Effect of COVID-19 on High-risk Neonate Home Care Program: An Audit Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 108482232110353
Author(s):  
Afsaneh Ansari ◽  
Faramarz Kalhor ◽  
Raheleh Toghyani ◽  
Mahboobeh Namnabati
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Regular Education ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Units ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Risk Neonate ◽  
The Mean

One of the most important goals of the health system in this pandemic was to provide a home care for the high-risk neonates. The aim of this study was to audit a high-risk neonate home care program during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted with the participation of 158 high-risk neonates discharged from neonatal intensive care units of hospitals. Data collection was performed through questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist. The researcher observed and evaluated 7 areas of healthcare. The study was first performed in person, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, the researcher evaluated these cares in absentia. The results of the study showed that the mean score of in-person “conduction” was 56.7 and in-absentia conduction was 52.5 and the mean score of in-person “education” was 63.6 and in-absentia conduction was 65.6. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the in-person and in-absentia methods. Moreover, while 53.2% of caregivers performed well, 33.5% of them performed poorly. According to the results, the implementation of home care program for high-risk neonates is relatively desirable. However, some regular evaluation and review need to be conducted on instructions and implementations. Regular education of caregivers and, finally, regular in-person and in-absentia monitoring is essential. In-absentia home care during the COVID-19 pandemic was not an obstacle to the implementation of the program and it was implemented through telephone and follow-up.

scholarly journals THU0517 THE ROLE OF ULTRASOUND-DEFINED SYNOVITIS GRADE I IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRALGIA, A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 497.2-497
Author(s):  
J. Arroyo Palomo ◽  
M. Arce Benavente ◽  
C. Pijoan Moratalla ◽  
B. A. Blanco Cáceres ◽  
A. Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Painful Joint ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Specialized Unit

Background:Musculoeskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is frequently used in several rheumatology units to detect subclinical inflammation in patients with joint symptoms suspected for progression to inflammatory arthritis (IA). Synovitis grade I (EULAR-OMERACT combined score) is known to be a casual finding in healthy individuals, but studies headed to unravel its possible role on rheumatic diseases are sparse.Objectives:To investigate the correlation between synovitis grade I, and the diagnosis of IA made after a year follow-up period since MSUS findings, in patients of an MSUS-specialized unit of a Rheumatology Department.Methods:We conducted a descriptive, retrospective and unicentric study. 30 patients were selected from the MSUS-specialized unit of our Rheumatology Department from July-18 to January-19. Patients presenting synovitis grade 0 (exclusively), 2 and/or 3 on combined score were excluded. Data collection at baseline included age, sex, immunological profile and previous physical examination to the MSUS findings, as well as the diagnosis made by the rheumatologist in 1-year visit follow-up: dividing the patient sample into two groups: those who were diagnosed with IA and those not. Non-parametric statistical tests for comparing means were used.Results:The mean age was 51,6 years and 70% were females. 6 (20%) patients were diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis after a year follow-up: 2 (4,8%) psoriatic arthritis, 1 (3,3%) undifferentiated arthritis, 1 (3,3%) rheumatoid arthritis, 1 (3,3%) Sjögren’s syndrome. Non-inflammatory arthropathies were also found 24 (80%), of which, 12 (40%) were non-specific arthralgias and 8 (19%) osteoarthritis.In the group of patients who did not developed an IA the mean C-reactive protein (CPR) value was 3,12 mg/L and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 8,2 mm; all of them were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive and ACPA-negative except one patient. 5 (31,3%) patients presented low antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) levels. In those who HLA B-27 and Cw6 were tested (4,25%); both were negative except for one that was HLA B-27 positive. The median number of swollen and painful joint count was 0, and the mean of joints with MSUS involvement was 3,5; the mean involved metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints was 1,83; proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints was 1,48 and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints 0,21.Among the group of patients that developed an IA the mean of CPR and ESR was 9,27 mg/L and 14,17 mm respectively; 2 (33%) patients were RF- positive, and 1 ACPA-positive. ANAs were positive in 3 cases (50%). The median of swollen joint count was 2 and for painful joint count was 0, the median of joints with MSUS involvement was 4,5. The mean of MSUS involvement was for MCP, PIP and DIP joints: 1,67, 2 and 0. Comparing the means of CPR values in the two groups with Student’s t-test we obtained a statistically significant difference (p=0,023). No other significant differences were found.Conclusion:Despite the limitations and possible statistical bias, the presence of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I and elevated CRP levels could be related to further diagnoses of inflammatory arthropathy. Besides, the absence of synovitis in DIP joints might have a diagnostic role. Normal physical exploration and normal levels of CRP might suggest low MSUS value. However, further research is needed to clarify the role of MSUS-defined synovitis grade I.References:[1]D’Agostino MA et al. Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforce-Part 1: definition and development of a standardized, consensus-based scoring system. RMD Open. 2017;3(1):e000428.[2]Van den Berg R et al. What is the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients presenting with arthralgia to predict inflammatory arthritis development? A systematic literature review. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2018) 20:228.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Importance of a Follow-Up Ultrasound Protocol in Monitoring Posttraumatic Spleen Complications in Children Treated with a Non-Operative Management

