Pediatric neurosurgery
Pediatric neurosurgery encompasses the entire field of neurosurgery. The main body of research has been focused on traumatic brain injury and is being expanded to include all types of acute brain. These studies will be focused on intracranial dynamics and secondary insults. This line of research is also being pursued within the international collaboration Kids BrainIT which we have helped establish.
Project description
In the field of craniosynostosis surgery (National Specialized Medical Center) there are ongoing studies related to intracranial dynamics. Parts of this research are in the form of international collaborations within the framework of ERN (European Reference Network). Uppsala, Berlin and Rotterdam are the leads in this research.
In the field of neurooncology there are ongoing projects related to the use of intraoperative MRI (iOMR) and how this can increase the precision in surgical technique and how this impacts on patient outcome. This study protocol is also used in studies related to epilepsy surgery (National Specialized Medical Center). Uppsala is part of the European Cerebellar mutism study which is the largest study related to this condition in children that have been operated for tumors in the cerebellum. Participation in this study has been through the national care planning group for pediatric neuro-oncology (VCTB) where we are represented. We also have representatives in working groups in the international oncology organization SIOP.
In the field of spinal conditions we are studying treatment results for patients with congenital pathology.
In the field of hydrocephalus we are studying treatment results for patients treated with shunts.
In the field of functional disturbances we are studying effects of diaphragma pacing on outcome and on lung/breathing physiology. We have an active collaboration with Poland’s CCHS centre in Gdansk.
Examples of studies:
- Traumatic and other acute brain injury in pediatric patients
- Intracranial dynamics in craniosynostosis
- Cerebellar mutism study
- iOMR and tumor/epilepsy surgery
- Spinal dysraphism and tethered cord
- Hydrocephalus
- Central hypoventilation problems and diaphragma pacing