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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Analysis of the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of the spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2023 Feb 21;103(7):483-487. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20220519-01105.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 102 PHN patients (42 males and 60 females) aged (69.7±9.4) years who underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the Department of Pain Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from January 2017 to April 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients were followed up, and numerical rating scale (NRS) score, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), satisfaction score and complications before surgery (T0) and at 1 d (T1), 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), 9 months (T4) and 12 months (T5) after surgery were recorded. Results: The NRS score of PHN patients at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 [M(Q1, Q3)] was 6(6, 7), 2(2, 3), 3(2, 4), 3(2, 4), 2(1, 4), 2(1, 4), respectively. Likewise, the PSQI score [M(Q1, Q3)] at aforementioned time points was 14(13, 16), 4(3, 6), 6(4, 8), 5(4, 6), 4(2, 8), 4(2, 9), respectively. Compared with T0, the NRS and PSQI scores at all time points from T1 to T5 were lower, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). The overall effective rate of surgery at 1 year postoperatively was 71.6% (73/102) with a satisfaction score of 8(5, 9), and the recurrence rate was 14.7% (15/102) with a recurrence time of (7.5±0.8) months. The main postoperative complication was numbness, with an incidence of 86.0% (88/102), and the degree of numbness gradually decreased with time. Conclusion: CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve for PHN has a high effective rate and a low recurrence rate, with high safety profile, and may be a feasible surgical option for the treatment of PHN.

PMID:36800770 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20220519-01105

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Cervical joint positioning error and its association with cervical spine mechanics among undergraduate students

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Feb;73(2):381-383. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.4410.

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional analytical study was conducted from September 26 to December 28 2018 at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Islamabad with 111 undergraduate students aged 17-26 years as participants. The aim of the study was to establish the normative values of cervical joint positioning error (CJPE) and its association with cervical spine mechanics. Neck discomfort was measured using the neck portion of the “student specific Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire” (ssCMDQ) and CJPE was measured via cervico-cephalic relocation test using a goniometer. Non-parametric tests of significance were used because the data was not normally distributed in terms of normality testing. Normative values of CJPE were noted to be highest in flexion (9o±9o), rotation towards left (9o±6o) and right (8o±7o), extension (6o±8o), and lastly lateral flexion towards left (5o±7o) and right (5o±5o). Higher CJPE in all movements was observed among females; however, no significant statistical differences were observed (p>0.05). In terms of correlation, important trends included significantly positive correlation of neck discomfort with CJPE in extension, and of CJPE in lateral flexion towards the left with CJPE in lateral flexion towards the right and flexion (p<0.05).

PMID:36800731 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.4410

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A clinical account of Pakistani children suffering from congenital adrenal hyperplasia

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Feb;73(2):366-369. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.5234.

ABSTRACT

The objective of the endeavour was to study the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of paediatric patients suffering from congenital adrenal hyperplasia and understand the issue in the light of available published data on the disease in Pakistan through a systematic analysis of researches. From an analysis of five-year retrospective data on congenital adrenal hyperplasia in patients of paediatric age group from a tertiary care centre in the capital of Pakistan and the available published Pakistani literature on CAH, it was concluded that the resultant deficiency of cortisol, aldosterone, and a rise in adrenal androgens is responsible for the symptomatology observed in the disease. Particularly, the presence of ambiguous genitalia makes the disease a difficult problem to tackle, especially in complex social conditions such as in Pakistan. The country not only lacks statistical data on the disease but also the diagnostic machinery making the problem two fold. It is only through maintaining an efficient disease registry and the introduction of neonatal screening programme that we might start grappling the crux of the issue.

PMID:36800727 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.5234

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Dissecting the understanding of students about our teaching methods: A single institute, analytical cross-sectional study

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Feb;73(2):328-332. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.6477.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To measure the perception of medical students regarding different methods of active learning, and its association with the year of study.

METHODS: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Shalamar Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan, from May to September 2020, and comprised medical students of either gender from first to final year of studies. Data was collected using an online questionnaire regarding different methods of active learning and e-learning. Perceptions and their association with the year of study were worked out. Data was analysed using SPSS 16.

RESULTS: Of the 270 subjects, 155(57.4%) were females and 115(42.5%) were males. Overall, 39(14.4%) students were from the first year of studies, 32(11.9%) second, 47(17.4%) third, 120(44.4%) fourth and 32(11.9%) were from the final year of medical studies. Most students preferred class lectures as the teaching method of choice 240(89%), followed by small group discussions 156(58%). Students showed positive perception of different learning methods except e-learning 78(28.89%). The association between perceptions and the year of study was statistically significant (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Students apparently enjoyed using different interactive methods, but were apprehensive about online learning.