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 734
Author(s):  
Ivona Djordjevic ◽  
Dragoljub Zivanovic ◽  
Ivana Budic ◽  
Ana Kostic ◽  
Danijela Djeric
Keyword(s):  
Splenic Abscess ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Injury Grade ◽  
Grade Ii ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Non Operative Management ◽  
Grade Iii

Background and objectives: For the last three decades, non-operative management (NOM) has been the standard in the treatment of clinically stable patients with blunt spleen injury, with a success rate of up to 95%. However, there are no prospective issues in the literature dealing with the incidence and type of splenic complications after NOM. Materials and methods: This study analyzed 76 pediatric patients, up to the age of 18, with blunt splenic injury who were treated non-operatively. All patients were included in a posttraumatic follow-up protocol with ultrasound examinations 4 and 12 weeks after injury. Results: The mean age of the children was 9.58 ± 3.97 years (range 1.98 to 17.75 years), with no statistically significant difference between the genders. The severity of the injury was determined according to the American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification: 7 patients had grade I injuries (89.21%), 21 patients had grade II injuries (27.63%), 33 patients had grade III injuries (43.42%), and 15 patients had grade IV injuries (19.73%). The majority of the injuries were so-called high-energy ones, which were recorded in 45 patients (59.21%). According to a previously created posttraumatic follow-up protocol, complications were detected in 16 patients (21.05%). Hematomas had the highest incidence and were detected in 11 patients (14.47%), while pseudocysts were detected in 3 (3.94%), and a splenic abscess and pseudoaneurysm were detected in 1 patient (1.31%), respectively. The complications were in a direct correlation with injury grade: seven occurred in patients with grade IV injuries (9.21%), five occurred in children with grade III injuries (6.57%), three occurred in patients with grade II injuries (3.94%), and one occurred in a patient with a grade I injury (1.31%). Conclusion: Based on the severity of the spleen injury, it is difficult to predict the further course of developing complications, but complications are more common in high-grade injuries. The implementation of a follow-up ultrasound protocol is mandatory in all patients with NOM of spleen injuries for the early detection of potentially dangerous and fatal complications.

scholarly journals Partial pulpotomy without age restriction: a retrospective assessment of permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florin Eggmann ◽  
Thomas J. W. Gasser ◽  
Hanjo Hecker ◽  
Mauro Amato ◽  
Roland Weiger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rates ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Permanent Teeth ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Presumptive Diagnosis ◽  
Tooth Discoloration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pulp Exposure ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of partial pulpotomy performed in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure. Materials and methods Records of patients undergoing treatment at an undergraduate dental clinic between 2010 and 2019 were screened for partial pulpotomies in teeth with a presumptive diagnosis of normal pulp or reversible pulpitis. The follow-up had to be ≥ 1 year. Patient data were retrieved and analyzed using Mantel-Cox chi square tests and Kaplan–Meier statistics. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Results Partial pulpotomy was performed in 111 cases, of which 64 (58%) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. At the time of partial pulpotomy, the mean age was 37.3 (± 13.5) years (age range 18–85). The mean observation period was 3.1 (± 2.0) years. Two early failures (3.1%) and five late failures (7.7%) were recorded. The overall success rate of maintaining pulp vitality was 89.1%, with 98.4% tooth survival. The cumulative pulp survival rates of partial pulpotomy in patients aged < 30 years, between 30 and 40 years, and > 40 years were 100%, 75.5%, and 90.5%, respectively, with no significant difference between the age groups (p = 0.225). At follow-up, narrowing of the pulp canal space and tooth discoloration were observed in 10.9% and 3.1% of cases, respectively. Conclusions Across age groups, partial pulpotomy achieved favorable short and medium-term outcomes in teeth with carious pulp exposure. Clinical relevance Adequate case selection provided, partial pulpotomy is a viable operative approach to treat permanent teeth with deep carious lesions irrespective of patients’ age.

