Three-dimensional radiological classification of lumbar disc herniation in relation to surgical outcome.

Centrally located lumbar disc herniations have been reported to be of predictive value for poor post-operative clinical outcome. One hundred and fifty patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery were prospectively included. Herniation-related parameters, including the grading of contours, were assessed from pre-operative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images using a new three-dimensional grading system. The radiological findings were compared with outcome parameters two years post-operatively (patient-assessed pain, function/health scores and evaluation by an independent observer). An intra- and inter-observer validation of the classification was performed in a subgroup of patients. High intra-observer and good inter-observer reliability for both CT and MRI was seen. In the study population, no relation between the distribution or size of the herniations and outcome at 2-year follow-up were found. The distribution and size of the lumbar disc herniations with the three-dimensional classification were not found to be of importance for the clinical outcome.

6q deletions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Deletions on the long arm of chromosome 6 are frequently found in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). We have used polymerase chain reaction analysis to study loss of heterozygosity of 16 microsatellite markers on chromosome 6 in 74 ALL and 54 NHL patients. Our results show that deletions of 6q in ALL are more frequent than what has been reported in previous studies, occurring in at least 32% of the patients. The corresponding figure for NHL patients is 7%. Our results define a region of minimal deletion in ALL of less than 500 kb between markers D6S1709 and D6S434. The common region of deletion in NHL is located telomeric of this region. Thus, two different tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 6q seem to be relevant for the development of lymphoid malignancies.

Caries experience and distribution in relation to treatment needs among teenagers in Espoo, Finland.

An annual check-up was made in groups of 12- and 16-yr-old children by dentists of the Public Health Center of Espoo. The D index was used instead of DMFT index, because it expresses the need for conservative treatment. This information, again, is essential for planning public dental care. The children were divided into four groups according to the number of decayed teeth developed during a period of approximately 1 yr. Children with D = 0 were classified as healthy, D = 1 as low, D = 2 as moderate, and D = 3 or more as high caries incidence. In 1980 the percentage of the group D = 0 was about 52% in the 12-yr-olds. In 1988 the percentage had increased up to about 73%. The corresponding figures of the 16-yr-olds were 33% and 62%. Simultaneously, the high caries incidence groups had decreased in 12-yr-olds from 13% in 1980 to 5% in 1988 and in 16-yr-olds from 31% to 10%. These observations emphasize the need for retargeting prevention of caries in order to provide additional preventive treatment to the high incidence groups while the routine prophylaxis given to the other groups may be decreased.

Twelve-year follow-up of caries prevalence and incidence in children and young adults in Espoo, Finland.

This follow-up of the oral health of children and young adults in Espoo, Finland, has been carried out using annual check-ups done by dentists at the Espoo Health Center. There was about 80% participation in municipal dental care by 3- to 18-yr-olds. Each age group included 1700-2300 individuals. The DMFT-index for 12-yr-olds was 6.9 initially and only 2.2 at the end of the 12-yr follow-up. The reduced DMFT and increased number of clinically caries free children is probably the cumulative effect of various preventive measures adopted during the follow-up period. The proportional influence of each procedure is unknown.