Facet Tropism/Inclination and Its Association with Intervertebral Disc Herniation in the Lumbar Spine - A Radiological Evaluation / Tropismo/inclinação facetária e sua associação com hérnia de disco intervertebral na região lombar da coluna - Uma avaliação radiológica

Abstract Objective To assess the role of facet tropism (FT) in intervertebral disc prolapse. Methods A total 98 patients with lower back pain were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed and analyzed. The angles of the right and left facets were measured on the axial section. Patients without disc prolapse at the L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels act as controls for those with disc prolapse at the same levels. A statistical analysis was also performed. Results The incidence of FT at the L3-L4 level was of 85.2% in patients with disc herniation (n= 27), and of 56.3% in the control group, which was statistically significant (p= 0.008). Similarly, at the L4-L5 level, incidence of FT among cases and controls was of 71.4% (n= 35) and 52.4% respectively (p= 0.066). At the L5-S1 the incidence was of 66% and 51% among cases and controls respectively (p= 0.13). Conclusion We found a positive association between FT and disc herniation at the L3-L4 level, but no association at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o papel do tropismo facetário (TF) no prolapso discal intervertebral. Métodos Um total de 98 pacientes com dor lombar foram incluídos no estudo. Exames de ressonância magnética foram realizados e analisados, e os ângulos das facetas direita e esquerda foram medidos na seção axial. Os pacientes sem prolapso discal nos níveis L3-L4, L4-L5 e L5-S1 atuam como controles para aqueles com prolapso nos mesmos níveis. Fez-se também uma análise estatística. Resultados A incidência de TF no nível L3-L4 foi de 85,2% em pacientes com hérnia discal (n= 27), e de 56,3% no grupo controle, o que foi estatisticamente significativo (p= 0,008). Da mesma forma, a incidência de TF no nível L4-L5 entre casos e controles foi de 71,4% (n= 35) e 52,4%, respectivamente (p= 0,066). No nível L5-S1, a incidência foi de 66% e 51% nos caso e nos controles, respectivamente (p= 0,13). Conclusão Encontramos associação positiva entre TF e hérnia de disco no nível L3-L4, mas nenhuma associação nos níveis L4-L5 e L5-S1.

Use of thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease: an update

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), once considered a disease of the Western hemisphere, has emerged as a global disease. As the disease prevalence is on a steady rise, management of IBD has come under the spotlight. 5-Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and biologics are the backbone of treatment of IBD. With the advent of biologics and small molecules, the need for surgery and hospitalization has decreased. However, economic viability and acceptability is an important determinant of local prescription patterns. Nearly one-third of the patients in West receive biologics as the first/initial therapy. The scenario is different in developing countries where biologics are used only in a small proportion of patients with IBD. Increased risk of reactivation of tuberculosis and high cost of the therapy are limitations to their use. Thiopurines hence become critical for optimal management of patients with IBD in these regions. However, approximately one-third of patients are intolerant or develop adverse effects with their use. This has led to suboptimal use of thiopurines in clinical practice. This review article discusses the clinical aspects of thiopurine use in patients with IBD with the aim of optimizing their use to full therapeutic potential.

Characteristics of hollow viscus injury following blunt abdominal trauma; a single centre experience from Eastern India

Objective: To determine the presentation, anatomical distribution, diagnostic method, management and outcome of hollow viscus injury [HVI] from blunt abdominal trauma

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study including patients with blunt abdominal trauma leading to HVI admitted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, over a period of 4.5 years [January 2009 to July 2014]. Data were retrieved from patients' medical records. Total 173 patients with HVI due to blunt abdominal trauma, who underwent laparotomy at our institute, were reviewed. Data regarding clinical presentation, anatomical distribution, management and outcome were recorded and analysed

Results: Out of 173 patients 87.1% were men and 12.9% were women. Mean age of patients was 29 +/- 14.02 years. The most common site of injury was ileum [46.2%] followed by jejunum [44.5%]. There were 5 gastric perforations [2.9%], 2 [1.15%] duodenal, 2 [1.15%] colonic, 2 [1.15%] sigmoidal and 2 [1.15%] rectal injuries. One caecal injury was also recorded. Road traffic accident was the most common mechanism of injury [57.2%] followed by fall from height [36.4%] and assault [6.4%]. Free gas under diaphragm on erect abdomen radiography was seen in 85.5% of cases while preoperative CT Abdomen was done in 11.6% of cases. Treatment consisted of simple closure of the perforation [66.5%], resection and anastomosis [11.0%] and stoma [22.5%]. Major complication was anastamotic leak which was recorded in 6.4% cases and 15.6% patients developed burst abdomen. Average hospital stay was 13 +/- 6 days. Overall mortality rate was 12.7%

Conclusion: Although early recognition of intestinal injuries from blunt abdominal trauma may be difficult in all cases, it is very important due to its tremendous life threatening potential. Age of the patient, anatomical site and time of presentation are probably main prognostic factors