Penetrating Stab Wounds of the Spine: Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Penetrating wounds of the spine caused by edged weapons are on the increase due to the growing insecurity, violence, availability and accessibility of these weapons, which are generally objects of everyday use (knife, axe, machete, screwdriver, bicycle spoke, scissors, garden fork, sickle and sharpened broom handle, etc.). These objects may be the cause of penetrating wounds responsible for neurological deficits with breaches of the dura mater, or they may be without neurological deficits due to the level of the weapon in the spine. We present two clinical cases of patients with penetrating knife wounds of the spine. One at cervical level with pneumorrhagic emphysema, spinal cord compression and pneunemoencephaly, with neurological deficit who had a surgicalintervention followed by physiotherapy and a progressive recovery, the other with a penetrating wound at L5 crossing the blade to the vertebral body without neurological deficit in whom the knife was extracted at the emergency department without secondarydeficit. Penetrating wounds of the spine are caused by stab wounds, including knives. In particular, emphysema, diffuse pneumorrhagia and pneumoencephalus are extremely rare in the same patient, this being due to the knife extraction technique. These lesions, associated with neurological deficit and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, constitute a neurosurgical emergency.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate on Neurological Outcomes and Hospital Stay in Patients Admitted for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Introduction: Neurological stroke is the most common cause of disability and leaves nearly 65% of survivors with sensory, motor and coordinative disabilities. At present, there are no therapies to prevent long-term neurological deficits after stroke. Many neuroprotective drugs are being tested with the aim to ensure these effects. Preclinical studies have shown a modulatory effect of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on synaptic remodeling and facilitated synaptic transmission. Material and methods: This was a hospital-based, open-label pilot study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of North India. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke both ischemic and hemorrhagic, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. The test group was given cerebroprotein hydrolysate, along with standard treatment for stroke, whereas the other group was kept on standard treatment for stroke as per the latest guidelines, without cerebroprotein. Results: A total of 50 patients of stroke, admitted in a tertiary care center were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.7 ± 11.86 years. Twenty-six (52%) were males and 24 (48%) were females. Out of the total 50 patients, 23 (46%) had ischemic stroke and 27 (54%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty (40%) had diabetes, 37 (74%) had hypertension, 8 (16%) were known cases of coronary artery disease, 28 (56%) had dyslipidemia, 22 (44%) were smokers, 7 (14%) had a history of ethanol consumption and 13 (26%) were obese. Mean Barthel score at admission was 21.2 ± 11.3 and mean Rankin score at admission was 3.6 ± 1.37. Mean Barthel score at end of treatment was 53.9 ± 28.72 and mean Rankin score at end of treatment was 2.6 ± 1.65. The mean duration of admission was 6.8 ± 3.57 days. Conclusion: The current study highlights the role of cerebroprotein hydrolysate in improving the neurological scores and reducing hospital stay among patients hospitalized with stroke.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effects of Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate on Neurological Outcomes and Hospital Stay in Patients Admitted for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Introduction: Neurological stroke is the most common cause of disability and leaves nearly 65% of survivors with sensory, motor and coordinative disabilities. At present, there are no therapies to prevent long-term neurological deficits after stroke. Many neuroprotective drugs are being tested with the aim to ensure these effects. Preclinical studies have shown a modulatory effect of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on synaptic remodeling and facilitated synaptic transmission. Material and methods: This was a hospital-based, open-label pilot study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of North India. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke both ischemic and hemorrhagic, were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. The test group was given cerebroprotein hydrolysate, along with standard treatment for stroke, whereas the other group was kept on standard treatment for stroke as per the latest guidelines, without cerebroprotein. Results: A total of 50 patients of stroke, admitted in a tertiary care center were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.7 ± 11.86 years. Twenty-six (52%) were males and 24 (48%) were females. Out of the total 50 patients, 23 (46%) had ischemic stroke and 27 (54%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty (40%) had diabetes, 37 (74%) had hypertension, 8 (16%) were known cases of coronary artery disease, 28 (56%) had dyslipidemia, 22 (44%) were smokers, 7 (14%) had a history of ethanol consumption and 13 (26%) were obese. Mean Barthel score at admission was 21.2 ± 11.3 and mean Rankin score at admission was 3.6 ± 1.37. Mean Barthel score at end of treatment was 53.9 ± 28.72 and mean Rankin score at end of treatment was 2.6 ± 1.65. The mean duration of admission was 6.8 ± 3.57 days. Conclusion: The current study highlights the role of cerebroprotein hydrolysate in improving the neurological scores and reducing hospital stay among patients hospitalized with stroke.

