Translational Medical Research Commons^™

Effects Of Rocking On Attention And Arousal, Jonathan Lubeck, Roseann C. Schaaf, Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Rachel L. Dumont, Ms, Ots

Phase 1

Introduction: Difficulties regulating attention and arousal underlie common developmental conditions and impact performance in academic and work tasks. Sensory-based activities such as sitting in a rocker chair may help regulate attention and arousal by providing sensory stimulation. This pilot study assessed autonomic nervous system activity (ANS) while seated in a specially designed rocking chair providing vestibular sensation during a performance task.

Methods: Thirty-four adults (aged 20-35 years) were randomized to either a rocker chair (Virco Zuma, n = 17) or static chair (n =17) while performing cognitive tasks in a counterbalanced design. ANS measures of skin conductance level (SCL) …

Dual Mobility Bearing Articulations Result In Lower Rates Of Dislocation After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty., Zachary Kozick, William Li, Matthew Sherman, Camilo Restrepo, Md, Eric B. Smith, Md, P. Maxwell Courtney, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: The purpose of our study is to directly compare the rates of instability after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) between a modular dual mobility (DM) and a conventional polyethylene single-bearing surface.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients who underwent revision THA from 2012 to 2016 at a single institution with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Rates of re-revision, dislocation, complications, and short-form (SF-12) scores were compared between the DM and single-bearing groups. To control for confounding variables, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results: Of the 267 revision THA patients, 94 patients …

Down Regulation With Luteal Gnrh Agonist Therapy In Euploid Embryo Transfers Does Not Impact Pregnancy Rates, Isabelle Levin, Keri Bergin, Md, Dmitry Gounko, Joseph Lee, Alan Copperman, Md

Phase 1

Introduction : Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists have been used during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment for pituitary suppression and stimulation. Currently, clinical opinion is divided about whether GnRH agonist therapy improves pregnancy rates when used for luteal down-regulation in a frozen euploid embryo transfer (FET). This study evaluated the clinical utility of GnRH agonist down-regulation in single, euploid FET cycles.

Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed, using data from patients who underwent a single, euploid FET cycle from 2012 to 2019. Patients were segregated into two cohorts: Group A: single, euploid FET with down-regulation using GnRH agonist; Group B: …

Effects Of Corneal Transplant On Rates Of Retinal Detachment, Daniel S. Mackinnon, Zeba A. Syed, Md, Durga Borkar, Hannah Levin

Phase 1

Introduction: Corneal transplant remains the gold standard treatment for irreversible corneal damage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate retinal detachment rates and clinical outcomes after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and endothelial keratoplasty (EK). We hypothesized that corneal transplants would increase the rate of RD.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized corneal transplant data from all surgical visits from PK or EK between April 1, 2012 and August 31, 2018. Individual charts were reviewed from patients who had a subsequent retinal detachment. Incidence of retinal detachment following PK or EK was the main outcome measured.

Results: A total of …

Nighttime Melatonin Administration And Insulin Sensitivity, Albert Mchugh, Cynthia Cheng, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Previous studies have shown melatonin effects on insulin sensitivity, but with conflicting results. The inconsistency between these studies may be due to differences in melatonin dosage and subject age. Low melatonin dosages, generally <5 mg, have been used in prior research. We studied the effect of melatonin 9 mg for 6 weeks on insulin resistance, peripheral microvascular function, and sleep in non-diabetic, non-hypertensive middle-aged and geriatric patients.

