ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the relationship of risk factors and clinical features to assessments of children with cerebral palsy (CP ) using a magnetic resonance imaging classification system (MRICS).Methods:Medical records of CP patients under 18 years old were reviewed retrospectively. Data including high-risk factors, cranial MRI results and clinical characteristics were collected. The cranial MRI results were classified according to the MRICS.Results:Of 1357 patients studied, 1112 (82%) had received cranial MRI scans. Among them, 962 (86.5%) showed MRI-identified brain abnormalities, 489 in the periventricular white matter. Subjects with different weeks of gestation, birth weights, delivery times, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and neonatal cerebral hemorrhage had significantly different MRI classifications according to the system. Premature birth, low birth weight and multiple births correlated with the incidence of white matter brain injury. Only 4 of the subjects with neonatal cerebral hemorrhage were classified as having normal brain structures using the MRICS. However, gender, birth method, and pathological jaundice had no significant relationship with MRICS ratings. Significant differences in MRICS classifications were observed between patients with different CP subtypes, gross motor function scores, as well as with or without epilepsy, speech or language impairment. But degrees of mental retardation were not significantly related with MRICS classifications.Conclusion:MRICS classifications relate closely with risk factors and the clinical characteristics of CP patients. The system can play an important role in finding pathogenesis and predicting clinical outcomes. It is worthy of applying and promoting in the clinic.
ABSTRACT
Objective To prepare a radiofrequency (RF) ablation probe guided by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Methods A modified 19-gauge needle ( Olympus) was used, which was electrically insulated with shrink tubing, with the tip of lcm naked. The insulation was tested, and the current signal was stable. Three rabbits were anesthetized with 8% chloral hydrate ( 3 ml/kg) intraperitoneally, fixed on the dissecting table. A standard neutral pad was applied to the thigh of the rabbit to complete the electrical circuit, both the pad and the needle electrode connected with RF generator. After anesthesia was ready, the needle was advanced through the gastric wall into the liver. Ablations were performed three times in the same zone. Extent and tissue lesion were measured after ablation. Results Ablation could be successfully performed by the needle electrode, with brown lesions surrounded by normal hepatic tissue. The mean diameter of the ablated zone in the liver was 1.0 cm× 1.2 cm. After ablation,specimens along the passage were subjected to NADH staining, and no lesions were found. HE and NADH staining showed no viable cells in the central ablation area. Conclusion With the advance of the technology and selection of materials, an EUS-guided needle electrode can be made. This preliminary animal trial demonstrates that radiofrequency ablation can be performed effectively and safely by using this EUS-guided needle electrode.