The relationship between serum LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 levels and the degree of neurological deficit and prognosis of acute watershed cerebral infarction / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To explore the relationship between the levels of serum lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) and the degree of neurological deficit and prognosis of patients with acute watershed cerebral infarction.Methods　From June 2018 to July 2021,105 patients with acute watershed cerebral infarction accepted by our hospital were enrolled as the research group,the NIHSS scale was used to evaluate the degree of neurological deficit,and the patients were divided into mild neurological deficit group and moderate-severe neurological deficit group;the modified Rankin scale was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients,and they were grouped into a good prognosis group and a poor prognosis group;another 100 healthy subjects were enrolled as the control group,the serum levels of LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 of subjects in each group were detected,and the differences between groups were compared.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the evaluation value of serum LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 levels for the degree of neurological deficit and prognosis in patients with acute watershed cerebral infarction.Results　The levels of serum LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 in the study group were obviously higher than those in the control group,the levels of serum LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 in the moderate to severe neurological deficit group were obviously higher than those in the mild neurological deficit group,and the levels of serum LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 in the poor prognosis group were also obviously higher than those in the good prognosis group (P<0.05).The area under the curve (AUC) of serum LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 combined to assess moderate to severe neurological deficit in patients with acute watershed cerebral infarction was 0.894,which was greater than that of LOX-1 (0.763) and ANGPTL8 (0.852) alone (P<0.05);the AUC of the two combined assessment of acute watershed cerebral infarction patients with poor prognosis was 0.932,which was greater than that of LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 alone (P<0.05).Conclusion　Serum LOX-1 and ANGPTL8 levels are up-regulated in patients with acute watershed cerebral infarction,and the combination of the two has a higher efficacy in evaluating the degree of neurological deficit and prognosis of patients.

Correlation between serum galectin-3,MMP-9 expression and neurological deficit after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To investigate the relationship between the expression of serum galectin-3 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and neurological deficit after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods　The clinical data of 100 patients with AIS who received intravenous thrombolytic therapy in the hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The neurological deficit （NIHSS） of all patients after thrombolytic therapy was evaluated.They were divided into severe group (NIHSS score≥15，71 patients) and mild to moderate group (NIHSS score 0~14，29 patients),and the relationship between the levels of serum galectin-3 and MMP-9 and the neurological deficit after intravenous thrombolytic therapy of AIS patients was analyzed.Results　The serum galectin-3 and MMP-9 levels of severe group high than mild to moderate group (P<0.05).The high expression of serum galectin-3 and MMP-9 before thrombolysis may be the risk factors of severe neurological deficit after thrombolysis in AIS patients （OR=1.385、1.166，P<0.001、=0.002，95%CI1.160~1.653、1.060~1.282）.Besides,they can predict the risk of severe neurological deficit in patients with AIS after thrombolytic therapy (AUC=0.781、0.718).Conclusion　The levels of serum galectin-3 and MMP-9 in patients with AIS before thrombolysis are related to the neurological deficit after thrombolysis.Their overexpression may increase the risk of severe neurological deficit.

Diagnóstico de SCIWORA asociado a síndrome de Brown Séquard en un adolescente / Diagnosis of SCIWORA associated with Brown Séquard syndrome in an adolescent

Resumen: El término SCIWORA (Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiologic Abnormality) describe una patología poco frecuente que afecta principalmente a pacientes pediátricos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente adolescente diagnosticado con SCIWORA/síndrome de Brown Séquard, el cual presenta múltiples contusiones en cuello y hemicuerpo derecho, de manera inmediata refiere parestesias en las cuatro extremidades y hemiparesia espástica con predominio derecho, incapacidad a la bipedestación y continencia urinaria. Se inicia tratamiento basado en el estudio NASCIS III y posterior a la pruebas de imagen se realizó diagnóstico ya comentado. Exponemos las definiciones más actuales de SCIWORA y las recomendaciones para realizar su diagnóstico así como su relación y coexistencia con síndromes medulares.

Abstract: SCIWORA (Spinal Cord Injury without Radiologic Abnormality) is a rare condition that mainly affects pediatric patients; We present the case of a teenage male patient diagnosed with SCIWORA/Brown Séquard Syndrome. In admission, he has multiple bruises on his neck and right hemibody and immediately he refers paraesthesia in all four limbs and spastic hemiparesis with right predominance, as well as inability to stand up and urinary continence. Treatment based on NASCIS III study is initiated and after the imaging tests, a diagnosis has already been made. We present the most current definitions of SCIWORA and the recommendations to make its diagnosis, as well as its relationship and coexistence with spinal syndromes.

