Background Data: Identification of the prognostic factors of the surgical outcomes of intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) is essential. Many studies have established that early surgical intervention was associated with better outcomes and enhanced survival rates. Purpose: This study investigated the prognostic factors of the one-year surgical outcomes of patients with IMSCTs. Study Design: A prospective clinical case study. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients with IMSCTs, who underwent surgery in our institution and were followed up at our clinic were recruited for this study. Patients were followed up for one year to assess postoperative functional outcomes using the modified McCormick Scale (MMS). The reported parameters included preoperative MMS, use of operative monitoring, use of ultrasonic aspirator, the extent of tumor resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Results: Operatively, 85% of patients underwent laminectomy, 55% reported growth total resection (GTR), 55% intraoperative monitoring, 75% underwent ultrasonic aspiration, 55% had syrinx, and 20% had duraplasty. The preoperative MMS improved from 3.0 to 2.32 and 2.42 postoperatively at six months and one year of follow-up, respectively. Patients with postoperative MMS ≤3 were more likely to undergo GTR with better postoperative MMS than those with preoperative MMS >3 at six-month follow-up (81.8% vs. 25%, respectively; p = 0.013) and at one-year follow-up (84.4 vs. 0%, respectively; p = 0.001). Good preoperative MMS, use of ultrasonic aspirator, and neuromonitoring were associated with better MMS. There were no significant associations between MMS at the sixth month and reported parameters including gender, symptoms duration, tumor location, bony work whether laminectomy or laminoplasty, number of segments involved, tumor histopathology, duraplasty, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Conclusion:The findings of the current study showed that patients with GTR, good preoperative MMS, intraoperative monitoring, and ultrasonic aspirator usage might be associated with better functional outcomes. (2021ESJ229)

No abstract

AimsWe aim to investigate the effectiveness of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in reducing consumption and craving among patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and comorbid depressive disorder.BackgroundDorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is greatly involved in SUD evolution (1). Research has turned to targeting this brain area with rTMS; a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates cortical excitability by sending pulsatile electromagnetic fields through the skull and into the brain (2). rTMS is an FDA approved and safe treatment option for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (3).MethodFifty-four patients were admitted over six-month period of time (June 2019- December 2019) to the inpatient unit of Erada center for treatment and rehabilitation of SUD in Dubai. All patients who fulfilled ICD-10 diagnoses of Depressive disorder and SUD were screened for further assessment.Positive drug screen was confirmed through urine analysis. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS) were applied to all participants. Patients were contracted for 5-times weekly High frequency (10 Hz) rTMS for 4 weeks (total of 20 treatments). Those who managed to complete their contracted TMS sessions were matched for age and sex with similar number of patients who received standard treatment as usual (TAU). Stimulation was as per FDA clearance for rTMS application in TRD.ResultEight patients were excluded (previous head trauma). A total of 46 patients had TMS mapping; nine of whom completed 20 sessions.Opioids was the most commonly used drug in almost 52% of patients (n = 14), followed by amphetamines in almost 30% (n = 8) and Cannabis in 18.5% (n = 5).Among those who completed 20 rTMS sessions; HADS scores on anxiety and depression fell by 85% and 78% respectively. BSCS score fell by 98%. Relapse rate (defined by positive drug screen) at 3 months was 33%.For those who completed 10 sessions; there was only 50% reduction on BSCS scores and 66% relapse rate. There were no data available on their HADS scores (only collected at baseline and at completion of 20 sessions).Those who only had TAU; there were no reduction in their BSCS (average score of 7 at both baseline and after 2 weeks).ConclusionOur findings suggest that rTMS may be an effective and safe treatment for both depressive disorder and craving for SUD which is supported by other studies (3,4).Our study is probably the first of its kind within Middle East population with addiction problems.

Background Data: Sacral fractures constitute a major entity of pelvic fractures. 50% of these sacral fractures are not recognized on initial physical examination of the traumatized patients. The most important prognostic factor in management of sacral fractures is the presence or absence of neurological deficit. Some studies adopt the concern regarding fixation of sacral fractures in poly-traumatized patients to avoid systemic effects and complications of recumbency. Purpose: Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the minimally invasive percutaneous ilio-sacral fixation technique in management of initial twenty cases of sacral fractures at department of Neurosurgery in Alexandria University. Study Design: Retrospective clinical case cohort study. Patients and Methods: Between March 2017 and January 2019; 20 patients were presented at Neurosurgery Department in Alexandria University hospitals with traumatic sacral fractures. They were 13 males and 7 females with the mean of 34 years (ranged from 18-55 years). Plain X ray of pelvis including anteroposterior, inlet and outlet views of pelvis, CT scan with 3D reconstructions were done. We used Dennis classification and Roy-Camille classification in our study. Stabilization of sacral fracture was done percutaneously using 7 mm cannulated partially threaded ilio-sacral screws. Clinical, neurologic and radiographic examinations were performed in the follow up period (6 months) to assess healing, evaluate clinical improvement and to detect any implant changes. Results: Total 39 percutaneous ilio-sacral screws were placed in 20 patients. Partially threaded cancellous 7.0-millimeter cannulated screws were used. Fifteen patients had unilateral double screws; one patient had unilateral triple screws; two patients had bilateral single screws for bilateral sacral fracture and two