to provide information on nonsurgical management (63% vs 35%, p = 0.032), and complications/recurrence (83% vs 42%, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The content of educational resources is varied, even amongst those intended for the same audience. These discrepancies indicate an uncertain educational need, that will need to be resolved in order to better support effective shared decision making. The taxonomy created can inform future qualitative studies.

Definition and surgical timing in cauda equina syndrome-An updated systematic review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review identifying existing definitions of cauda equina syndrome (CES) and time to surgery in the literature for patients with CES.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and trial registries were searched from October 1st, 2016, to 30th December 2022, and combined with articles identified from a previous systematic review by the same authors (studies published 1990-2016).

RESULTS

A total of 110 studies (52,008 patients) were included. Of these only 16 (14.5%) used established definitions in defining CES, including Fraser criteria (n = 6), British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) (n = 5), Gleave and MacFarlane (n = 2), and other (n = 3). Most reported symptoms were urinary dysfunction (n = 44, 40%%), altered sensation in the perianal region (n = 28, 25.5%) and bowel dysfunction (n = 20, 18.2%). Sixty-eight (61.8%) studies included details on time to surgery. There was an increase in percentage of studies defining CES published in the last 5 years compared to ones from 1990-2016 (58.6% vs 77.5.%, P = .045).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite Fraser recommendations, substantial heterogeneity exists in reporting of CES definitions, and a start point for time to surgery, with most authors using self-defined criteria. A consensus is required to define CES and time to surgery, to allow consistency in reporting and study analysis.

Meningioma systematic reviews and meta-analyses: an assessment of reporting and methodological quality

INTRODUCTION

Systematic reviews (SR) and systematic reviews with meta-analysis (SRMA) can constitute the highest level of research evidence. Such evidence syntheses are relied upon heavily to inform the clinical knowledge base and to guide clinical practice for meningioma. This review evaluates the reporting and methodological quality of published meningioma evidence syntheses to date.

METHODS

Eight electronic databases/registries were searched to identify eligible meningioma SRs with and without meta-analysis published between January 1990 and December 2020. Articles concerning spinal meningioma were excluded. Reporting and methodological quality were assessed against the following tools: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2), and Risk Of Bias in Systematic reviews (ROBIS).

RESULTS

116 SRs were identified, of which 57 were SRMAs (49.1%). The mean PRISMA score for SRMA was 20.9 out of 27 (SD 3.9, 77.0% PRISMA adherence) and for SR without meta-analysis was 13.8 out of 22 (SD 3.4, 63% PRISMA adherence). Thirty-eight studies (32.8%) achieved greater than 80% adherence to PRISMA. Methodological quality assessment against AMSTAR 2 revealed that 110 (94.8%) studies were of critically low quality. Only 21 studies (18.1%) were judged to have a low risk of bias against ROBIS.

CONCLUSION

The reporting and methodological quality of meningioma evidence syntheses was poor. Established guidelines and critical appraisal tools may be used as an adjunct to aid methodological conduct and reporting of such reviews, in order to improve the validity and transparency of research which may influence clinical practice.

Neurological manifestations of scrub typhus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical features and case fatality

BACKGROUND

Scrub typhus has become a leading cause of central nervous system (CNS) infection in endemic regions. As a treatable condition, prompt recognition is vital. However, few studies have focused on describing the symptomology and outcomes of neurological scrub typhus infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to report the clinical features and case fatality ratio (CFR) in patients with CNS scrub typhus infection.