Posterior vertebral column resection (pvcr): a safe and effective option to treat kyphosis from spinal tuberculosis / Ressecção da coluna vertebral por via posterior (rcvp): opção segura e eficaz para tratar cifose por tuberculose vertebral / Resección de la columna vertebral por vía posterior (rcvp): opción segura y eficaz para tratar cifosis por tuberculosis vertebral

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for the treatment of kyphosis from spinal tuberculosis. Methods: Retrospective study of a series of 14 cases, 9 female and 5 male, with a mean age of 28 years (1 to 64) at the time of surgery, with spinal tuberculosis with mean kyphosis of 56.42° (2° to 95°). Results: All patients underwent surgical treatment with PVCR, with a mean number of 2.57 (1 to 6) resected vertebrae and a mean number of instrumented vertebrae of 6.14 (4 to 8). The mean kyphosis correction was 64% after up to one year of follow-up. Prior to surgery, eight patients had signs of spinal cord impairment (ASIA score ranging from A to D), and six did not present any deficit of strength or sensory function (ASIA E). There was no neurological worsening and everyone with deficits improved by at least one degree on the scale. In the postoperative follow-up, bone consolidation was observed in all patients, except one. Among the intra- and postoperative complications, pleurotomy was the most prevalent. Conclusion: Posterior vertebral column resection has proven to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of kyphotic deformity from spinal tuberculosis. Level of evidence IV; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliação dos resultados clínicos e radiológicos da ressecção da coluna vertebral por via posterior (RCVP) no tratamento da cifose por tuberculose vertebral. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de uma série de 14 casos, sendo 9 do sexo feminino e 5 do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 28 anos (1 a 64) à época da cirurgia, portadores de tuberculose vertebral, com média de cifose de 56,42° (2° a 95°). Resultados: Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico com RCVP, com número médio de 2,57 (1 a 6) vértebras ressecadas e número médio de vértebras instrumentadas de 6,14 (4 a 8). A média de correção da cifose foi de 64%, com até um ano de seguimento. Antes da cirurgia, oito pacientes apresentavam sinais de sofrimento medular (escore ASIA variando de A a D) e outros seis não apresentavam déficit de força ou sensibilidade (ASIA E). Não houve piora neurológica, e todos os que tinham déficits melhoraram no mínimo um grau na escala. No seguimento pós-operatório, foi evidenciada consolidação óssea em todos os pacientes, exceto um. Dentre as complicações intra e pós-operatórias, a pleurotomia foi a mais prevalente. Conclusões: A ressecção por via posterior mostrou ser uma opção segura e eficaz no tratamento da cifose por tuberculose vertebral. Nível de evidência IV; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluación de los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de la resección de la columna vertebral por vía posterior (RCVP) en el tratamiento de la cifosis por tuberculosis vertebral. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de 14 casos, 9 del sexo femenino y 5 del sexo masculino, con promedio de edad de 28 años (1 a 64) en el momento de la cirugía, portadores de tuberculosis vertebral con promedio de cifosis de 56,42° (2º a 95°). Resultados: Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico con RCVP, con número promedio de 2,57 (1 a 6) vértebras resecadas y número promedio de vértebras instrumentadas de 6,14 (4 a 8). El promedio de corrección de la cifosis fue de 64%, con hasta un año de seguimiento. Antes de la cirugía, ocho pacientes presentaban señales de sufrimiento medular (puntuación ASIA variando de A a D), y otros seis no presentaban déficit de fuerza o sensibilidad (ASIA E). No hubo empeoramiento neurológico, y todos los que tenían déficit mejoraron al menos un grado en la escala. En el seguimiento postoperatorio, fue evidenciada consolidación ósea en todos los pacientes, excepto en uno. Entre las complicaciones intra y postoperatorias, la pleurotomía fue la más prevalente. Conclusiones: La resección por vía posterior mostró ser una opción segura y eficaz en el tratamiento de la cifosis por tuberculosis vertebral. Nivel de evidencia IV; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Increased C-reactive protein in acute ischemic stroke patients is age dependent / El incremento de la proteína C reactiva en pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo varía con la edad

Introduction: Several studies investigating blood biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) in the prognosis and mortality of stroke have not been conclusive. This may be related to the fact that age has not been taken into account for these analyses. Objective: In the present study, we evaluated the possible relationship of blood markers with the age and clinical characteristics of ischemic stroke patients. Methods: Two groups of acute ischemic stroke patients (≤ 55 years and > 55 years of age) who were paired with a control group were included. CRP, alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT), complements C3 and C4, microalbuminura, ceruloplasmin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, glutamic-piruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), gamma glutamiltranspeptidase (GGT), creatinine, and uric acid were determined. Other clinical information, including NIH stroke scale was collected. Results: AAT, ceruloplasmin, microalbuminuria, GPT, GOT and GGT were significantly increased with respect to control subjects in both age groups. Nevertheless, CRP was increased only in patients older than 55 years. CRP and age were directly correlated in stroke patients, but not in the control group joint analysis of age and NIHSS revealed a tendency towards even higher CRP values in older patients with more severe neurological impairment. Levels of CRP increased significantly with age according to NIH score. Conclusions: Age should be considered when evaluating the usefulness of CRP and other blood biomarkers as clinical tools for predicting long or short-term neurological outcome or stroke recurrence events in ischemic stroke patients(AU)

