ObjectiveTo establish an rabbit model of early steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) and evaluate its validity with MRI and pathological examination. MethodsTwenty 6-month-old rabbits (weighing, 2-3 kg) were randomly divided into 2 groups (control group and model group), 10 rabbits in each group. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution (10 mg/kg) was injected into bilateral gluteus in model group, and the same amount of saline was injected in control group, every 3 days for 14 times. General observation was done after modelling. Osteonecrosis was verified by pathological observation and MRI findings at 6 weeks. ResultsAfter 6 weeks, rabbits did not show obvious changes in control group; increased hair removal, decreased food intake, and slight limp were observed in model group. The MRI results showed normal shape of the bilateral femoral head and no abnormal signals in control group; irregular shape of the bilateral femoral head and a slice of irregular abnormal signals were observed, and necrosis and cystolization of the subchondral bone and sparse changes of trabecular bone were shown in model group. General observation from coronal section of femoral head showed smooth red cartilage surface in control group; on the contrary, the cartilage surface of the femoral head became dull, thin even visible hemorrhage under articular cartilage and necrosis of the femoral head were observed. The histopathological examination indicated that trabecular bone of the femoral head in control group was massive, thick, and close, and osteocytes in the bone lacunae had normal shapes. The osseous trabecular became thinner and broken; karyopyknosis of osteocytes and bone empty lacunae could be obviously seen in model group. The rates of empty lacunae were 8.0%±0.5% in control group and 49.0%±0.3% in model group, showing significant difference (t=21.940, P=0.000). ConclusionEstablishing a model of early SANFH through injecting shortterm, shock, and high dose of dexamethasone, and it can been evaluated effectively with MRI and pathological examination.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy of steroids combined with antiepileptic drugs compared with alone antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of children with epileptic electrical status during sleep to provide evidence-based medical basis for its treatment.MethodsElectronic searches were maded in PubMed, Embase database, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang and the Chinese biomedical literature database for the literature about steroids combined with antiepileptic drugs compared with alone antiepileptic drugs in the treatment, and retrieval time is from January 1990 to October 2020. Two evaluators independently screened literature, extracted data, evaluated literature quality and risk of bias and checked each other. Meta analysis was performed by stata16.0 software.ResultsA total of 679 children with ESES were included in 10 studies, including 9 randomized controlled trials and 1 retrospective cohort study. Meta analysis results showed that there were statistically significant differences in clinical improvement rate [RR=1.31, 95%CI (1.21, 1.42), P<0.01], electroencephalogram discharge improvement rate [RR=1.35, 95%CI (1.25, 1.46), P<0.01] and cognitive intelligence score [SMD=1.19, 95%CI (0.80, 1.57), P<0.01] between steroids combined with antiepileptic drugs group and alone antiepileptic drugs group after 6 months follow-up. The incidence of adverse reactions in steroids combined with antiepileptic drugs group was higher than that in alone antiepileptic drugs group, and the difference was statistically significant [RR=4.13, 95%CI (1.06, 16.13), P<0.01]. All adverse reactions improved or disappeared after drug withdrawal.ConclusionCompared with alone antiepileptic drugs, steroids combined with antiepileptic drugs group has advantages in controlling epileptic seizures, improving electroencephalogram abnormalities and improving cognitive ability, and it is relatively safe.
ObjectiveTo interpret the mechanisms of vascular repair disorders in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) via detection of the changes of proliferation, migration, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions of endothelial cells (ECs) under hypoxia/glucocorticoid. MethodsAccording to culture conditions, human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) at passage 3 were divided into group A (normal), group B (1.0×10-6 mol/L dexamethasone), group C (hypoxia), and group D (hypoxia+1.0×10-6 mol/L dexamethasone). The cell activity was detected by AlamarBlue; the number of viable cells was detected in live/dead cell staining; the cell morphology was observed after cytoskeleton staining; cell migration ability was compared by scratch test; and the levels of MIF and VEGF expressions were detected by ELISA. ResultsAt 24 hours after culture, the cell activity and the number of living cells in group C were significantly higher than those in the other 3 groups, showing significant difference between groups (P < 0.05), and group D had the worst cell activity and least living cells. Cytoskeleton staining showed that cells had normal morphology in groups A and B; cells had rich cytoskeleton and secretion granules in group C; cytoskeleton form disorder and nucleus pyknosis were observed in group D. Scratch test showed that the cell migration ability of group C was strongest while cell migration ability of group D was weakest. Accumulated concentration of MIF and VEGF in 4 groups significantly increased with time extending. Accumulated concentration of MIF in group C were significantly higher than that in other 3 groups at each time point (P < 0.05). Within 24 hours after intervention, stage concentration of MIF during 1-8 hours was significantly lower than that during 0-1 hour and 8-24 hours in every group (P < 0.05). Stage concentration of MIF in group C was significantly higher than other groups during 0-1 hour and 8-24 hours (P < 0.05). Within 2 hours after intervention, stage concentration of MIF in 4 groups during 0.5-1 hour was significantly higher than that during other stages (P < 0.05). Accumulated concentration of VEGF in group C was significantly higher than that in other groups at 8 and 24 hours (P < 0.05). The stage concentration of VEGF in groups C and D during 8-24 hours was significantly higher than that during 0-1 hour and 1-8 hours (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the stage concentration of VEGF within and among group A, B, C, and D at every stage within 2 hours after intervention (P > 0.05). ConclusionIn hypoxia environment, the proliferation and migration of ECs is enhanced, and the secretion of VEGF and MIF is increased. High concentration of dexamethasone will suppress the process above, which induces vascular repair disorders and aggravating SANFH.
