Methods: A total of 45 patients diagnosed with de novo thoracic or lumbar SEA who underwent posterior-only surgical decompression between 2005 and 2014, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 2 years, were included. Patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of postoperative residual ND, and neurological function was assessed immediately after surgery and at the final followup using the Frankel grading system. SITE scores, along with clinical and radiological data associated with residual ND, were collected. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to identify significant predictors. Results: Patients with residual ND had significantly lower SITE scores than those without residual ND (4.3±1.3 vs. 7±1.8, p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified the SITE score as an independent predictor (odds ratio, 2.70; p=0.012). ROC analysis showed that a SITE score ≤6 predicted residual ND with 73.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity, with an area under the curve of 0.877 (p<0.001). Other significant predictors included cauda equina syndrome and a shorter symptom-to-surgery interval, both of which were associated with a higher risk of residual ND. Conclusions The SITE score is a reliable and independent predictor of residual ND after surgery for SEA. SITE scores <6 indicate a significantly higher risk of postoperative ND.

INTRODUCTIONCentral venous catheters (CVCs) are becoming more popular for delivery of outpatient courses of intravenous therapy such as chemotherapy and long-term antibiotics. The incidence of non-tunnelled type CVC-related infections in patients with solid tumours receiving chemotherapy in an ambulatory setting has not been well studied. We aimed to determine the baseline data on CVC-related infections in this retrospective study conducted from January 2005 to December 2007.

METHODSData on cancer patients with CVCs inserted as outpatients at National Cancer Centre Singapore over a three-year period were collected and analysed retrospectively. Data retrieved from medical records included patients' demographics, the number of catheter days, cancer type and other medical illnesses. Definitions from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for CVC-related infections were used. For data analysis, graphical and quantitative techniques were employed.

RESULTSA total of 88 CVCs were inserted during the study period, with a total of 11,541 catheter days (median 114; range 2-510 days). Infection rate was 0.87 per 1,000 catheter days. The risk of infection was higher when catheters were left in situ for longer periods of time and in patients with solid tumours.

CONCLUSIONThe infection rate for non-tunnelled type CVCs is low in our centre. Hence, its use for chemotherapy on an outpatient basis is relatively safe and convenient in oncologic patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Catheter-Related Infections ; epidemiology ; Central Venous Catheters ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Young Adult