Introducción: Los estudios sobre marcadores sanguíneos incluido la proteína C reactiva (PCR) en el pronóstico y mortalidad del ictus no han sido concluyentes, quizás porque en sus análisis no se ha tenido en cuenta la edad los pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación de los marcadores sanguíneos con la edad y características clínicas de pacientes con ictus isquémico. Métodos: Se incluyeron en el estudio 2 grupos de pacientes con ictus isquémico (( y > 55 años) quienes fueron pareados con grupos controles. Fueron determinados: PCR, alfa 1 antitripsina (AAT), complementos C3 y C4, microalbuminuria, ceruloplasmina, glucosa, colesterol, triglicéridos, transaminasa glutámico-pirúvico (TGP), transaminasa glutámico-oxalacético (TGO), gamma glutamiltranspeptidasa (GGT), creatinina, y ácido úrico. También, se recogió información clínica (escala neurológica, etiología y localización del ictus). Resultados: La AAT, ceruloplasmina, microalbuminuria, TGP, TGO y GGT aumentaron significativamente respecto al grupo control de ambos grupos de estudio. Sin embargo, la PCR se incrementó solamente en pacientes mayores de 55 años. La PCR se correlacionó directamente con la edad de los pacientes, pero no en el grupo control. A su vez, se observó una tendencia hacia el aumento de la PCR en pacientes mayores de 55 años con mayor la severidad neurológica. Los valores de PCR se incrementaron estadísticamente con la edad de acuerdo al déficit neurológico. Conclusiones: La edad debiera ser considerada en la evaluación de la utilidad de la PCR y de otros marcadores como herramientas clínicas para predecir un desenlace neurológico fatal o recurrencia de nuevos eventos en pacientes con ictus isquémico(AU)

Acute pancreatitis complicated by encephalopathy

Pancreatic encephalopathy is a frequently under-diagnosed and rare complication of acute pancreatitis. It denotes the occurrence of neuropsychiatric abnormalities in the setting of acute pancreatic inflammation, and presents with neurological symptoms that may persist even after the resolution of all metabolic parameters. Here we present the case of a 42 year old male patient presenting with altered sensorium and focal neurological deficit during the course of acute pancreatitis. The patient was treated conservatively, and later improved with supportive care.

Caracterización de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular en un servicio de emergencias de Santiago de Cuba / Characterization of patients with stroke in an emergency service from Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: El accidente cerebrovascular es el daño neurológico que ocurre cuando uno de los vasos sanguíneos del cerebro se obstruye por un coágulo (embolia o trombo) o se rompe (hemorragia), lo cual no permite el flujo sanguíneo cerebral. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular atendidos en el Servicio de Emergencias del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 122 pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular atendidos en el mencionado Servicio desde octubre de 2016 hasta igual mes de 2017. Se tuvieron en cuenta variables de interés demográficas relacionadas con la enfermedad y se utilizó el porcentaje como medida resumen. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo femenino (58,2 %) y el grupo etario de 61-70 años. Se comprobó que 26,2 % de los afectados permanecieron más de 6 horas en el Servicio de Emergencias y se encontró una asociación de esta enfermedad con la hipertensión arterial, la diabetes mellitus, la cardiopatía isquémica, el hábito de fumar, el alcoholismo y la hiperlipidemia; igualmente, el uso inadecuado del tratamiento farmacológico y de la ventilación mecánica artificial ocasionó una tasa de letalidad elevada. Conclusiones: A pesar de los estudios realizados en esta misma institución, se impone continuar profundizando en el adecuado control y seguimiento de dichos accidentes, así como también desarrollar estrategias que permitan la superación y preparación del personal médico y paramédico de ese centro hospitalario.

Introduction: The stroke is the neurological damage that happens when one of the brain blood vessels is obstructed by a clot (embolism or clot) or it breaks (hemorrhages), which doesn't allow the brain blood flow. Objective: To characterize the patients with stroke assisted in the Emergencies Service of Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 122 patients with stroke assisted in the mentioned Service from October, 2016 to the same month in 2017 was carried out. Demographic variables of interest related to the disease were taken into account and the percentage as summary measure was used. Results: The female sex (58.2 %) and 61-70 age group prevailed in the series. It was demonstrated that 26.2 % of those affected stayed more than 6 hours in the Emergencies Service and it was found an association of this disease with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, nicotine addiction, alcoholism and hyperlipemia; equally, the inadequate use of the pharmacological treatment and the mechanic artificial ventilation caused a high lethality rate. Conclusions: In spite of the studies carried out in this same institution, it is important to continue deepening in the appropriate control and follow up of these accidents, as well as to develop strategies that allow training and preparation of the medical and paramedic staff of that hospital.

