Comparative analysis of MRI and clinical characteristics of juvenile dermatomyositis / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To explore the relationship of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performance in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) with clinical characteristics, especially serum muscle enzyme abnormalities. Methods The images of 50 cases of JDM were reviewed, and the affected skin, subcutaneous connective tissue, muscle fascia and muscle were evaluated. The range of muscle edema under MRI images was categorized into 1-3 grades from mild to complete involvement. By comparing the MRI classification with muscle enzyme, we aim to reveal the linkage between the degree of muscle damage and the levels of muscle enzymes. The sequence of MRI examination of the thigh included rapid spin echo sequence FSE T1W, and the fat suppression sequence STIR in both coronary and axial position. Results In the 50 cases of dermatomyositis, there were 49 cases of muscle edema, 28 cases of myofasciitis, 9 cases of subcutaneous connective tissue inflammation, and 4 cases of thickening skin. Of 49 cases of muscle edema, there are 16 cases in grade 1, 24 in grade 2 and 9 in grade 3. The median value of all muscle enzyme in the grade 2 group was higher than that in the other two groups, and the value of AST was statistically significant, P<0.05. Conclusions The detection rate of JDM using MRI is high, which can help judge the severity and range of involvement. The MRI findings of JDM mainly demonstrated muscle edema, mostly moderate degree, followed by muscular fasciitis.

Quantitative Analysis of Tissue Injury after Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: We intended to clarify the hypothesis that minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MI-THA) leads to less tissue damage and inflammatory response than does conventional total hip arthroplasty (C-THA). METHODS: We performed 30 cases of THA between September 2005 and May 2006 and evaluated these cases prospectively. We chose 15 MI-THA cases for the study group and another 15 C-THA cases for the control group. We checked skeletal muscle marker enzymes, such as serum creatinine kinase and aldolase, the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6 and 8, and the anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra) the day before surgery and at postoperative days 1, 7, and 14. RESULTS: On postoperative days 1 and 3, the study group showed significantly lower serum creatinine kinase, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1ra values than those in the control group. Additionally, IL-8 was significantly lower on day 7 after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that MI-THA decreased the release of muscle marker enzymes due to tissue damage immediately after surgery and minimized the inflammatory response related to the surgery during the early postoperative period.

Cervicobrachial Disorders of Female International Telephone Operators IV. Laboratory studies / 대한산업의학회지

Twenty eight workers selected through our screening criteria were placed under laboratory and orthopadic studies. The results were as follows : 1. The work duration of a subjects, except one case, amounted to more than 5 years. 2. Serum creatinine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase showed significant linear association with positive questionnaire responses. 3. It was suggested rbaf muscle enzyme, rheumatoid factor, cervical radiogram and orthopaedic physical examination are quite helpful in the diagnosis occupational cervicobrachial disorders. However, the value of elect romyographic study was questioned. 4. Finally, it was found 9 out of 290 female international telephone operators needed active intervention in health management as well as work.