ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0125-6257
Current Organisation
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2018.08.021
Abstract: Quadriparesis and cardiovascular instability are not symptoms commonly associated with Chiari I malformation diagnoses, less so in a 3-month-old toddler. Chiari I malformations have a wide array of symptoms, varying with regard to both the nature of onset and the age of the patient presenting. This variation is illustrated in this report, presenting a novel description of a set of symptoms in a particularly young patient, a case lacking the common insidious nature of Chiari I malformation symptoms. Acute onset of cardiovascular instability, global hypertonia, hyperreflexia, and proximal upper limb weakness in a 3-month-old toddler are discussed. Parallels between the presented case and previous case reports are few, however some key features are distinguishable among similar cases. A successful posterior fossa craniectomy allowed the acutely unwell toddler to become a healthy, fully functional child. We believe this case contributes to elucidating the rare presentations of a curious pathology.
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1159/000529098
Abstract: b i Introduction: /i /b Peri-insular hemispherotomy (PIH) is a hemispheric separation technique under the broader hemispherotomy group, a surgical treatment for patients with intractable epilepsy. Hemispherotomy techniques such as the PIH, vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy (VPH), and modified-lateral hemispherotomy are commonly assessed together, despite significant differences in anatomical approach and patient selection. We aim to describe patient selection, outcomes, and complications of PIH in its own right. b i Methods: /i /b A systematic review of the literature, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was conducted, with searches of the PubMed and Embase databases. A local series including patients receiving PIH and followed up at the Queensland Children’s Hospital between 2014 and 2020 was included. b i Results: /i /b Systematic review of the literature identified 393 patients from 13 eligible studies. Engel class 1 outcomes occurred in 82.4% of patients, while 8.6% developed post-operative hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus was most common in the youngest patient cohorts. Developmental pathology was present in 114 (40.8%) patients, who had fewer Engel 1 outcomes compared to those with acquired pathology (69.1% vs. 83.7%, i /i = 0.0167). The local series included 13 patients, 11/13 (84.6%) had Engel class 1 seizure outcomes. Post-operative hydrocephalus occurred in 2 patients (15.4%), and 10/13 (76.9%) patients had worsened neurological deficit. b i Conclusion: /i /b PIH delivers Engel 1 outcomes for over 4 in 5 patients selected for this procedure, greater than described in combined hemispherectomy analyses. It is an effective technique in patients with developmental and acquired pathologies, despite general preference of VPH in this patient group. Finally, very young patients may have significant seizure and cognitive benefits from PIH however, hydrocephalus is most common in this group warranting careful risk-benefit assessment. This review delivers a dedicated PIH outcomes analysis to inform clinical and patient decision-making.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-03-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCN.2019.07.052
Abstract: Opisthotonus as a presenting feature in neurosurgical patients is rare, with few reports describing such presentations. Only four reports of opisthotonos secondary to posterior fossa mass were identified. An unclear pathophysiology, and broad aetiology contribute to clinical misdirection. While posterior fossa lesions commonly present with signs of raised intracranial pressure, or cerebellar dysfunction, this case describes the presentation of an infant with opisthotonic posturing, ataxia and autonomic dysfunction secondary to a large pilocytic astrocytoma. Despite initial treatment of hydrocephalus, opisthotonus only resolved with complete surgical resection of the posterior fossa mass. At follow-up, the child remains well and without signs of hypertonicity or other signs or symptoms. Presentations involving opisthotonus are rare, and active exclusion of posterior fossa pathology is necessary. In this case, urgent surgical resection allowed for a positive patient outcome. Description of such a case may contribute to understanding of similar presentations in the neurosurgical context.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-11-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00701-021-05046-0
Abstract: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy was first approved in the mid-1990s in the USA, Europe and Australia, with demonstrable efficacy in paediatric populations. Benefit in seizure frequency reduction can be observed up to 2 years post-intervention however, few studies assess outcomes beyond this period. Furthermore, paediatric cohort sizes are small, limiting generalisability of outcome assessments. We evaluate VNS insertion outcomes and complications or side-effects in a large paediatric cohort, over a 20-year period from Queensland's first VNS insertion. A retrospective review was conducted of all paediatric VNS insertions at the Queensland Children's Hospital (QCH) and the Mater Children's Hospital/Mater Children's Private Hospital (MCH/MCPH) Brisbane. A minimum of 1-year follow-up from 1999 to 2020 was required for inclusion. Patients were assessed on demographics, epilepsy details, seizure outcomes and complications or side-effects. In this extended follow-up cohort (76 patients, 7.2 ± 5.3 years), 51.3% of patients had ≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction, while 73.7% experienced an Engel III outcome (worthwhile benefit) or better. Eleven patients (14.9%) were seizure-free at follow-up, and 81.6% retained long-term therapy. Stimulation-related side-effects are common (17.1%) but rarely result in stimulation cessation (3.9%). Cessation occurred in 14 patients (18.4%) and most commonly related to minimal benefit (13.2%). Demographics, aetiology, seizure nature and surgical factors did not influence outcomes. Over extended treatment periods, a large proportion of patients will benefit significantly from VNS therapy. Approximately 4 of 5 patients will retain VNS therapy, and in cases of cessation, this is most commonly related to minimal benefit. Underlying demographics, aetiology or seizure nature do not influence outcomes. This 20-year Queensland assessment of VNS therapy outcomes informs long-term expectation of VNS therapy.
No related grants have been discovered for Charles Yates.