METHODS

A search and analysis plan was published in PROSPERO [ID 328732]. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was performed and studies describing patients with CNS manifestations of proven scrub typhus infection were included. The outcomes studied were weighted pooled prevalence (WPP) of clinical features during illness and weighted CFR.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies with 1,221 (656 adults and 565 paediatric) patients were included. The most common clinical features in CNS scrub typhus were those consistent with non-specific acute encephalitis syndromes (AES), such as fever (WPP 100.0% [99.5%-100.0%, I2 = 47.8%]), altered sensorium (67.4% [54.9-78.8%, I2 = 93.3%]), headache (65.0% [51.5-77.6%, I2 = 95.1%]) and neck stiffness 56.6% (29.4-80.4%, I2 = 96.3%). Classical features of scrub typhus were infrequently identified; an eschar was found in only 20.8% (9.8%-34.3%, I2 = 95.4%) and lymphadenopathy in 24.1% (95% CI 11.8% - 38.9%, I2 = 87.8%). The pooled CFR (95% CI) was 3.6% (1.5%- 6.4%, I2 = 67.3%). Paediatric cohorts had a CFR of 6.1% (1.9-12.1%, I2 = 77%) whilst adult cohorts reported 2.6% (0.7-5.3%, I2 = 43%).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analyses illustrate that 3.6% of patients with CNS manifestations of scrub typhus die. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for scrub typhus in patients presenting with AES in endemic regions and consider starting empiric treatment whilst awaiting results of investigations, even in the absence of classical signs such as an eschar or lymphadenopathy.

Imaging timing after glioblastoma surgery (INTERVAL-GB): protocol for a UK and Ireland, multicentre retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour with a median overall survival of 12-15 months (range 6-17 months), even with maximal treatment involving debulking neurosurgery and adjuvant concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The use of postoperative imaging to detect progression is of high importance to clinicians and patients, but currently, the optimal follow-up schedule is yet to be defined. It is also unclear how adhering to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines-which are based on general consensus rather than evidence-affects patient outcomes such as progression-free and overall survival. The primary aim of this study is to assess MRI monitoring practice after surgery for glioblastoma, and to evaluate its association with patient outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

ImagiNg Timing aftER surgery for glioblastoma: an eVALuation of practice in Great Britain and Ireland is a retrospective multicentre study that will include 450 patients with an operated glioblastoma, treated with any adjuvant therapy regimen in the UK and Ireland. Adult patients ≥18 years diagnosed with glioblastoma and undergoing surgery between 1 August 2018 and 1 February 2019 will be included. Clinical and radiological scanning data will be collected until the date of death or date of last known follow-up. Anonymised data will be uploaded to an online Castor database. Adherence to NICE guidelines and the effect of being concordant with NICE guidelines will be identified using descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Each participating centre is required to gain local institutional approval for data collection and sharing. Formal ethical approval is not required since this is a service evaluation. Results of the study will be reported through peer-reviewed presentations and articles, and will be disseminated to participating centres, patients and the public.

P07.06.B The Impact of Using Intraoperative Ultrasound on Surgical Resection of High-Grade Glioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Despite operative and adjuvant therapies, high-grade glioma (HGG) remains incurable, with the extent of surgical resection being one of the modalities that can improve patient survival. Enabling maximal safe and minimising post-operative neurological morbidity is a key aim of surgical resection. Numerous intraoperative surgical adjuncts are used at surgery and intraoperative ultrasound (IoUS), is one such adjunct. IoUS is a cost-effective, easy to use, repeatable surgical adjunct, safe for the patient and potentially available in all centres. Although it’s commonly used, no up to date systematic review exists collating and quantifying the level of evidence, delineating its impact on the extent of surgical resection.

Material and Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42022300034). Keywords across Medline/PubMed and Embase between 1996 and November 2021 were used. We included articles with adult supratentorial, histopathologically confirmed HGG patients aimed for resection, evaluating the correlation of IoUS use and gross-total resection (GTR). Meta-analyses were conducted according to the statistical heterogeneity between the studies using the Open Meta Analyst software.