Methods: Subjects with a history of hypertension or diabetes were excluded from the study. The geriatric cohort included 5 subjects 60-80 years old while the younger cohort was comprised of 14 subjects age 27-45 years old. Fifteen subjects were randomized to the melatonin treatment group and took 9 mg of controlled-release melatonin by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime for 6 weeks; the four subjects in …

Early Perioperative Fluid Benchmarking To Predict Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Pd) Outcomes, David Moskal, Carrie D. Walsh, Sofia Duque, Charles Yeo, Md, Facs, Harish Lavu, Md, Facs

Phase 1

Introduction: PD is a complex operation associated with a marked systemic inflammatory response and significant fluid shifts. Establishing a benchmark for ideal perioperative fluid management is critical to optimising PD patient recovery.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated perioperative fluid data for patients undergoing PD. We compared an optimal benchmark group who were discharged home by postoperative day five (≤5day) to a group of patients with an in hospital recovery greater than ten days (≥10day).

Results: Seventy-six patients who underwent PD between June 2015 and November 2016 were evaluated. The ≤5day group had a significantly lower intraoperative fluid administration …

Ahmed Vs Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Device In Uveitic Glaucoma, Zoe Mcwatters, Sapna Sinha, Md, Allen Ganjei, Marlene Moster, Md, Michael Pro, Md, Elizabeth Dale, Md, Daniel Lee, Md, Jonathan S. Myers, Md, L. J. Katz, Md, Scott Fudemberg, Md, Anand Mantravadi, Md, Natasha Kolomeyer, Md, Reza Razeghniejad, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Uveitis is an inflammatory eye disorder which may elevate intraocular pressure (IOP), causing sight-threatening glaucoma. Treatment of refractory uveitic glaucoma involves implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD). Uveitic glaucoma has been a minority diagnosis in prior studies comparing the valved Ahmed GDD and non-valved Baerveldt GDD. Here we compare the safety and efficacy of the Ahmed and Baerveldt GDD in uveitic glaucoma.

Methods: This retrospective comparative study was conducted on patients with uveitic glaucoma (≥14 years old) who underwent Ahmed or Baerveldt GDD implantation between 2006–2018 with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Success was defined as …

Cardiac Risk Factors Predicting 30/90 Day Readmission Rates In Lumbar Decompression Surgeries, Blake Nourie, Kevin Xiao, Joseph Bechay, Dhruv K.C. Goyal

Phase 1

Preoperative cardiopulmonary disease is known to be a risk factor for perioperative complications in deformity surgery and lumbar fusion procedures, however there is a lack of literature evaluating cardiac risk factors and their influence on readmission rates following lumbar decompression surgery. We want to determine whether preoperative cardiac risk factors influenced the 30 and 90-day readmission rates in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. Patient charts from Rothman Institute between were reviewed for history of preoperative cardiac risk factors such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac catheterization, stent placement, coronary artery bypass graft, aspirin and/or clopidogrel …

The Use Of Wearable Technology In The Detection Of Operator Fatigue, James O'Shea, Stanton Miller, Md, Mph

Phase 1

Introduction: Operator fatigue is a prevalent cause of injury and death. Many studies have proven reliable ways of determining operator fatigue through the use of engineering and technological advances including blink rate, lid lag, respiratory rate, cardiac rate, chest expansion, etc. However the implementation of these advances has yet to be utilized. This systematic literature review seeks to elucidate the need for implementation of wearable technology for those who suffer from operator fatigue.

Methods: The target population includes anyone who operates a vehicle including drivers, aviation pilots, train conductors/engineers, marine pilots, operators of heavy machinery, fishermen and professional/overnight drivers. All …

Characteristics And Outcomes Of Patients Discharged Directly Home From A Medical Intensive Care Unit, Preeyal M. Patel, Michele Fiorella, Ms, Ann Zheng, Erika J. Yoo, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Discharging patients directly home from the ICU is becoming increasingly common, largely driven by decreased ward bed availability. We evaluated readmission patterns of ICU patients discharged directly home.

Methods: Retrospective review was conducted of direct discharges from the ICU to home between June 2017 and June 2019. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day hospital readmission. Patients were dichotomized by “wait-time” between transfer order and hospital discharge (<24 hours or ≥24 hours). Outcomes were compared using t-test, Fisher exact, and chi-squared. Risk-adjustment was performed using the Mortality Probability Model (MPM₀-III). ICU workload was estimated using the nine equivalents of nursing manpower use score (NEMS).