PMID:36800720 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.6477

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Assessment of outcomes after intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy of lymphatic malformations in children

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Feb;73(2):290-293. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.5623.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of bleomycin in the treatment of lymphatic malformations, and the concordance between photographic and radiological assessments of the outcome.

METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Vascular Anomalies Centre of Indus Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients enrolled with diagnosis of macrocystic or mixed lymphatic malformations from January 2017 to November 2019. All patients had been treated with injection bleomycin 0.6-1mg/kg/session. Size and location of lesions, ultrasonographic findings, photographic documentation and post-procedure complications were reviewed. Photographic and radiographical assessment outcomes were categorised as excellent, good or poor, and compared for concordance. Data was analysed using Stata 14.

RESULTS: Of the 31 children, 22(68.8%) were boys. Mean age at presentation was 54.2±44 months (range: 2 months to 15.7 years). There were 32 lymphatic malformations; 29(90.6) macrocystic and 3(9.4%) mixed. Head and neck region was mostly involved 19(59.4%). Most lesions 23(71.9%) presented during the first year of life, and 29(90.6%) lesions were purely macrocystic. Excellent, good and poor response was seen in 16(50%), 15(46.9%) and 1(3.1%) lesions on photographic assessment, and 21(65.6%), 11(34.4%) and 0(0.0%) lesions on radiological assessment, respectively. Concordance in photographic and radiological outcomes was 22(69%). No complications were seen and no statistically significant difference was observed for photographic and radiographic assessment with respect to gender, malformation type, region involved, and number of sessions (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy was found to be effective in the treatment of lymphatic malformations. Clinical observation was reliable in assessing progress on routine follow-up, with additional radiology done when management decisions needed to be reviewed.

PMID:36800712 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.5623

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Differential decline of physical fitness with age according to Body Mass Index levels

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2023 Feb 20. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.23.14441-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to assess the association between age and physical fitness and motor fitness components according to BMI levels, in men and women separately, and to test if this association is different between BMI levels.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on a pre-existing database from the DiagnoHealth battery, a French series of physical fitness and motor fitness tests designed by the Institut des Rencontres de la Forme (IRFO; Wattignies, France). Analyses were perfomed on 6830 women (65.8%) and 3356 men (34.2%) aged from 50 to 80 years. In this French series several physical fitness and motor fitness components were measured: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), speed, upper muscular endurance, lower muscular endurance, lower body muscular strengh, agility, balance, and flexibility. From the results of these tests, a specific score named Quotient of Physical Condition was calculated. Associations between age and physical fitness and motor fitness components according to BMI levels were modelized using linear regression for quantitative components, and ordinal logistic regression for ordinal components. Analyses were performed separately for women and men.

RESULTS: A significant association of age with physical fitness and motor fitness performance in each BMI levels were observed in women except for lower muscular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility in obese women. A significant association of age with physical fitness and motor fitness performance in each BMI levels were observed in men except for upper/lower muscular endurance and flexibility in obese men.

CONCLUSIONS: The present results shown that most of physical fitness and motor fitness decrease with age in women and men. Lower muscular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility did not change in obese women, thereas upper/lower muscular endurance and flexibility did not change in obese men. This finding is particularly revelant for guiding prevention strategies for maintaining physical fitness and motor fitness performance, which is one of the most important component of healthy aging and wellbeing.

PMID:36800688 | DOI:10.23736/S0022-4707.23.14441-0

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An evaluation of intra and inter observer reliability of the five used classification systems of tibial plateau fractures

Acta Orthop Belg. 2022 Dec;88(4):805-810. doi: 10.52628/88.4.9845.

ABSTRACT

We aimed to evaluate the intraobserver and inter- observer variations of the five primary classification systems for assessing tibial plateau fractures via standard X-Ray, biplanar and reconstructed 3D CT images. Using anteroposterior (AP) – lateral X-Ray, and CT images, one hundred tibial plateau fractures were evaluated and classified by four surgeons according to the AO, Moore, Schatzker, modified Duparc, and 3-column classification systems. Each observer evaluated the radiographs and CT images separately – listed each time randomly – on a total of 3 occasions: with an initial evaluation, and then subsequently in weeks 4 and 8. Intra- and interobserver variabilities were assessed using the Kappa statistics. Intra- and interobserver variabilities were 0.55 ± 0.03 and 0.50 ± 0.05 for AO, 0.58 ± 0.08 and 0.56 ± 0.02 for Schatzker, 0.52 ± 0.06 and 0.49 ± 0.04 for Moore, 0.58 ± 0.06 and 0.51± 0.06 for the modified Duparc, and 0.66 ± 0.03 and 0.68 ± 0.02 for the 3-column classification. Evaluation of tibial plateau fractures using 3-column classification in conjunction with radiographic classifications has higher levels of consistency compared to radiographic classifications alone.