Results

2942 articles were identified of which 16 were qualitative assessed and 10 used for quantitative meta-analysis. In qualitative assessment, a mean 4.63/8 Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale score was found for studies with no cohorts (no use of IoUS) and a mean score of 6/9, for studies including exposed versus non-exposed cohorts. The RCT was of moderate quality according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. A pooled analysis across 10 studies of HGG aimed for resection with the use of IoUS, led to GTR achieved in 168/365 cases, resulting in an overall GTR rate of 51.1% (95% CI, 33.9%-68.3%, p&lt;0.001), with great heterogeneity across studies (93.02% p&lt;0.001). In a subgroup meta-analysis of 3 studies of HGG aimed for complete resection only, GTR was achieved in 43/62 cases, yielding a 72.7% GTR rate (95% CI 41.6%-100%, p&lt;0.001) with significant heterogeneity across studies (I2 92.1%, p&lt;0.001). In 4 case-controlled studies, a total of 43.6% (48/110) GTR rate was achieved when IoUS was used versus 24.7% (65/263) when IoUS was not used, resulting in an odds ratio = 2.009 (95% CI 1.157-3.490, p &lt;0.001) for achieving GTR.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis showed a high GTR rate (72.7%) when HGG were aimed for complete resection and a two-fold probability of achieving GTR when IoUS is used than not used.

Utility of 5-ALA for resection of CNS tumours other than high-grade gliomas: a protocol for a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a proagent developed for fluorescent-guided surgery for high-grade glioma patients associated with a significant increase in resection conferring survival. 5-ALA was shown to penetrate the blood-brain barrier accumulating in malignant glioma cells with high selectivity, sensitivity and positive predictive value. However, those have yet to be explored aiding diagnosis for tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) other than high-grade gliomas (HGG). No up-to-date systematic review exists reporting the major surgical outcomes and diagnostic accuracy. We sought to conduct a systematic review of the literature summarising surgical outcomes, evaluate the quality of diagnostic accuracy reported in the literature and qualitatively assess the evidence to inform future studies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search electronic databases (Medline, Embase) with subsequent interrogation of references lists of articles reporting the use of 5-ALA for brain tumours other than high-grade glioma adult patients, which also report the extent of resection and/or survival. Prospective and retrospective cohort and case-control studies with more than five patients will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen the abstracts and full articles, with a third reviewer resolving any conflicts. The data will be extracted in a standardised template and outcomes will be reported using descriptive statists. The quality of non-randomised studies will be appraised.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study will summarise the available evidence on the effect of the clinical utility of 5-ALA in achieving resection and improving survival and its diagnostic accuracy for tumours of the CNS other than HGG. The data will be presented nationally and internationally and the manuscript will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. No ethical approvals were needed. The aim is to inform prospective studies minimising reporting bias allowing for more reliable, reproducible and generalisable results. The study has been registered in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021260542.

External validation of brain arteriovenous malformation haemorrhage scores, AVICH, ICH and R2eD

PURPOSE

To externally validate the arteriovenous malformation-related intracerebral haemorrhage (AVICH), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and novel haemorrhage presentation risk score (R2eD) in brain arteriovenous malformations.

METHODS

Adult patients diagnosed radiologically with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) at a tertiary neurosurgical centre between 2007 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Both the AVICH and ICH scores were calculated for AVM-related symptomatic haemorrhage (SH) and compared against the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge and last follow-up, with unfavourable outcome defined as mRS > 2. R2eD scores were stratified based on presentation with SH. External validity was assessed using Harrel's C-statistic.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 46.2 years [SD = 16.5]). Eighty-seven patients (34.8%) had a SH, with 83 included in the analysis. Unfavourable mRS outcome was seen in 18 (21.6%) patients at discharge and 18 (21.6%) patients at last follow-up. The AVICH score C-statistic was 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.80) at discharge and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.84) at last follow-up. The ICH score C-statistic was 0.78 (95% CI 0.67-0.88), at discharge and 0.80 (95% CI 0.69-0.91) at last follow-up. The R2eD score C-statistic for predicting AVM haemorrhage was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.53-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

The AVICH score showed fair-poor performance, while the ICH score showed good-fair performance. The R2eD score demonstrated poor performance, and its clinical utility in predicting AVM haemorrhage remains unclear.