Results: 331 patients were identified, with a mean time of 0.72 [0 - 5.84] …

Detecting Different States Of Ventilation With A Wearable Device Through Minute Ventilation, Yash Patel, Michael Morano, Marc J. Torjman, Phd, Indupriya Eedara, Ms, Moeness Amin, Phd, Channy Loeum, Jeffrey I. Joseph, Do

Phase 1

Introduction: Detecting changes in respiration are essential to monitoring a patient’s vital signs. Few devices accomplish this in a non-invasive manner. We are developing a wearable Trachea Sound Sensor that measures respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV), minute ventilation (MV = RR x TV). A prototypical Trachea Sound Sensor (TSS) was created and compared to a reference pneumotachometer. Both were used to record the sounds of breathing with research team members.

Methods:The TSS recording device was tested on six research team members and breath sounds were recorded. Simultaneously, the member’s RR and MV was recorded using a calibrated …

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Are Associated With Increased Bleeding Related Complications Following Primary Total Hip And Total Knee Arthroplasty, Kyle Plusch, John Stammers, Mbbs, Frcs, Alexus M. Cooper, Chi Xu, Md, Paul Kitei, Md, Javad Parvizi, Md, Frcs, Jess H. Lonner, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Approximately 10-22% of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are diagnosed with depression. Pre-operative depression is associated with poorer patient reported outcomes, costs and increased complications. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line treatment for depression due to their efficacy and low side effect profile. There are conflicting studies regarding SSRI-related bleeding complications. This study compares the rate of bleeding-related complications in THA and TKA patients taking SSRI’s to a control group of non-SSRI users.

Methods: A retrospective single institution study of 16,407 primary THA and TKA’s from 2008 to 2018 was performed. Patients with …

Evaluating Cardiac Anatomy As A Predictor For Success After Pulmonary Vein Isolation For The Treatment Of Atrial Fibrillation, Paul Richter, Evan Rochlis, Ethan Halpern

Phase 1

Introduction: Atrial Fibrillation is a condition characterized by the production of ectopic beats by the heart. One common treatment for Atrial Fibrillation is catheter guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), however this treatment is only effective in around 60-70% of the population. Our research hopes to elucidate a link between cardiac anatomy and successful treatment of A-fib by pulmonary vein isolation.

Methods: The medical records for 78 consecutive patients who underwent PVI for atrial fibrillation at Jefferson from July 2013 to March 2016 were gathered. Included in these charts were ECG-gated cardiac CT angiogram and two-year follow up history. Different variables …

Development Of Vaccine Preferences In Parents Of Newborns, Ramon Ruiz, Neera Goyal

Phase 1

Introduction: The resurgence in cases of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in the U.S. may be associated with increasing rates of vaccine hesitancy. Although previous research has sought to identify attributes of non-vaccinating parents, the timing in which parents make such vaccination decisions has yet to be explored. Our goal is to identify when first-time parents develop their vaccination preferences: before, after, or during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of 73 first time parents at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Survey questions addressed timing of vaccination decisions and projected compliance with vaccine schedules. Eligibility for …

The Efficacy And Safety Profile Of Netarsudil 0.02% In Glaucoma Treatment: Real-World Outcomes, Eric Shiuey, Ms, Melih Ustaoglu, Md, Carina Sanvicente, Md, Reza Razeghinejad, Md, L. Jay Katz, Md, Jonathan Myers, Md, Daniel Lee, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: More effective glaucoma medications are necessary as medication intolerance and non-adherence remain problematic. Netarsudil is a newly FDA-approved Rho kinase inhibitor. We hypothesize that netarsudil will safely reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to baseline even while other glaucoma medications are used.

Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted on glaucoma patients seen at the Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Service who received netarsudil 0.02% between March and September of 2018. Intraocular pressure (IOP, via Goldmann applanation tonometry) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, via Snellen visual acuity charts) comparisons between baseline and 1- and 3-month follow-up visits were performed …

Phenotype-Genotype Correlations In Patients With Epidermolysis Bullosa With Plec Mutations, Elizabeth Zhang, Masoomeh Faghankani, Hassan Vahidnezhad, Jouni Uitto

Phase 1

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders characterized by blistering skin and mucous membranes. Mutations of the protein plectin, encoded by PLEC, cause autosomal recessive EB simplex with muscular dystrophy (EBS-MD) and EB simplex with pyloric atresia (EBS-PA). Until now, no clear genotype-phenotype correlation has been identified from the positions of mutations in the PLEC gene. How do ten distinct families with PLEC mutations manifesting as various EB disorders compare with regard to gene mutations? The hypothesis is that clinical manifestations of EB will be more extreme in patients with more severe gene mutations.

The design of …

Survivorship, Complications, And Outcomes Following Distal Femoral Replacement Using Megaprosthesis, Keenan Sobol, John Strony, Timothy Tan, Md, Scot Brown, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Distal femoral bone loss is often managed with a combination of modular prostheses, structural and non-structural allografts, and metal augmentation. However, when bone loss of the distal femur is severe, the viability of these methods can be limited.In the setting of severe bone loss, endoprosthetic reconstruction (EPR) with a megaprosthesis has become increasingly popular for both malignant and non-neoplastic indications. The primary aim of this study was to determine the short-term prosthesis survivorship, as well as complications, for patients who presented with non-neoplastic disease indications for megaprosthesis distal femoral replacement (DFR) at a single institution. The secondary aim was …

Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty Needs Its Own Diagnosis Related Group Facility Reimbursement Code, Jonah Stein, Michael Yayac, Md, Gregory K. Deirmengian, Md, Javad Parvizi, Md, P. Maxwell Courtney, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Conversion from a prior surgery to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a more technically difficult procedure than primary TKA and is associated with worse short-term outcomes and increased complication and readmission rates, despite being undifferentiated under the current bundled payment model. The aim of this study was to determine differences in facility costs between primary TKA and conversion TKA, which we hypothesize are significant, to ensure providers are not penalized for treatment and high-risk patients have the same access to care.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary TKA at two hospitals within …

Retrospective Review Of Fluoroscopic Swallowing Studies And Outcomes At An Academic Health Center, Rachel Strock, Priyha Mahesh, Baskaran Sundaram, Md, Gregory C. Kane, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Aspiration is often associated with underlying medical conditions and can cause pneumonia or death. Aspiration risk can be assessed via video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) or barium swallow (BaSw). We aimed to assess the diagnoses and clinical course of patients who were evaluated for potential aspiration through VFSS or BaSw to determine if there is a degree of aspiration that increases the risk of developing pneumonia and/or death.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 374 patients in TJUH who were evaluated via VFSS or BaSw from January 1 to June 30, 2017. We recorded the degree and …

Prevalence Of Asymptomatic Gonorrhea And Chlamydia Infections Among Ryan White Hiv Population Visiting A Center City Hiv Clinic, Sarah Stuccio, Rakhshanda Akram, Lisa A. Spacek

Phase 1

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem. Two factors make their diagnosis challenging: frequent asymptomatic presentation and lack of screening, especially at extragenital sites. Additionally, STIs including gonorrhea (GC) and chlamydia (CT) have been shown to increase the risk of sexual HIV transmission. Information about the prevalence, as well as predictors of test positivity, of GC and CT infections can stress the importance of universal screening.

Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of the STI screening of patients who attended the Ryan White HIV clinic at Jefferson between 2016 and 2018. The primary …

Late Complications Of Free Flaps In Head And Neck Microvascular Reconstruction, Swapna Vasudevan, Cory Bovenzi, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Late free flap complications (LFFC) in head and neck reconstructive surgery occur over 72 hours postoperatively and result in flap loss in 97% of cases. Due to the rarity of LFFC, there is minimal research regarding risk factors for their development. Identifying risk factors for LFFC will result in improved monitoring of patients to prevent flap loss. This study aims to identify risk factors for the development of LFFC.

Methods: The target population of this retrospective cohort study was 116 patients who had undergone an Orbital Exenteration at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) and had LFFC. Data was …

Surgical Resection Of Convexity Meningiomas: A Single Center Retrospective Analysis, Haley Wendt, Michael Baldassari, Donald Ye, Kevin Judy

Phase 1

Introduction: Dural convexity meningiomas (CMs) are the most common primary intracranial tumors. Although surgical resection carries relatively low risk, it is necessary to quantify perioperative risks from a large patient cohort and identify factors contributing to short-term and long-term outcomes.

Methods: Patients who underwent craniotomy for resection of CMs between January 2012-December 2018 at a single large academic center were reviewed for pre-operative demographics, radiographic characteristics, and post-operative outcomes.

Results: 122 cases of CMs were identified. Common presenting symptoms included headache (39.3%), seizure (27.0%) and weakness/paralysis (18%). CMs were located over frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes in 57.4%, …

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Microwave Ablation Prior To Liver Transplantation, Nicole Wagner, Amanda Smolock, Michael Markovitz, Varun Danda, Christopher Neely, Warren Maley, Jesse Civan, Colette Shaw

Phase 1

Introduction: Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that limits local liver tumor progression and prolongs patients’ transplantation eligibility. Microwave ablation (MWA) utilizes higher temperatures than the standard of care, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which increases efficiency. Meta-analyses compared MWA with RFA for the treatment of HCC and showed similar efficacy and safety between these modalities. However, limited pathologic data exists determining whether explanted tumors remained viable after MWA.

Methods: Our database was reviewed retrospectively for patients with HCC who underwent MWA prior to liver transplantation between 2013 and 2019. Patient demographics, etiology of disease, tumor size, procedure details, bilirubin, MELD, …

Development Of A Hert Trained Interprofessional Student Decontamination Team For Hospital Mass Casualty Response, Ashley Wong, Claire Zurlo, Edward Jasper

Phase 1

Introduction: FEMA’s Hospital Emergency Response Training (HERT) prepares healthcare workers to decontaminate patients during a mass casualty incident. This depletes the emergency department (ED) staff when they are needed most though. Developing an interprofessional student composed HERT team to screen and decontaminate affected populations will allow ED staff to handle more medically complex situations during a mass casualty event.

Methods: Likert scale surveys were conducted among ED physicians and nurses at Jefferson Hospital and HERT trained medical and nursing students at Jefferson University. These were to evaluate the training program and ED staff opinions of utilizing a student HERT …

Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Outflow Graft Stenting: Indications And Outcomes, Chelsey T. Wood, Mfa, Elizabeth J. Maynes, Md, Thomas J. O'Malley, Md, Rohinton J. Morris, Md, Louis E. Samuels, Md, H. Todd Massey, Md, Vakhtang Tchantchaleishvili

Phase 1

Introduction: Stenosis in the continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) outflow graft can be caused by various mechanical and anatomical factors. Increasingly, percutaneous management has been utilized to re-establish adequate CF-LVAD flow. We sought to evaluate indications for such interventions and their outcomes.

Methods: An electronic search was performed to identify all studies in the English literature reporting CF-LVAD outflow graft stenting for various etiologies. Twenty-one studies consisting of 26 patients were included in the analysis.