No Difference in Outcomes Following Osteochondral Allograft with Fresh Precut Cores Compared to Hemi-Condylar Allografts

Cartilage ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 194760352110219
Author(s):  
Danielle H. Markus ◽  
Anna M. Blaeser ◽  
Eoghan T. Hurley ◽  
Brian J. Mannino ◽  
Kirk A. Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Knee Injury ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean

Objective The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes at early to midterm follow-up between fresh precut cores versus hemi-condylar osteochondral allograft (OCAs) in the treatment of symptomatic osteochondral lesions. Design A retrospective review of patients who underwent an OCA was performed. Patient matching between those with OCA harvested from an allograft condyle/patella or a fresh precut allograft core was performed to generate 2 comparable groups. The cartilage at the graft site was assessed with use of a modified Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system and patient-reported outcomes were collected. Results Overall, 52 total patients who underwent OCA with either fresh precut OCA cores ( n = 26) and hemi-condylar OCA ( n = 26) were pair matched at a mean follow-up of 34.0 months (range 12 months to 99 months). The mean ages were 31.5 ± 10.7 for fresh precut cores and 30.9 ± 9.8 for hemi-condylar ( P = 0.673). Males accounted for 36.4% of the overall cohort, and the mean lesion size for fresh precut OCA core was 19.6 mm2 compared to 21.2 mm2 for whole condyle ( P = 0.178). There was no significant difference in patient-reported outcomes including Visual Analogue Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, and Tegner ( P > 0.5 for each), or in MOCART score (69.2 vs. 68.3, P = 0.93). Conclusions This study found that there was no difference in patient-reported clinical outcomes or MOCART scores following OCA implantation using fresh precut OCA cores or size matched condylar grafts at early to midterm follow-up.

Constrained liners revisited: favourable mid-term results in patients with high-risk of dislocation: technical considerations for the optimal outcome

2021 ◽  
pp. 112070002110107
Author(s):  
Eustathios Kenanidis ◽  
Panagiotis Kakoulidis ◽  
Panagiotis Anagnostis ◽  
Michael Potoupnis ◽  
Eleftherios Tsiridis
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Recurrent Dislocation ◽  
Deep Infection ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Revision Thas ◽  
Hip Stability ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
Revision Tha ◽  
The Mean

Background: The outcomes of constrained liners (CLs) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain inconclusive. We evaluated the mid-term performance of CLs in a consecutive series of high-risk dislocation patients undergoing primary or revision THA performed by a single surgeon. The survival, dislocation rate, complications, and functional patients’ scores were assessed. Surgical tips to enhance outcomes were reviewed. Methods: 45 patients who received the Trident Tripolar CL between 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively evaluated from Arthroplasty Registry Thessaloniki. There were 17 primary and 28 revision THAs. The primary indications for using CL were severe abductor insufficiency or comorbidities, increasing the dislocation risk in primary, and recurrent dislocation or abductor insufficiency in revision THAs. The mean patient’s age was 68.5 (±14.5) years, and the mean follow-up 3.81 (±1.66) years. Results: There were 2 dislocations and 1 deep infection in the revision group. For any reason, the cumulative 6-year survival rate was 93.3%, 100% for primary, and 89.3% for revision THAs. The mean overall CL survival was 76.3 months for any reason (95% CI, 68.1–84.5) and 80.5 months for dislocation (95% CI, 75.8–85.2). The mean postoperative functional scores were significantly improved ( p < 0.001) at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: CLs can provide hip stability and durable fixation in selected low-demand patients with high-risk for dislocation after primary and revision THA at mid-term follow-up. Careful patient selection and the refined surgical technique aiming at the neutral liner position and considering the high CLs’ offset relative to stem-neck impingement are necessary to maximise outcomes.

Comparison of healthcare utilization and outcomes by gestational diabetes diagnostic criteria

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianne R. Lauring ◽  
Allen R. Kunselman ◽  
Jaimey M. Pauli ◽  
John T. Repke ◽  
Serdar H. Ural
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Healthcare Utilization ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Units ◽  
Maternal Healthcare ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Data Group

