RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Erythropoietin (EPO), which is associated with anemia, exerts neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke. In cases of stenosis or narrowing of the main cerebral blood vessel, the prognosis is favorable if collateral blood circulation is well developed in acute stroke. Several studies have investigated the relationship between EPO administration and stroke outcomes. The present study investigated the correlation between serum EPO level and cerebral collateral circulation, which could result in favorable clinical outcomes. METHODS: The study subjects were patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke who underwent initial brain magnetic resonance imaging between January 2020 and March 2022. Following brain computed tomography perfusion for collateral flow, serum EPO levels were measured. Collaterals were assessed according to the Mass system and divided into good collateral (GC) or poor collateral (PC) groups. Serum EPO levels were determined using a chemiluminescence immunoassay method. A correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between serum EPO levels and GC. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the cutoff value of EPO for GC. RESULTS: Serum EPO levels were significantly higher in the GC than that in the PC group (P<0.05). The cut-off level of serum EPO for a good outcome was 9.1 mIU/mL. CONCLUSION: A high serum EPO (>9.1 mIU/mL) could be a marker of GC in patients with acute ischemic stroke that predicts good clinical outcomes.
RESUMEN
Many efforts have been made to correct scissors-bite and establish proper molar interdigitation for prosthetic or orthodontic treatment. The critical procedures for scissors-bite correction are intruding and palatally tipping the involved tooth when it is both extruded and buccally flared. Conventional approaches give rise to problems such as repetitive bonding failure and loss of anchorage. A newly designed spring, the dragon helix appliance, is used with an indirect skeletal anchorage system to correct scissors-bite. This spring provides effective tooth movement and the convenience of a simple and small design. We report a successful treatment with the dragon helix.