Osteomielitis cervical asociada a otitis crónica. Presentación de un caso / Cervical osteomyelitis associated with chronic otitis. A case report

Introducción : La osteomielitis es la infección de estructuras óseas ya sea por inoculación directa a través de heridas, por vía hematógena a través de focos distantes o por contigüidad con estructuras vecinas como los oídos. Objetivo: Reportar un caso que demuestra la necesidad de seguimiento de las otitis medias con vistas a evitar recurrencias y complicaciones. Presentación del Caso: Paciente femenina, de 62 años de edad, tez blanca y ama de casa de la localidad de Baracoa, provincia Guantánamo, Cuba. Con antecedentes de otitis de un año de evolución que desarrolló osteomielitis crónica cervical y un cuadro neurológico caracterizado por cuadriparesia y dificultad para la acción asociado a la osteomielitis cervical. Se trató con vancomicina y levofloxacino durante 6 semanas y oxigenación hiperbárica con lo cual egresó totalmente rehabilitada. Conclusiones: El manejo inadecuado de la otitis puede desencadenar complicaciones graves y poco frecuentes como la osteomielitis cervical tal y como se presenta en este caso(AU)

Introduction: Osteomyelitis is the infection of the osseous structures associated with the direct inoculation of microorganisms through wounds, hematogenous route from distant focus of infection or the contiguity with neighboring structures like the ears. Objective: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the need for medical follow-up of otitis media in order to avoid recurrence and complications of this disease. Case presentation: Sixty-two-year-old white woman, housewife, from Baracoa, Guantanamo Province, Cuba. The patient had antecedents of one-year history of otitis media. She developed cervical chronic osteomyelitis and a neurological picture that was characterized by quadriparesis and difficulty to carry out actions, which was associated with cervical osteomyelitis. She was treated with Vancomycin and Levofloxacin during 6 months and hyperbaric oxygenation that helped her to be totally recovered after discharge from hospital. Conclusions: Inadequate treatment of otitis can cause very serious and less frequent complications such as cervical osteomyelitis, as it is presented in this case(AU)

Analysis of serum S-100 beta protein,NSE and neurological deficits in patients with cerebral infarction and reperfusion treated with butylphthalide / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the effects of butylphthalide on serum S-100 beta protein,NSE and neurological deficits in patients with cerebral infarction and reperfusion.Methods From January 2016 to January 2018,104 patients with early cerebral infarction admitted to the People's Hospital of Feicheng were divided into two groups according to different treatment methods.The control group (n =52) was given routine treatment,while the observation group (n =52) was given butylphthalide treatment on the basis of the control group.The degree of neurological deficit,serum NSE and S-100 beta protein levels were compared between the two groups before and after thrombolysis.Results The NIHSS scores of the two groups before thrombolysis were (10.27 ± 1.32) points and(10.28 ± 1.30) points,respectively,the difference between the two groups was no statistically significant(t =0.038,P ＞ 0.05).The NIHSS scores of the two groups were decreased at 24h and 7d after thrombolysis,which of the observation group at 24h and 7d after thrombolysis were (8.32 ± 1.37)points and (4.25 ± 1.54)points,respectively,which were significantly lower than those of the control group [(9.24 ± 1.40) points and (9.50 ± 1.24) points],the differences were statistically significant (t =3.396,19.147,all P ＜ 0.05).The serum NSE levels of the two groups before thrombolysis were (22.56 ± 5.78) U/mL and (22.58 ± 5.77) U/mL,respectively,the difference between the two groups was no statistically significant (t =0.017,P ＞ 0.05).At 24h and 7d after thrombolysis,the serum NSE levels of the two groups were decreased.The serum NSE levels of the observation group at 24h and 7d after thrombolysis were (15.08 ± 9.35) U/mL and (13.25 ± 6.47) U/mL,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(18.96 ± 10.14)U/mL and (16.98 ± 7.11) U/mL],the differences were statistically significant(t =2.028,2.79,all P ＜ 0.05).The serum S-100β protein levels in the two groups before thrombolysis were(1.26 ± 0.71)μg/L and (1.27 ± 0.70)μg/L,respectively,and the difference was not significant (t =0.0723,P ＞0.05).At 24h and 7d after thrombolysis,the serum S-100β protein levels were decreased in both two groups,which in the observation group were (1.13 ± 0.62) μg/L and (0.53 ± 0.48) μg/L,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(1.40 ± 0.64) μg/L,(0.87 ± 0.32) μg/L],the differences were statistically significant (t =2.185,4.25,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Butylphthalide injection for patients with cerebral infarction and reperfusion can effectively promote the recovery of neurological function,improve the levels of serum NSE and S-100 beta protein,and help patients recover as soon as possible.