Abstract Objective: To compare healthcare utilization and outcomes using the Carpenter-Coustan (CC) criteria vs. the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Prior to 8/21/2013, patients were classified as “GDM by CC” if they met criteria. After 8/21/2013, patients were classified as “GDM by NDDG” if they met criteria and “Meeting CC non-GDM” if they met CC, but failed to reach NDDG criteria. “Non-GDM” women did not meet any criteria for GDM. Records were reviewed after delivery. Results: There was a 41% reduction in GDM diagnosed using NDDG compared to CC (P=0.01). There was no significant difference in triage visits, ultrasounds for growth or hospital admissions. Women classified as “Meeting CC non-GDM” were more likely to have preeclampsia than “GDM by CC” women [OR 11.11 (2.7, 50.0), P=0.0006]. Newborns of mothers “Meeting CC non-GDM” were more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care units than “GDM by CC” [OR 6.25 (1.7, 33.3), P=0.006], “GDM by NDDG” [OR 5.56 (1.3, 33.3), P=0.018] and “Non-GDM” newborns [OR 6.47 (2.6, 14.8), P=0.0003]. Conclusion: Using the NDDG criteria may increase healthcare costs because while it decreases the number of patients being diagnosed with GDM, it may also increase maternal and neonatal complications without changing maternal healthcare utilization.

Early ultrasonographic follow up in neonatal pneumatocele. Two case reports

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugenia Maranella ◽  
Arianna Mareri ◽  
Marialuisa Tataranno ◽  
Luisa Di Luca ◽  
Alessandra Marciano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Central Area ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Units ◽  
Promising Technique ◽  
Progressive Reduction ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Pulmonary Parenchyma

Abstract Pulmonary pneumatocele is a thin-walled, air-filled cyst originating spontaneously within the lungs’ parenchyma, generally after infections or prolonged mechanical respiratory support. The diagnosis of pneumatocele is usually made using both chest X-ray (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) scan. Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is a promising technique used to investigate neonatal pulmonary diseases. We hereby present two cases of pneumatocele in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in which CXR and LUS were used to evaluate pulmonary parenchyma. LUS showed a multilobed cyst with a thin hyperechoic wall and a hypoechoic central area. Repeated LUS demonstrated a progressive reduction of the cyst’s size. After a few weeks, the small lesions were no longer detectable by ultrasound, therefore CXR was used, for follow-up, in the following months, until complete resolution. No data are available in the literature regarding ultrasonographic follow-up of neonatal pneumatocele. A larger number of patients are required to confirm our results and increase the use of LUS in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to reduce neonatal radiations exposure.

scholarly journals Comparison Between With Kirschner-wires Only And Combined Screw Fixation in Proximal Reverse Chevron osteotomy(PCMO) For Hallux Valgus Deformity

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0002
Author(s):  
Hwa Jun Kang ◽  
Hong-Geun Jung ◽  
Jong-Soo Lee ◽  
Sungwook Kim ◽  
Mao Yuan Sun
Keyword(s):  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Fixation Method ◽  
Kirschner Wires ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B ◽  
Severe Hallux Valgus

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Kirschner-wires fixation, sometimes we have encountered pin irritation or pull-out. This is the reason why we consider additional fixation. Moreover, there are few reports according to comparison of fixation method, and Most of them focused on comparison K-wires or screw fixation only. Purpose of study is to compare clinical and radiographic outcome between Kirschner-wires only and combined screw fixation. Methods: The study included two different groups according to fixation methods. One with Kirschner-wires fixation (KW group) included 117 feet(of 98 patients), the other with combined screw fixation (KWS group) 56 feet (of 40 patients) with moderate to severe hallux valgus. Clinically, the preoperative and final follow-up visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, the preoperative and final follow-up American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP)-interphalangeal (IP) scores, and patient satisfaction after the surgery were evaluated. Radiographically, the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), medial sesamoid position (MSP), and first to fifth metatarsal width (1-5MTW) were analyzed before and after surgery. Results: The mean AOFAS score improved preoperative 65.5 to 95.3 at final follow up in group A, while preoperative 56.5 to 88.6 at final follow up. Pain VAS decreased from 5.7 to 0.5 in group A, whereas from 6.2 to 1.6 in group B. The mean HVA all improved from preoperative 38.5 to 9.3 at final follow up in group A and 34.7 to 9.1 in group B. The mean IMA and MSP also improved significantly at final follow up. In comparative analysis, the IMA did not show significant difference between postoperative and final state in group A, while showed significant increase in group B. Conclusion: We achieved favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes with minimal complications in patient with moderate to severe hallux valgus in both groups. However, this study shows no statistically significant difference in IMA during follow-up period and lower recurrence rate. Therefore we need to consider combined fixation method to provide better stability and can expect lower recurrence rate.

