Journal article
Pilot Rodent Study Utilizing Targeted Dexamethasone Polymeric Fibers in Place of Two-Stage Decompressive Craniectomy and Cranioplasty
FACE (Thousand Oaks), Vol.6(3), pp.518-525
09/2025
DOI: 10.1177/27325016251337446
Abstract
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses significant challenges due to its complex pathology with cerebral edema being a critical complication. Moderate-to-severe TBI is most often managed with a surgical intervention utilizing a two-stage decompressive craniectomy (DC) and cranioplasty. This study investigates a novel, minimally invasive approach using biodegradable polymer fibers for targeted, sustained dexamethasone (DEX) delivery as a minimally invasive surgical alternative. Method: Adult male Long Evans rats (n = 12) were used to assess the efficacy of intraparenchymal sustained-release DEX fibers for moderate-to-severe focal TBI. Rats were randomized to receive DEX fibers at the injury site or a single intramuscular DEX dose. Functional recovery was evaluated via skilled reaching tasks, and systemic DEX levels were monitored using venous sampling and high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis confirmed the potential of targeted DEX delivery for enhancing TBI recovery ( P < .05). Results: Motor recovery following TBI was evaluated using the skilled reaching task, with Group #1 (targeted DEX fiber placement) showing significantly higher post-TBI recovery scores compared to Group #2 (systemic intramuscular DEX) at all timepoints ( P < .0001). Longitudinal analysis confirmed sustained DEX release in Group #1 with minimal systemic absorption, whereas Group #2 exhibited negligible systemic DEX levels beyond 48 hours. These results demonstrate the efficacy of targeted DEX delivery in enhancing neurobehavioral recovery while minimizing systemic exposure, addressing limitations of conventional systemic therapies in TBI management. Conclusion: TBI remains a major global health challenge with limited treatment options and significant morbidity and mortality. This study demonstrates that intraparenchymal sustained-release DEX fibers improve motor recovery and mitigate systemic side effects compared to systemic corticosteroid use. These findings highlight the potential for targeted, localized DEX therapy as a minimally invasive alternative to DC and cranioplasty.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Pilot Rodent Study Utilizing Targeted Dexamethasone Polymeric Fibers in Place of Two-Stage Decompressive Craniectomy and Cranioplasty
- Creators
- Terry C. Yin - University of IowaChad A. Tuchek - University of Kansas Medical CenterScott Barbay - University of Kansas Medical CenterCory J. Berkland - University of KansasJian Qian - University of KansasAaron Brake - University of Kansas Medical CenterMarlen R. Hansen - University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USARandolph J. Nudo - University of Kansas Medical CenterBrian T. Andrews - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- FACE (Thousand Oaks), Vol.6(3), pp.518-525
- DOI
- 10.1177/27325016251337446
- ISSN
- 2732-5016
- eISSN
- 2732-5016
- Publisher
- SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
- Grant note
- University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Science (CTSA) IAMI Trailblazer Award
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This research was supported by funding from the University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Science (CTSA) IAMI Trailblazer Award.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 05/14/2025
- Date published
- 09/2025
- Academic Unit
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9984824291602771
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