Objective To review the progress in the treatment method of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods Recent l iterature concerning the treatment method of CTS was extensively reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. Results Wrist spl inting and local steroid injection are effective in patients with mild to moderate CTS in the short-term. however, patients with recurrent CTS have to accept surgical treatment. The main operative patterns include open carpal tunnel release (OCTR), mini-OCTR, and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Conclusion The final conclusion of the most effective method to treat CTS needs more cl inical researches, and surgical treatment is one method recommended by some scholars.
In order to evaluate the long-term effect of total hip replacement (THR) in patients with steroid-induced femoral head necrosis, 40 cases of 50 hips received THR patients were followed up for an average of 8.5 years after operation. Evaluation was carried act according to Harris score system. In these cases, average score was seventy-five points. Revision rate among them was 2% after four years and 18% after five to eight and a half years, with as overall rate of 20%. It was found that the main reason for revision was looseness of the prosthesis. In this follow-up, it showed that besides foreigen body reaction, abnormal osseous remodelling was the main factor in long-term failure of this arthroplasty. It was also proved that it was a good selection to perform cemented total hip replacement in younger patients, which could improve living quality.
ObjectiveTo observe the volume and distribution of necrotic tissue of femoral head in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SONFH) patients by three-dimensional reconstruction of CT.MethodsA clinical data of 25 patients with SONFH between September 2016 and December 2018 was analyzed. There were 22 males and 3 females, with an average age of 38.8 years (range, 20-63 years). The necrosis of the femoral head was in stage Ⅱ of Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 18 months, with an average of 9.2 months. A three-dimensional reconstruction with CT data of SONFH patients were performed by Mimics Research 21.0 software and the femoral head was segmented into eight regions by 3-matic Research 13.0 software. The volume of necrotic tissue of the femoral head and the volume rate of necrotic tissue to femoral head were calculated and the distribution was also analyzed.ResultsThe three-dimensional digital model of the femoral head showed that the necrotic tissue of the femoral head was located above the anterior superior medial, and the area of the necrotic tissue was in a dome-like shape. The results showed that the necrotic tissue in the femoral head was mainly concentrated on the anterior superior internal area, the anterior superior outer area, and the posterior superior internal area. The volume of femoral head was (48 399.52±9 408.90) mm3, and the volume of necrotic tissue was (20 917.08±6 566.94) mm3, and the volume ratio of necrotic tissue to femoral head was 44.75%±15.72%. The proportion of necrotic volume in different regions was different, and the necrotic tissues were mainly distributed in the anterior superior internal area, the anterior superior outer area, and the posterior superior internal area.ConclusionThe volume and distribution of necrotic tissue in femoral head can be evaluated quickly and intuitively by three-dimensional reconstruction of CT in Mimics software.
Objective To evaluate the effects and the molecular mechanism of Liuwei dihuang pills in preventing steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) so as to provide an expremental basis for preventing ONFH cl inically. Methods Thirty-six adult Kunming mice (weighing 40-50 g, 46 g on average) were randomly divided into three groups (n=12): group A (control group), group B (model group) and group C (prevention group). In groups B and C, ONFHmice models were produced by intraperitoneal injection of horse serum at first (10 mL/kg) and a second injection of horse serum intraperitoneally (5 mL/kg) and prednisolone intramuscularly [45 mL/(kg•day), for 5 days] 2 weeks later. At the same time, the mice in group C were given Liuwei dihuang pills intragastrically [2 g/(kg•day)] and were given normal sal ine [10 mL/(kg•day)] in group B. In group A, mice were given normal sal ine intramuscularly and intragastrically as controls. The animals were sacrificed 2, 4, and 8 weeks after first treatment with prednisone, and femoral heads and l ivers were harvested to do histopathology analysis and apoptosis assay. Results Other mice survived throughout the experiment period except two death at 7 and 11 days after second injection of horse serum intraperitoneally in group B and one death at 24 hours after second injection of horse serum intraperitoneally in group C. The appearance and shape of the femoral head and the surface of cartilages were all normal. The histological observation showed: normal structures of l iver and femoral head were seen in group A at each time point; swell ing l iver cells with small fat vacuole, unclear structure of hepatic cords and narrower sinus hepaticus were seen, the bone trabeculae of femoral head was thin, sparse and collapsed in some regions and the changes became more obvious with time in group B; group C had similar results to group A. The percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae was significantly higher in group B than in groups A and C (P lt; 0.01). The osteoprotegrin expression significantly decreased and the osteoprotegrin l igand expressionsignificantly increased in group B when compared with groups A and C (P lt; 0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed that the apoptosis index in group B was significantly higher than that in groups A and C (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion Liuwei dihuang pills can prevent steroid-induced ONFH by improving l ipid metabol ism, releiving bone lesion, and protecting against cell death.
ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical characteristics of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and its experiences of diagnosis and treatment. MethodThe clinical data of 33 patients with IGM from January 2005 to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 33 years. The pathological examination showed that 28 patients (85%) were typical granuloma, and 5 patients (15%) were immature granuloma, whom were confirmed after exclusion of other pathogens. Twenty-nine patients were received drugs treatment, among which 21 patients were cured by taking prednisone orally, 6 patients were cured by the combination of prednisone and methotrexate, 2 patients failed to be cured, and 13 patients relapsed after stopping taking medicine. Four patients with abscess ulceration were received surgical treatment, and 2 patients relapsed after the surgery. Fifteen recurrent patients all were took prednisone and methotrexate orally, among which 1 patient stopped taking medicine because of liver function damage, 1 patient was not fully relieved, and other 13 patients were cured again. ConclusionsThe clinical manifestations of IGM have no specificities. The diagnosis mainly relies on pathological examination. In the early phase of this disease, the treatment method of steroid or combined immunosuppressant has good effects. In case of ulceration and protracted course, surgical treatment should be considered as early as possible.
Objective To investigate the postoperative biochemical changes and the strategy of steroid treatment for autoimmune pancreatitis （AIP）. Methods Six patients with AIP from January 2007 to October 2011 in this hospital were included in this study. Four patients received pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy for being preoperatively misdiagnosed as malignant tumors. Two patients avoided the unnecessary resection and received the internal drainage for obstructive jaundice and postoperative steroid medication because of a confirmation of AIP by intraoperative frozen biopsy. All the patients underwent routine examinations， including liver function， CA19-9 level， and imaging data. Measurement of serum IgG or IgG4 was performed for fewer patients after operation. Results CA19-9 levels were normal or slightly elevated in six AIP patients. For five patients with AIP in the head of pancreas， preoperative serum γ-GT levels were elevated. For these patients， whether pancreaticoduodenectomy or the internal drainage were performed， TB/DB levels were transiently elevated on day 1 or 4 after operation but dropped to below preoperative levelsor normal levels on day 7 after operation， and serum γ-GT levels among them presented a downward. Serum γ-globulin levels exhibited a downward trend among four AIP patients after resection， while a upward trend was found in another two AIP patients receiving internal drainage. From the limited data， elevated serum level of IgG in the AIP patients were found. As to IgG4， the only case was tested on month 7 after operation， the serum IgG4 level was elevated. CT showed that the swollen status of pancreas obviously reduced on month 3 after operation as compared with before operation.Conclusions Postoperative steroid therapy of AIP should be based on the serum γ-globulin level and operation method. CT or MRI imaging is used to evaluate the response to steroid treatment for the AIP patients.
Objective To investigate the possibility of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis as a mechanism of early steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head (SANFH) in rats and vitamin E as a possible prevention strategy. Methods Seventy-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, and intervention group, with 24 rats in each group. The rats in control group were not treated as normal control. The rats in model group and intervention group were established early SANFH models by lipopolysaccharide combined with methylprednisolone injection. At the same time, the rats in intervention group were injected with vitamin E (40 mg/kg) every day for 7 days. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the final injection, the bilateral femoral heads were harvested and observed by HE staining, TUNEL assay, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot. The rate of empty lacunae, apoptotic index, and the expressions of Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and cytochrome-c (Cyt-c) proteins were calculated. Results According to histological staining, there were significant differences in the rate of empty lacunae between intervention group and control group at 8 weeks (P<0.05) and between intervention group and model group at 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). The apoptotic index of intervention group was significantly lower than that of model group at each time point (P<0.05). And there was significant difference between the intervention group and the control group at 8 weeks (P<0.05). According to immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot, the expressions of Cyt-c, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 all significantly decreased in intervention group than those in model group at each time point (P<0.05); and the differences were significant between intervention group and control group at 8 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusion Vitamin E can delay the progression of early SANFH by reducing mitochondrial dependent osteocyte apoptosis.