A career in neurosurgery: perceptions and the impact of a national SBNS/NANSIG neurosurgery careers day

OBJECTIVE

Entrance to neurosurgical training is highly competitive. Without proper advice, information and opportunities, talented individuals may be dissuaded from applying. The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG) organises a Careers Day in Neurosurgery every year. Our objective was to assess the overall utility of a neurosurgery careers day and the perceived factors that attract and detract from the specialty, from attendees of the ninth annual neurosurgery careers day.

METHODS

Eighteen-item pre-conference and 19-item post-conference questionnaires were disseminated electronically to conference attendees. Questions aimed to capture: (i) baseline demographics; (ii) previous experience and exposure in neurosurgery; (iii) interest in neurosurgery; (iv) understanding training and a career in neurosurgery; (v) perceived factors of attraction and dissuasion of neurosurgery; and (vi) perceived value, quality and educational purpose of the conference.

RESULTS

In total, 77 delegates attended the careers day. Most did not have a formal neurosurgical rotation during medical school (24.7%, n = 19), but almost half had gained neurosurgical experience and presented research work. The careers day increased knowledge of the neurosurgical application process (median Likert score 3/5 to 4/5, p < 0.01), duration of training (72.7-88.3%), and desire to pursue a career in neurosurgery (75.3-81.8%). The most commonly reported factors attracting delegates to neurosurgery were interest in neuroanatomy (80.5%, n = 62), practical skills (64.9%, n = 50), and impact on patients (62.3%, n = 48). The most common dissuasive factors were competition to entry (64.9%, n = 50), long working hours (40.3%, n = 31), and other career interests (35.1%, n = 27). Almost all would recommend the event to a colleague (94.9%, n = 73).

CONCLUSIONS

Formal undergraduate exposure to neurosurgery is limited. Neurosurgery careers days increase awareness and understanding of the application process and improve interest in a selected cohort. The factors attracting applicants to neurosurgery remain practical links to neuroanatomy, opportunities in neurosurgery for innovation and research, and direct impact on patients.

Social and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK medical and nursing students: protocol for a national medical and nursing student survey

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare students have played a significant role in the National Health Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. We captured data on the well-being of medical students during the acute phase of the pandemic with the Social and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on medical students: a national survey Evaluation (SPICE-19) study. We will evaluate changes in mental health and well-being of medical and nursing students 1 year after SPICE-19, in a cross-sectional study, to understand the impact of the pandemic, and inform well-being policies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will be a national, multi-institution, cross-discipline study. An online 53-item survey of demographics, mental health and well-being will be used to record responses. Students studying for a medical or nursing degree at any UK universities will be eligible to participate. The survey will be advertised through the Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group national network. Participation is anonymous and voluntary, with relevant mental health resources made available to participants.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was granted by the University of Oxford Central University Research Ethics Committee (R75719/RE001) on 21 May 2021. Study findings will be presented at national and international meetings, and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG)-ten years of cultivating interest in clinical neurosciences

Collaboration and successful teamworking are important components of clinical practise, and these skills should be cultivated early in medical school. The breadth of current medical school curricula means that students often have limited exposure to clinical neurosciences. Since its inception in 2009, the Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG) has become a national (UK and Republic of Ireland) example of student and junior doctor synergistic collaboration to deliver educational materials, research, conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as advocating for diversity in this field. Recently, it has expanded to incorporate an international audience and cater for a larger group of young medical professionals. The organisation has overcome numerous challenges and is constantly innovating new approaches to harness the necessary knowledge, skills and network to succeed in a career in neurosciences, neurology and neurosurgery. This article summarises the initiatives undertaken by the group over its first 10 years of existence and its organisational structure, as well as its future plans.

Hosting an Educational Careers Day Within the Virtual Paradigm: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group Experience

Introduction: To explore our experience of hosting the 10^th Annual Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group-Society of British Neurological Surgeons (NANSIG-SBNS) Neurosurgery Careers Day, held virtually for the first time.