PMID:36800667 | DOI:10.52628/88.4.9845

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Combined radial wedge and shortening osteotomy versus scaphocapitate arthrodesis in advanced Kienböck’s disease

Acta Orthop Belg. 2022 Dec;88(4):739-747. doi: 10.52628/88.4.10833.

ABSTRACT

Although various surgical techniques have been reported for the treatment of advanced Kienböck’s disease (Lichtman stage IIIB and above), the ap- propriate operative treatment is still being debated. This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of combined radial wedge and shortening osteotomy (CRWSO) and scaphocapitate arthrodesis (SCA) in the treatment of advanced Kienböck’s disease (above type IIIB) with a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. We analyzed the data from 16 and 13 patients who underwent CRWSO and SCA, respectively. The average follow-up period was 48.6±12.8 months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the flexion-extension arc, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. The following radiological parameters were measured: ulnar variance (UV), carpal height ratio (CHR), radioscaphoid angle (RSA), and Stahl index (SI). Osteoarthritic changes in the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints were evaluated using computed tomography (CT). Clinically, both groups showed significant improvements in the grip strength, DASH, and VAS at final follow-up. However, regarding the flexion-extension arc, the CRWSO group showed a significant improvement, while the SCA group did not. Radiologically, compared to the preoperative values, the CHR results improved at final follow-up in the CRWSO and SCA groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of CHR correction between the 2 groups. By the final follow-up visit, none of the patients in either group had progressed from Lichtman stage IIIB to stage IV. Considering restoration of wrist joint range of motion, CRWSO may be a good alternative for limited carpal arthrodesis for advanced Kienböck’s disease.

PMID:36800658 | DOI:10.52628/88.4.10833

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Analysis on the correlation between the occurrence of vertebral artery ostium stenosis and the severity of osteoporosis in elderly patients with atherosclerosis

Acta Orthop Belg. 2022 Dec;88(4):685-690. doi: 10.52628/88.4.01.

ABSTRACT

To analyze the correlation between the occurrence of vertebral artery ostium stenosis (VAOS) and the severity of osteoporosis in elderly patients with atherosclerosis (AS), and disclose the physiopathologic mechanism of the correlation between VAOS and osteoporosis. 120 patients were divided into two groups. The baseline data of both groups were collected. The biochemical indicators of patients in both groups were collected. The EpiData database was established to enter all the data into the database for statistical analysis. There were significant differences in the incidence of dyslipidemia among risk factors of cardia-cerebrovascular disease (P<0.05). LDL-C, Apoa and Apob were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). BMD, T-value and Ca in the observation group were significantly lower than the control group, while BALP and serum phosphorus in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The more severe the VAOS stenosis, the higher the incidence of osteoporosis, and there was a statistical difference in the risk of osteoporosis among different VAOS stenosis degrees (P<0.05). Apolipoprotein A, B and LDL-C in blood lipids are important factors affecting the development of bone and artery diseases. There is a significant correlation between VAOS and the severity of osteoporosis. The pathological calcification process of VAOS has many similarities with the process of bone metabolism and osteogenesis, and shows preventable and reversible physiological characteristics.

PMID:36800651 | DOI:10.52628/88.4.01

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A systematic review of auricular therapy for poststroke cognitive impairment and dementia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Feb 17;102(7):e32933. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032933.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID) is the main source of morbidity and mortality after stroke worldwide. It is one consequence of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cognitive impairment and dementia after the clinical stroke may contribute to the clinical expression of PSCID, which are prevalent clinical symptoms, especially in the elderly. Current problems in the field of PSCID are related to a lack of harmonization of the classification and definition, deficiency of well-defined diagnosis, deficiency of standardized and objective treatment plans, etc. Auricular therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of patients with PSCID. However, there has been no systematic review of auricular therapy for PSCID. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auricular therapy in patients with PSCID.

METHODS: Before December 2022, a systematic literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, SinoMed (previously called the Chinese Biomedical Database), Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database. Review Manager software (version 5.3) will be used for statistical analysis; otherwise, descriptive analysis or subgroup analysis will be conducted. The quality of evidence for outcomes will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS: This meta-analysis further confirmed the beneficial effects of auricular therapy in patients with PSCID.

CONCLUSION: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of auricular therapy in patients with PSCID, providing clinicians and patients with additional options for this disease.

PMID:36800637 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000032933