Analysis of correlation between serum NSE, hs-CRP levels and NIHSS score in patients with cerebral infarction / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the correlation between the changes of serum neuron specific enolase(NSE) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and the degree of neurological deficit (NIHSS)score in patients with cerebral infarction.Methods From January 2017 to January 2019,63 patients with cerebral infarction admitted to Lishui Central Hospital were selected.According to NIHSS score,they were divided into 13 mild cases,30 moderate cases and 20 severe cases.According to infarction area,they were divided into large area group(16 cases),small area group (27 cases) and lacunar infarction group (20 cases).Another 60 cases underwent health examination in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected as the control group.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the content of NSE,and immunoturbidimetric assay was used to determine the content of hs-CRP.The changes of serum NSE and hs-CRP levels in the cerebral infarction group and control group,serum NSE,hs-CRP levels and NIHSS scores in different severity and infarction area,and the correlation between serum NSE and hs-CRP changes and NIHSS scores were compared.Results The serum levels of NSE [(21.34 ± 3.27) ng/mL] and hs-CRP [(10.48 ± 2.14) mg/L] in the cerebral infarction group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(6.23 ± 1.08) ng/mL,(2.83 ± 0.46) mg/L] (t =34.061,27.095,all P ＜ 0.05).The serum levels of NSE [(26.98 ± 3.64) ng/mL],hs-CRP [(15.36 ± 2.57) mg/L] and NIHSS score[(38.49 ±3.25) points] in the severe group were higher than those in the moderate group and mild group,which in the moderate group [(20.98 ± 3.21) ng/mL,(10.25 ± 2.09) mg/L and (22.18 ± 3.48) points]were higher than those in the mild group [(12.64 ± 2.78) ng/mL,(5.47 ± 1.40) mg/L and (7.38 ± 2.56)],the differences were statistically significant (F =14.975,9.132,15.873,all P ＜ 0.05).The serum levels of NSE[(25.43 ± 3.35) ng/mL],hs-CRP [(16.54 ± 2.71) mg/L] and NIHSS score [(37.34 ± 3.75) points] in the large area group were higher than those in the small area group and lacunar infarction group,which in the small area group [(21.67 ± 3.12) ng/mL,(10.86 ± 2.21) mg/L and (21.25 ± 3.26) points] were higher than those in the lacunar infarction group [(13.45 ± 2.97) ng/mL,(4.79 ± 1.35) mg/L and (8.49 ± 2.15) points],the differences were statistically significant (F =13.241,9.893,17.482,all P ＜ 0.05).The serum levels of NSE and hs-CRP were positively correlated with NIHSS score (r =0.829,0.713,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The levels of serum NSE and hs-CRP in patients with cerebral infarction increase with the progression of the disease,and there is a linear positive correlation between NSE and hs-CRP and NIHSS score.It is considered that NSE and hs-CRP are of great value in evaluating the degree of neurological impairment,the severity of the disease and the size of the infarct.

Delayed Post-operative Spinal Epidural Haematoma after Posterior Spinal Surgery: Report of Two Cases

@#Delayed post-operative spinal epidural haematoma (DPSEH) is diagnosed when the onset of symptoms is more than three days from the index surgery. DPSEH is a rare but serious complication of spinal surgery. Missed diagnosis will result in irreversible neurological deficit which may lead to permanent disabilities. We report two cases of DPSEH who presented with worsening neurological deficit four days after the index surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the presence of an epidural haematoma compressing the spinal cord. Surgical evacuation of haematoma were performed for both patients. Both patients experienced neurological improvement. Surgeons should have high index of suspicion to identify delayed onset of spinal epidural haematoma (SEH) and timely intervention should be taken to avoid irreversible neurological damage.

