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Objective: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is still a frequent cause of neurosurgical consultations in most developing countries. Conventional approaches for the resection of large cysts have been used for many years. We report here our experience in the neurosurgical management of NCC using diverse minimally invasive approaches according to the localization of lesions: minimal craniotomy for lesions in the Sylvian fissure, stereotactic surgery for lesions in the posterior fossa, and endonasal neuroendoscopy for lesions in the basal cisterns. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 24 consecutive NCC patients who had minimally invasive surgery to resect NCC lesions in a neurological referral center in Lima, Peru. Three approaches were used: microcraneotomies through the anterior Sylvian point (n = 16), stereotactic surgery (n = 6), and endonasal endoscopy (n = 2), between January 1, 2016, and July 31, 2022. Demographic and clinical data as well as post-surgical evolution are presented using descriptive statistics. Results: Clinical improvement was observed in 23 out of 24 cases, with complete resolution of symptoms in nine and partial in 14. One patient evolved poorly and worsened his symptoms. Twenty-two patients received antiparasitic treatment after surgery. Relapse of NCC lesions was observed in three patients. There were no significant complications in any of the cases. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgical approaches provide an excellent alternative for the management of patients with NCC, with good surgical and functional results, also markedly reducing the parasitic mass for further antiparasitic treatment.

Introduction: Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) are common problems in neurosurgery, generally secondary to head trauma, although they me be in rare cases associated to underlying pathologies. Between these possible causes, arachnoid cysts (usually asymptomatic benign congenital lesions) can be a risk factor for subdural hematoma in young patients, who may spontaneously develop a CSDH and require surgery to relieve intracranial hypertension.Case Report.We present the case of a 23-year-old male, incidentally diagnosed two years before with a right temporal arachnoid cyst (middle fossa), asymptomatic, who began with symptoms of intracranial hypertension two weeks prior to surgery. A right fronto-parieto-temporal CSDH was verified on MRI, requiring emergency surgery with a small craniotomy, evacuation of the hematoma, and fenestration of the arachnoid cyst. Conclusions: In young patients with a diagnosis of an arachnoid cyst, the differential diagnosis of CSDH should be considered when presenting with acute neurological symptoms.

BackgroundOlder adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and polypharmacy often face challenges with medication adherence. Nonadherence can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes, adverse drug events, and poor quality of life. ObjectiveTo facilitate medication adherence among older adults with MCC and polypharmacy in primary care, we are adapting a technology-enabled intervention previously implemented in a specialty clinic. The objective of this study was to obtain multilevel feedback to inform the adaptation of the proposed intervention (Phenotyping Adherence Through Technology-Enabled Reports and Navigation [PATTERN]). MethodsWe conducted a formative qualitative study among patients, clinicians, and clinic administrators affiliated with a large academic health center in Chicago, Illinois. Patient eligibility included being aged 65 years or older, living with MCC, and contending with polypharmacy. Eligibility criteria for clinicians and administrators included being employed by any primary care clinic affiliated with the participating health center. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted remotely by a trained member of the study team using interview guides informed by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment Framework. Thematic analysis of interview audio recordings drew from the Rapid Identification of Themes from Audio Recordings procedures. ResultsIn total, we conducted 25 interviews, including 12 with clinicians and administrators, and 13 with patients. Thematic analysis revealed participants largely found the idea of technology-based medication adherence monitoring to be acceptable and appropriate for the target population in primary care, although several concerns were raised; we discuss these in detail. ConclusionsOur medication adherence monitoring intervention, adapted from specialty care, will be implemented in primary care. Formative interviews, informed by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment Framework and conducted among patients, clinicians, and administrators, have identified intervention adaptation needs. Results from this study could inform other interventions using the patient portal with older adults.

Introduction Women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are more likely to experience adverse reproductive outcomes, yet preconception care can significantly reduce these risks. For women with T2DM, preconception care includes reproductive planning and patient education on: (1) the importance of achieving glycaemic control before pregnancy, (2) using effective contraception until pregnancy is desired, (3) discontinuing teratogenic medications if pregnancy could occur, (4) taking folic acid, and (5) managing cardiovascular and other risks. Despite its importance, few women with T2DM receive recommended preconception care.Methods and analysis We are conducting a two-arm, clinic-randomised trial at 51 primary care practices in Chicago, Illinois to evaluate a technology-based strategy to ‘hardwire’ preconception care for women of reproductive age with T2DM (the PREPARED (Promoting REproductive Planning And REadiness in Diabetes) strategy) versus usual care. PREPARED leverages electronic health record (EHR) technology before and during primary care visits to: (1) promote medication safety, (2) prompt preconception counselling and reproductive planning, and (3) deliver patient-friendly educational tools to reinforce counselling. Post-visit, text messaging is used to: (4) encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours. English and Spanish-speaking women, aged 18–44 years, with T2DM will be enrolled (N=840; n=420 per arm) and will receive either PREPARED or usual care based on their clinic’s assignment. Data will be collected from patient interviews and the EHR. Outcomes include haemoglobin A1c (primary), reproductive knowledge and self-management behaviours. We will use generalised linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) to evaluate the impact of PREPARED on these outcomes. GLMMs will include a fixed effect for treatment assignment (PREPARED vs usual care) and random clinic effects.Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board (STU00214604). Study results will be published in journals with summaries shared online and with participants upon request.Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04976881).