Results: Median patient age was 59 years [45.8-67.0] and 65.4% (17/26) were male. 58.3% (14/24) of patients had HeartWare HVAD, 37.5% (9/24) had HeartMate …

Treatment Of Persistent Air Leaks Using Endobronchial Valves, Michael Zimmerman, Cole Zingas, Achala Donuru, Scott W. Cowan, Nathaniel Evans Iii, Boyd Hehn

Phase 1

Introduction: Persistent air leaks (PAL) are from bronchopleural fistula resulting from communication between the bronchial tree and pleural space. Endobronchial valves (EBVs) are unidirectional valves placed bronchoscopically preventing airflow to the diseased lung lobe. For non-operable patients with PALs, EBVs offer a potential non-invasive treatment approach to stop air leak and allow lung healing. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze EBV placement to treat non-operable adult patients with PALs.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all adult patients that underwent EBV placement for PAL treatment at our institution from January 2016 to June 2019. All patients failed conservative …

Cardiac Risk Factors Predicting 30/90-Day Readmission Rates In Lumbar Decompression Surgeries, Kevin Xiao, Blake Nourie, Joseph Bechay, Dhruv K.C. Goyal

Phase 1

Preoperative cardiopulmonary disease is known to be a risk factor for perioperative complications in deformity surgery and lumbar fusion procedures, however there is a lack of literature evaluating cardiac risk factors and their influence on readmission rates following lumbar decompression surgery. We want to determine whether preoperative cardiac risk factors influenced the 30 and 90-day readmission rates in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. Patient charts from Rothman Institute between were reviewed for history of preoperative cardiac risk factors such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac catheterization, stent placement, coronary artery bypass graft, aspirin and/or clopidogrel …

Characteristics And Outcomes Of Patients Directly Discharged To Home From The Intensive Care Unit, Ann Zheng, Preeyal M. Patel, Michele Fiorella, Lauren Mcdonnell, Mina Yasuoka, Erika J. Yoo, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Given the current era of decreasing hospital bed availability, there has been a rise in the practice of direct discharge to home (DDH) from ICUs. We evaluated the demographics, clinical characteristics, outcomes and readmission patterns among DDH patients.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients from 2 MICUs from June 2017 to June 2019 at Thomas Jefferson University hospital, an urban tertiary care center. Primary outcome of interest was 30-day hospital readmission. Patients were dichotomized into two groups based on time between ward transfer order and hospital discharge (<24 or ≥24 hours). Risk adjustment performed with Mortality Probability Model (MPM0 -III). ICU workload at admission and discharge was estimated with nine equivalents of nursing manpower use score (NEMS). Patient characteristics compared using t-test and Fisher exact or χ² test.

Results: 331 DDH patients were analyzed, with the majority …

Zero Tolerance – Mitigating The Opioid Epidemic Amongst Minimally Invasive Urologic Patients, Daniella Wong, Thenappan Chandrasekar, Md, Costas Lallas, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Opioids are routinely prescribed following minimally invasive surgery (MIS), yet the majority of medication remains unused. However, the literature is lacking evidence for non-narcotic analgesia in MIS urologic procedures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a non-narcotic postoperative pain management regimen in reducing opioid use following MIS urologic procedures.

Methods: In this prospective study, 51 MIS urologic patients were recruited over two months. Patients in the first month cohort (P1) were managed with the established pain management standard-of-care, while patients in the second month (P2) followed a non-narcotic postoperative pain management protocol that …

Neoangiogenesis And Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction In Human Tsc Brain Lesions, Kimberly Sansalone, Pelin Dilsiz, Howard Weiner, Orrin Devinsky, Delia M. Talos

Phase 1

Introduction: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of multiple benign tumors throughout the body and brain. Patients with TSC experience severe cognitive dysfunction and therapy-resistant seizures, which can be associated with refractory epilepsy and poor developmental outcomes. We hypothesize that neoangiogenesis, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and leakage of serum proteins into the brain parenchyma play vital roles in the pathogenesis of TSC.

Methods: In order to assess blood-brain barrier integrity, cortical tissue samples from TSC patients with intractable seizures, non-TSC patients with therapy-resistant epilepsy, and control subjects were immunolabeled for the serum …