Correlation between NT-proBNP and causes of acute cerebral infarction，severity of neurological deficits，prognosis / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To analyze the correlation between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and causes of acute cerebral infarction （ACI），severity of neurological deficits，prognosis，so as to provide reference for clinical intervention of ACI. Methods　Eighty patients with ACI who were admitted to the hospital from January 2017 to April 2019 were selected as ACI group. Forty healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period were enrolled as control group. Blood samples were collected from two groups （within 24 h～48 h after onset in patients with ACI） to detect the NT-proBNP level. The etiological types in the trial of Org10172 in acute stroke treatment （TOAST） were recorded. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale （NIHSS） was applied to evaluate severity of neurological deficits at admission. The modified Rinkin Scale （MRS） was applied to evaluate prognosis after 3 months of admission. Blood NT-proBNP levels in patients with different general data and cardiac indicators were compared. The multiple linear regression analysis was applied to analyze correlation between serum NT-proBNP level and TOAST etiological type，severity of neurological deficits，prognosis in ACI patients. Results　①The serum NT-proBNP in ACI patients was significantly higher than that in control group （P<0.001）. ②The serum NT-proBNP in ACI patients with type cardiac embolism （CE） as TOAST etiology typing，NIHSS score not lower than 7 points，mRS not lower than 3 points，with atrial fibrillation and thickened interventricular septum thickness （IST） were significantly higher than that in patients with non-CE type，NIHSS score within 0-6 points，mRS lower than 3 points，without atrial fibrillation and with normal IST （P<0.05）. ③The multiple linear regression analysis showed that type CE as TOAST etiology typing，severity of neurological deficits （NIHSS score） and mRS after 3 months of admission were closely related to serum NT-proBNP （P<0.05）. And Pearson correlation coefficients （r） were 0.822，0.545 and 0.452，respectively. Conclusion　After 24 h～48 h of onset in ACI patients，there is good correlation between serum NT-proBNP and etiology typing of TOAST，severity of neurological deficits，prognosis，which deserves clinical attention.

Correlation between Lipoprorein-assoeiated phosPhohPaseA2 and ischemic stroke / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To investigate the relationship between Lp-PLA2 and ischemic stroke.Methods　94 patients with ischemic stroke admitted to Sanya people’s Hospital from April 2016 to December 2019 were selected as the study group.According to the NIHSS score,the patients were divided into the mild group (31 cases),moderate group (49 cases) and severe group (14 cases).According to the mRS score,the patients were divided into the poor prognosis group (25 cases) and the good prognosis group (69 cases).In the same period,92 healthy persons were selected as control group.To compare the level of Lp-PLA2 in serum of each group,and analyze the relationship between Lp-PLA2 and neurological deficit and prognosis.Results　The level of Lp-PLA2 in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).The level of Lp-PLA2 in severe group was higher than that in moderate group and mild group,and the level of Lp-PLA2 in moderate group was higher than that in mild group (P<0.05).Pearson analysis showed that,Lp-PLA2 was positively correlated with neurological deficit (r=0.779,P=0.000).The level of Lp-PLA2 in poor prognosis group was higher than that in good prognosis group (P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that,the AUC was 0.802,the best critical value was 370.57,the sensitivity was 72%,and the specificity was 81.2% of Lp-PLA2 predicted the short-term prognosis of patients.Conclusion Lp-PLA2 is closely related to the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke.It is an important index to evaluate the degree of neurological deficit in patients and has a certain predictive value for the short-term prognosis of patients.

Correlation analysis of serum procalcitonin and infarct volume in young patients with acute cerebral infarction / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To detect the serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in young patients with acute cerebral infarction (YACI) and study its relationship with the infarct volume of YACI patients.Methods　According to the volume of cerebral infarction,YACI patients (observation group) who were admitted for the first time were divided into large cerebral infarction group（18 patients）,middle cerebral infarction group (31 patients),and small cerebral infarction group (37 patients).The severity of clinical symptoms was determined using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score.In addition,72 healthy young people with brain diffusion weighted imaging examinations within the normal range during the same period were selected as the control group.Serum procalcitonin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).The relationship among serum procalcitonin,young acute cerebral infarction volume and NIHSS score was analyzed.Results　Serum PCT levels in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group,NIHSS of severe group were significantly higher than those of mild group.The levels of PCT in large infarction group was higher than that in middle infarction group and small infarction group,while the levels of PCT in middle infarction group was higher than that in small infarction group.PCT levels were positively correlated with NIHSS score and infarct volume in the observation group.Conclusion　The levels of serum PCT in YACI patients may be related to the inflammatory reaction of the cerebral artery after cerebral infarction and positively related to the volume of cerebral infarction and NIHSS score.PCT concentration can predict the disease severity of YACI patients,and is of clinical application value.