Methods: Reflective feedback and review of an international, virtual neurosurgery careers day. The authors reflect on the logistics of organizing the event, and the pre- and post-event feedback provided by delegates. Recommendations have been made on how to successfully host a virtual event. The key themes that permeated the event have been outlined and discussed in the context of the feedback received.

Results: The event was attended by 231 delegates from 20 countries worldwide. Knowledge of neurosurgery as a career and the application process increased after attending the careers day (4.27/5 to 4.51/5, p=0.003 and 3.12/5 to 4.31/5, p<0.001 respectively). The key themes identified from the event include attendance, networking, and education. Qualitative feedback was positive and indicated a positive perception of the careers day.

Conclusions: The future of educational events is unclear, and a hybrid approach is recommended to retain the benefits of the online space when in-person events eventually return.

How should we treat long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA)? A retrospective cohort study

Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) is a heterogenous group of conditions with differing presentations. Few studies have evaluated success rates of available surgical treatments, or ascertained the natural history. There is a need to assess the efficacy of both endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) as first-line treatments. We conducted a retrospective, single-centre study of adults with LOVA at a tertiary neurosurgery centre in England, UK, aiming to identify presentation, management strategy, and outcome following treatment. A total of 127 patients were included (mean age 48.1 years, 61/127 male). Most patients were symptomatic (73.2%, n = 93/127, median symptom duration 10 months). The most common symptoms were gait ataxia, headache, and cognitive decline (52.8%, 50.4%, and 33.9%, respectively). Fourteen patients had papilloedema. Ninety-one patients (71.7%) underwent surgery (84 ETV, 7 VPS). Over a median follow-up of 33.0 months (interquartile range [IQR] 19.0-65.7), 82.4% had a clinical improvement after surgery, and 81.3% had radiological improvement. Clinical improvement rates were similar between ETV and VP shunt groups (82.1% vs 85.7%, p = 0.812). Surgical complication rates were significantly lower in the ETV group than the VP shunt group (4.8% vs 42.9%, p < 0.001). Of the patients treated surgically, 20 (22.0%) underwent further surgery, with 14 patients improving. This study demonstrates the efficacy of ETV as a first-line treatment for LOVA.

Clinical Outcomes Following Re-Operations for Intracranial Meningioma

Simple Summary

This study investigated patients who underwent more than one operation for a meningioma, a type of brain tumor. Currently, there is little evidence available for this specific patient group. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients had an improvement or deterioration following a second operation for a recurrent meningioma, and to identify any factors that may influence this change. The results demonstrated that following a second operation for meningioma, patients have poorer outcomes. The findings of this study provide supporting information for surgeons and patients, thereby informing decisions related to patient care and re-operation.

Abstract

The outcomes following re-operation for meningioma are poorly described. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for a performance status outcome following a second operation for a recurrent meningioma. A retrospective, comparative cohort study was conducted. The primary outcome measure was World Health Organization performance. Secondary outcomes were complications, and overall and progression free survival (OS and PFS respectively). Baseline clinical characteristics, tumor details, and operation details were collected. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for performance status outcome following a second operation. Between 1988 and 2018, 712 patients had surgery for intracranial meningiomas, 56 (7.9%) of which underwent a second operation for recurrence. Fifteen patients (26.8%) had worsened performance status after the second operation compared to three (5.4%) after the primary procedure (p = 0.002). An increased number of post-operative complications following the second operation was associated with a poorer performance status following that procedure (odds ratio 2.2 [95% CI 1.1–4.6]). The second operation complication rates were higher than after the first surgery (46.4%, n = 26 versus 32.1%, n = 18, p = 0.069). The median OS was 312.0 months (95% CI 257.8–366.2). The median PFS following the first operation was 35.0 months (95% CI 28.9–41.1). Following the second operation, the median PFS was 68.0 months (95% CI 49.1–86.9). The patients undergoing a second operation for meningioma had higher rates of post-operative complications, which is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The decisions surrounding second operations must be balanced against the surgical risks and should take patient goals into consideration.

