This observational study involved sequential implementation of a multidisciplinary team, protocols, and a craniotomy pathway. Retrospective review of admissions (2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017) revealed reduced craniotomy complication rates, case volume increased 73%, and hospital length of stay improved by 63%, as well as increased professional collegiality and satisfaction. A searchable craniotomy discharge summary is an important tool for continuous monitoring of quality and efficiency of care. The authors present outcomes data, including craniotomy indications, operative timing, complications, functional outcomes, delays in discharge, and discharge destinations using the craniotomy discharge summary.

ObjectiveTo determine whether MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can be safely discontinued in patients aged 50 years or older with suspected benign/burnt-out MS and to define criteria to identify such patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 136 patients with suspected benign/burnt-out MS who discontinued DMTs from the electronic health record (EHR) at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.ResultsThe majority discontinued an injectable DMT (n = 131, 96%). At the time of DMT discontinuation, mean and SD for age was 60.6 (6.2) years, disease duration 19.5 (10.7) years, and time since last relapse 11.0 (7.2) years. After a mean duration of follow-up of 5.0 years post-DMT discontinuation, 5 (3.7%) patients had a relapse, 2 (1.5%) had mild residual deficits, and 3 (2.2%) had asymptomatic MRI disease activity. Patients with MS disease activity following DMT discontinuation were younger (median = 53.6 years) than those who remained disease activity free. Fifty patients (36.8%) had only 1 lifetime relapse, of whom 1 relapsed post-DMT discontinuation. Sixty (56.6%) of 106 patients with spinal cord MRIs before discontinuation showed demyelinating lesions.ConclusionsDMT discontinuation in older patients with suspected benign/burnt-out MS appears safe. Our findings suggest that MRI evidence of spinal cord involvement does not preclude the possibility of benign/burnt-out MS, and for those with 2 or more lifetime relapses, a benign/burn-out classification is best reserved for those aged 55 years and older. Future studies to determine whether DMT discontinuation is safe at a younger age in patients with a single lifetime relapse are needed.Classification of EvidenceThe study provides Class IV evidence that DMTs can be safely discontinued in older patients with suspected benign/burnt-out MS.