Study on Improvement Effects of Fingolimod on MCAO/R Injury Model Rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To observe improvement effects of fingolimod on middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion （MCAO/R） injury model rats. METHODS： Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group and fingolimod low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （0.5， 1， 2 mg/kg）， with 8 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group， MCAO/R injury model was induced by suture-occluded method in other groups. Administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically after reperfusion [1 h after reperfusion （1st day）， 22.5 h after reperfusion （2nd day）， and then every 24 h until 142.5 h of reperfusion （7th day）]. Sham operation group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically， once a day， for consecutive 7 d. The scores of neurological deficit and balance beam test， the times of memory error [work memory error （WME）， reference memory error （RME） and total error] were recorded in each group. The contents of serum inflammatory cytokines （IL-6， IL-8， IL-10， TNF-α） were determined by ELISA， and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining method was used to detect the rate of cerebral infarction. RESULTS： Compared with sham operation group， neurological deficit scores （at different time points of 1st-7th day after administration）， balance beam test scores （2nd， 4th， 7th day after administration）， times of memory error （2nd， 4th， 7th day after administration）， the contents of serum inflammatory cytokines and the rate of cerebral infarction were increased significantly in model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with model group， neurological deficit scores （low-dose group at different time points of 3rd-7th day， medium-dose and high-dose groups at different time points of 2nd-7th day after administration）， balance beam test scores （low-dose group at 7th day， medium-dose group at 4th and 7th day， high-dose group at 2nd， 4th， 7th day）， RME times and total error times （low-dose group at 4th and 7th day， medium-dose group and high-dose group at 2nd， 4th， 7th day after administration）， WME times （administrations groups at 7th day after administration）， serum contents of IL-6， IL-8 and IL-10 （administrations groups）， serum contents of TNF-α （medium-dose and high-does groups） and cerebral infarction rate （medium-dose and high-dose groups） were all decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： Intragastric administration of fingolimod can significantly reduce neurological deficit score， balance beam test score and the times of memory error in MCAO/R injury model rats， and has a protective effect on cerebral tissue and memory function. These effects may be related to the down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α by fingolimod.

Study on Improvement Effects of Z-guggulsterone Combined with Acetyl- 11-keto-β-boswellic Acid on Cerebral Ischemia- reperfusion Injury Model Rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To study the improvement effects of Z-guggulsterone （Z-GL） combined with acetyl-11-keto-β- boswellic acid （AKBA） on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model rats. METHODS： Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， Z-GL+AKBA low-dose and high-dose groups （25， 50 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group， middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion injury model was induced by suture method in other groups. Administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically after reperfusion； sham operation group and model groups were given constant volume of DMSO intragastrically， every 12 h， for consecutive 7 d. The neurological deficits were evaluated with modified Longa score； HE staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of cerebral tissue in rats； the area of cerebral infarction was measured by TTC， and the percentage of cerebral infarction area； TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptotic neurons. The expression of CD34， VEGF and DLL4 were detected by immunofluoresence and immunoblotting assay， respectively. RESULTS： Compared with sham operation group， the number of cortical cells in the model group decreased and arranged irregularly， with obvious infarct area and obvious decrease of neovascularization； the neurological deficit score， the percentage of cerebral infarction area and TUNEL positive cells increased significantly， while the expression of CD34， VEGF and DLL4 decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with model group， the above symptoms of the rats in each administration group were significantly improved， the neurological deficit score， the percentage of cerebral infarction area and the number of TUNEL positive cells were significantly reduced； the expression levels of CD34， VEGF and DLL4 were significantly increased； the neurological deficit score， the percentage of cerebral infarction area and the number of TUNEL positive cells in Z-GL+AKBA high-dose group were significantly lower or less than low dose group； the expression of CD34 and DLL4 in high-dose group was significantly higher than low-dose group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： Z-GL combined with AKBA can relieve neurological deficit and cerebral injury of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model rats， which may be related to promoting angiogenesis and up-regulating the expression of VEGF and DLL4 protein， with a certain dose-dependent effect.

Study on the relationship between the level of serum albumin (ALB) and fibrinogen (FIB) in patients with cerebral infarction / 中国基层医药

Objective To study and explore the relationship between neural function defect and plasma albumin (ALB) and fibrinogen (FIB) level in young patients with cerebral infarction .Methods 83 young patients with cere-bral infarction were selected as the observation group ,62 healthy people were randomly selected as the control group . The serum albumin,fibrinogen and neurological deficit scores were compared between the two groups .According to the degree of nervous function defect ,the patients of the observation group were divided into mild group ,moderate group and severe group,the plasma albumin in patients with different neurologic impairment and the level of fibrinogen were compared.Results Compared to the control group, the plasma albumin [(51.64 ±13.91 ) g/L], fibrinogen [(6.59 ±2.93)g/L] and neurological deficit scores [(22.95 ±14.32)points] in the observation group were signifi-cantly higher (t =8.132,10.764,10.888,all P <0.05).In the observation group,the plasma albumin and fibrinogen levels had statistically significant differences in patients with different degree of neural function defect (F =9.959, 7.192,all P <0.05),and plasma albumin,fibrinogen were positively correlated with neurological deficits (r =0.635, 0.726,all P <0.05).Conclusion The serum albumin and fibrinogen levels in young patients with cerebral infarc-tion are abnormally increased,their expression levels are closely related with neural function defect degree ,and can be used as important indicators of disease monitoring ,assessment of prognosis.