P14.71 An assessment of the reporting and methodological quality of meningioma systematic reviews and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses constitute the highest level of research evidence and for a disease with limited clinical trial activity, are often relied upon to help inform clinical practice. This review of reviews evaluates both the reporting & methodological quality of meningioma evidence syntheses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Potentially eligible meningioma reviews published between 1st January 1990 and 31st December 2020 were identified from eight electronic databases. Inclusion required the study to meet the Cochrane guideline definition of a systematic review or meta-analysis. Reviews concerning neurofibromatosis type 2, spinal and pediatric meningiomas were excluded. The reporting and methodological quality of articles were assessed against the following modified guidelines: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR2) and the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) guidelines.

RESULTS

117 systematic reviews were identified, 57 of which included meta-analysis (48.7%). The number of meningioma systematic reviews published each year has increased with 63 studies (53.9%) published between 01/2018 and 12/2020. A median of 17 studies (IQR 9–29) were included per review. Impact factor of journals publishing a systematic review with or without a meta-analysis was similar (median 2.3 vs 1.8, P=0.397). The mean PRISMA scores for systematic reviews with a meta-analysis was 21.11 (SD 4.1, 78% adherence) and without was 13.89 (SD 3.4, 63% adherence). Twenty-nine systematic reviews with meta-analysis (51%) and 11 without meta-analysis (18%) achieved greater than 80% adherence to PRISMA recommendations. Methodological quality assessment using AMSTAR2 revealed one study (0.9%) as high quality whilst 111 (94.8%) studies were graded as critically low. One hundred and two articles (87.2%) did not utilize a comprehensive search strategy as defined by the AMSTAR2 tool. Ninety-nine studies (84.6%) obtained a high level of concern for potential bias as per the ROBIS assessment. One hundred and eight articles (92.3%) failed to present information that a protocol had been established prior to study commencement and 76 articles (65.0%) did not conduct a risk of bias assessment. Across the three tools, domains relating to the establishment of a protocol prior to review commencement and conducting appropriate risk of bias assessments were frequently low scoring.

CONCLUSION

Overall reporting and methodological quality of meningioma systematic reviews was sub-optimal. Established critical appraisal tools and reporting guidelines should be utilized a priori to assist in producing high-quality systematic reviews.

OS09.7.A Quality of life outcomes in patients with incidental and operated meningiomas: the QUALMS study

BACKGROUND

Long-term Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important measure of patient wellbeing. There is a paucity of studies evaluating HRQoL in meningioma patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study of adult patients with an incidental or symptomatic intracranial meningioma. Patients with less than 5 years of follow-up, a history of craniospinal radiation or neurofibromatosis type 2 were excluded. HRQoL was evaluated with SF-36, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BN20 questionnaires. Outcome determinants were evaluated using a multi-variable linear regression analysis, adjusted for patient, tumour and treatment characteristics, and duration of follow-up.

RESULTS

699 patients were invited to participate and 246 responded: 118 (48%) had an incidental meningioma. Mean age at diagnosis was 56.8 years (SD=13) and 81% were female. Median time from diagnosis to completion of questionnaire was 8.5 years (IQR 6.8–11.5). During follow-up, 158 patients (64.2%) had at least one operation for their meningioma and 47 patients (19.1%) had radiotherapy. Of those operated, 126 (79.7%) had WHO grade 1 and 24 (15.2%) had grade 2 meningiomas. Compared to normative population values, meningioma patients reported a worse SF-36 general health score (mean 61.9 vs 56.5, P=0.003) but a similar QLQ-C30 global health score (mean 62.3 vs 65.8, P=0.039), worse SF-36 and QLQ-C30 physical functioning scores (mean 74.1 vs 64.6, P&lt;0.001 and mean 81.8 vs 76.5, P=0.007) and similar SF-36 and QLQ-C30 emotional health scores (mean 72.2 vs 70.9, P=0.367 and mean 71.0 vs 71.9, P=0.960). QLQ-C30 cognitive functioning was worse (mean 80.5 vs 71.4, P&lt;0.001). Compared to the meningioma literature, QLQ-BN20 seizure burden was similar (mean 2.0 vs 1.6, P=0.760). A worse performance status at diagnosis was associated with an inferior QLQ-C30 global health score (β-coefficient=-4.9 [95% CI -9.1-(-)0.6] P=0.024). Number of surgeries was significantly associated with a worse QLQ-C30 cognitive functioning score (β-coefficient=-7.0 [95% CI -13.2-(-)0.9], P=0.025). Anti-epileptic drug use was associated with a significantly worse QLQ-C30 emotional health score (β-coefficient=-10.9 [95% CI -21.7-(-)0.01], P=0.050).