DOES NAVIGATION TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 1350007
Author(s):  
P. Motwani ◽  
A. Jariwala ◽  
N. Valentine
Keyword(s):  
Total Knee Replacement ◽  
Tibial Component ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Computer Navigation ◽  
Component Alignment ◽  
Tibial Component Alignment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
The Mean

Background: Computer Navigation in Total Knee Replacement (TKR) has completed more than a decade since its inception. From that time, numerous studies have been done to see its effect on the variables of surgery and its outcome. Some studies have shown that it is definitely beneficial while others have negated its superiority over conventional techniques. This is an early outcome study on the results of navigation TKR in terms of alignment and clinical outcome at three years post-operatively. Methods: In the present study, 128 patients who had undergone navigation TKR (128 TKR) between January 2006 and November 2009 were included. The navigation system used was orthoPilot®. Patients were assessed post-operatively at one and three year using knee society score (KSS) and knee function score (KFS). All patients completed one year follow-up and 55 patients completed three year follow-up. From 128 patients, 40 navigated TKR patients operated between November 2007 and 2009 and were compared with 40 patients operated by conventional TKR operated between July 2007 and December 2008. Results: The mean KSS at 1 year post-operatively was 85.60 and at 3 years was 85.87. The mean KFS at 1 year post-operatively was 69.30 and at 3 years was 68.00. There was no statistically significant difference between navigation TKR and conventional TKR in terms of anatomical femoro-tibial alignment, femoral component alignment in coronal and sagittal plane and tibial component alignment in coronal plane. However, there was statistically significant difference between tibial component alignment in sagittal plane (p = 0.000) between both the groups. Conclusion: Computer navigation TKR affords a possibility to place both the femoral and tibial component very precisely without the risk of any greater axis deviation from ideal value. It helps in reducing the outliers in alignment of the limb and that of component and that improves the overall implant survival for a long time post-operatively.

scholarly journals Postoperative craniospinal radiotherapy of medulloblastoma in children and young adults

2003 ◽  
Vol 131 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 226-231
Author(s):  
Ivana Golubicic ◽  
Jelena Bokun ◽  
Marina Nikitovic ◽  
Jasmina Mladenovic ◽  
Milan Saric ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Brain Stem ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Tumor Removal ◽  
Shunt Placement ◽  
Craniospinal Radiotherapy ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference

PURPOSE The aim of this study was: 1. to evaluate treatment results of combined therapy (surgery, postoperative craniospinal radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy) and 2. to assess factors affecting prognosis (extend of tumor removal, involvement of the brain stem, extent of disease postoperative meningitis, shunt placement, age, sex and time interval from surgery to start of postoperative radiotherapy). PATIENTS AND METHODS During the period 1986-1996, 78 patients with medulloblastoma, aged 1-22 years (median 8.6 years), were treated with combined modality therapy and 72 of them were evaluable for the study end-points. Entry criteria were histologically proven diagnosis, age under 22 years, and no history of previous malignant disease. The main characteristics of the group are shown in Table 1. Twenty-nine patients (37.2%) have total, 8 (10.3%) near total and 41 (52.5%) partial removal. Seventy-two of 78 patients were treated with curative intent and received postoperative craniospinal irradiation. Radiotherapy started 13-285 days after surgery (median 36 days). Only 13 patients started radiotherapy after 60 days following surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy was applied in 63 (80.7%) patients. The majority of them (46 73%) received chemotherapy with CCNU and Vincristine. The survival rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences in survival were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and log-rank test. RESULTS The follow-up period ranged from 1-12 years (median 3 years). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 51% and disease-free survival (DFS) 47% (Graph 1). During follow-up 32 relapses occurred. Patients having no brain stem infiltration had significantly better survival (p=0.0023) (Graph 2). Patients with positive myelographic findings had significantly poorer survival compared to dose with negative myelographic findings (p=0.0116). Significantly poorer survival was found in patients with meningitis developing in the postoperative period, with no patient living longer than two years (p=0.0134) (Graph 3). By analysis of OS and DFS in relation to presence of the malignant cells in liquor, statistically significant difference, i. e. positive CSF cytology was not obtained, which was of statistical importance for survival (p=0.8207). Neither shunt placement nor shunt type showed any impact on survival (p=0.5307 and 0.7119, respectively). Children younger than three years had significantly poorer survival compared to those older than 16 years (p=0.0473). Although there was a better survival rate in females than in males this was not statistically significant (p=0.2386).The analysis results of treatment showed that significantly better survival occurred in patients in whom total or subtotal tumor removal was possible (p=0.0022) (Graph 4). Patients who started radiotherapy within two months after surgery have better survival, but again this was not statistically significant, probably due to the small number of patients receiving delayed radiotherapy (p=0.2231)(Graph5). CONCLUSION Based on this factors standard and high risk group could be defined. Combined chemotherapy should to be investigated particularly for high risk subgroup. Future research should be done to define new therapeutic modalities (gene therapy, compounds active in tumor antiangiogenesis etc).

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