Author(s): Srikandarajah N.; Clark S.; Wilby M.; Noble A.; Williamson P.; Marson T.
Source: British Journal of Neurosurgery; 2018; vol. 32 (no. 1); p. 80
Publication Date: 2018
Publication Type(s): Conference Abstract
Abstract:Objectives: In the literature scoping searches reveal significant difference in reporting of the outcomes for patients who have undergone surgery for Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). We intend to formally document and analyse the reported outcomes for CES. Design: Systematic Literature Review was performed using PRISMA guidelines registered on the COMET database (824). Subjects: Adult patients who had an operation for CES. Methods: Databases of Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus and registries were searched from 1/1/1990 to 30/9/2016 with the term ‘Cauda Equina Syndrome.’ Appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data Extraction form was used to document findings, record outcomes, outcome definition and validated assessments. Results: 5,430 articles were identified from all sources. Once inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied this resulted in 61 included articles. 90% were retrospective single centre studies with median 31 months follow up. Over 700 outcomes were identified with Bladder and Motor outcome domains being the most frequently mentioned. The majority of outcome domains had no definition or validated assessments in most of the articles. Conclusions: This review shows significant variation, in the way outcome domains, which are reported after surgery for CES are termed, defined and assessed. A meta-analysis of the data is not possible. This indicates a clear need for the development of a core outcome set for operated CES patients.
Database: EMBASE