CONCLUSION

Meningioma patients have long-term HRQoL impairments affecting their physical and cognitive functions. An understanding that multiple surgeries affects cognitive function, and the need for anti-epileptic drugs equate to poorer emotional health, could help target appropriate therapies and support in the future.

P14.66 Re-operation for recurrent meningioma - are we helping patients?

BACKGROUND

Meningioma is the commonest primary brain tumour. Despite surgery, meningiomas can recur. Surgery is usually the first line treatment for recurrent meningioma. The aim was to determine the risk factors associated with clinical outcomes (performance status, morbidity, mortality, recurrence) following re-operation for recurrence of intracranial meningioma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study (1998–2018). Eligible patients had reoperation for local recurrence of a previously operated meningioma. Collected data included baseline clinical and imaging characteristic. Primary outcome measure was performance status after each reoperation. Secondary outcome measures were medical and surgical morbidity, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were eligible (37 female, mean age at 1st re-operation 56.1 years (SD=11.6)). Eleven patients (19.6%) had 2 re-operations and 3 patients (5.4%) had 3 re-operations. Median follow up was 128.5 months (IQR=73–194.5). Median time to 1st recurrence and 1st re-operation were 36.5 (IQR=24.3–81.0) and 43.8 months (IQR=20.3–103.4), respectively. Fifteen patients (26.8%) had worse performance status after 1st reoperation, compared to 5.4% (n=3) after the primary operation. Complication rate was 32.1% (n=18) after the primary operation compared to 48.2% (n=27) after 1st reoperation. At primary operation, there were 29 (51.8%) grade 1, 24 (42.9%) grade 2, and 1 (1.8%) grade 3 tumours. Median RFS after first re-operation was 36.5 months (95% CI 29.3–43.9). Median OS was 312 months (95 % CI 257.8–366.2). Increased number of post-operative complications were a risk factor for worsened performance status following reoperation (OR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1–4.6], P=0.029).

CONCLUSION

Re-operation is associated with a worse performance status and increased risk of complications. Re-operating meningiomas for radiological recurrence without symptoms increases patient morbidity. Shared-care management decision should be made with patients when considering operating for radiological recurrence only.

P14.02 The Natural History of a Residual Intracranial Meningioma- Volumetric Growth and Predictors of Progression

BACKGROUND

Resection of meningioma leaves residual solid tumour in ~25% of patients. Selection for further treatment and follow-up strategy may benefit from knowledge of volumetric growth and associated prognostic factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Growth rates were assessed using a linear mixed effects model, in a retrospective adult cohort that underwent subtotal resection of meningioma (2004–2018). Endpoints were re-treatment, end of follow-up or death. Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors for progression, defined using the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) volumetric criteria.

RESULTS

236 patients were included. Mean age at surgery was 56.3 years (SD=13.7) and 73.7% were female. WHO grades were 1 (n=195, 82.6%), 2 (n=40, 16.9%) and 3 (n=1, 0.5%). Adjuvant fractionated radiotherapy (fRT) was administered to 34 patients (14.4%), with no propensity towards higher WHO grade or residual volume. Median pre-operative meningioma and post-operative residual volumes were 34.0cm3 (IQR 16.0–63.0) and 2.0cm3 (IQR 0.8–5.2), respectively. Median follow-up was 64 months (IQR 42–104). Median absolute growth rate (AGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were 0.1cm3/year and 4.3%/year, respectively. According to RANO criteria, 132 (55.9%) patients progressed, of which 13 (9.8%) developed symptoms. Median progression-free survival was 56 months (95% CI 43.1–69.0). Multivariable analysis identified adjuvant fRT (HR 1.7, [95% CI 1.0–2.8], P=0.046), skull base location (HR 1.5, [95% CI 1.0–2.4], P=0.047) and Ki-67 index (HR 3.7 [95% CI 1.3–10.8], P=0.017) as prognostic factors for volumetric progression. WHO grade was not significant (HR 1.0, [95% CI 0.5–1.7], P=0.905). Forty-nine patients who progressed (37.1%) underwent further treatment: fRT (n=19), re-operation (n=15), Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (n=10) and surgery+adjuvant fRT (n=5). Of those, 8 (16.3%) progressed further (after re-operation [n=6] and SRS [n=2]). Seven were treated with a 2nd re-operation (n=3), fRT (n=3), and SRS (n=1). One patient progressed after a 2nd reoperation and was treated with SRS, after which they remained stable. Median survival was not reached. 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) was 96% and 86% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Growth rates of a residual meningioma vary with a dichotomy observed in progression rates. Half of patients with a residual meningioma showed radiological progression requiring multiple treatment to control the tumour. The other half demonstrate a more indolent course. Skull base location and higher Ki67 are important prognostic factors for progression and therefore, should be considered to stratify patients for adjuvant radiotherapy.

Neurosurgery activity levels in the United Kingdom and republic of Ireland during the first wave of the covid-19 pandemic - a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study

The impact of Covid-19 on surgical patients worldwide has been substantial. In the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (RoI), the first wave of the pandemic occurred in March 2020. The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate the volume of neurosurgical operative activity levels, Covid-19 infection rate and mortality rate in April 2020 with a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study conducted across 16 UK and RoI neurosurgical centres, and (2) compare patient outcomes in a single institution in April-June 2020 with a comparative cohort in 2019. Across the UK and RoI, 818 patients were included. There were 594 emergency and 224 elective operations. The incidence rate of Covid-19 infection was 2.6% (21/818). The overall mortality rate in patients with a Covid-19 infection was 28.6% (6/21). In the single centre cohort analysis, an overall reduction in neurosurgical operative activity by 65% was observed between 2020 (n = 304) and 2019 (n = 868). The current and future impact on UK neurosurgical operative activity has implications for service delivery and neurosurgical training.

Volumetric growth of residual meningioma - A systematic review

Surgical resection of meningioma leaves residual solid tumour in over 25% of patients. Selection for further treatment and follow-up strategy may benefit from knowledge of volumetric growth and factors associated with re-growth. The aim of this review was to evaluate volumetric growth and variables associated with growth in patients that underwent incomplete resection of a meningioma without the use of adjuvant radiotherapy. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and registered a priori with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020177052). Six databases were searched up to May 2020. Full text articles analysing volumetric growth rates in at least 10 patients who had residual meningioma after surgery were assessed. Four single-centre, retrospective studies totalling 238 patients were included, of which 99% of meningioma were WHO grade 1. The absolute tumour growth rate ranged from 0.09 to 4.94 cm³ per year. The relative growth rate ranged from 5.11 to 14.18% per year. Varying methods of volumetric assessment and definitions of growth impeded pooled analysis. Pre-operative and residual tumour volume, and hyperintensity on T2 weighted MRI were identified as variables associated with residual meningioma growth, however this was inconsistent across studies. Risk of bias was high in all studies. Radiological regrowth occurred in 42-67% of cases. Our review identified that volumetric growth of residual meningioma is scarcely reported. Sufficiently powered studies are required to delineate volumetric growth and prognostic factors to stratify management.