Long-term effect of botulinum toxin A on the hip and spine in cerebral palsy: A national retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTA) on the development of hip dislocation and scoliosis, surgical rates for hip and spine, and mortality in cerebral palsy (CP). STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study was conducted using CP data from a Taiwan National Insurance Health Research Database. Diagnoses were defined using the International Classification of Diseases codes, 9th revision. Adjusted hazard ratios for outcomes were calculated using Cox regression analysis and adjusted for the following variables: BTA injection, sex, age, severities of CP, comorbidities, location, urbanization level, and level of care. RESULTS: A total of 1,405 CP children (670 female vs. 735 male), 281 in the BTA group and 1,124 in the controls, were followed-up for a mean of 5 years 4 months. There were no significant differences in the outcomes in both groups, in the incidence rates of hip dislocation and scoliosis, nor in the surgical rates for hip and spine surgery. Mortality rate in the BTA group was 0.49 times lower than that in the controls (p = 0.001). Moderate to severe types of CP had higher incidence rates of hip dislocation, scoliosis, hip surgery, spine surgery, and mortality. CONCLUSION: Moderate to severe types of CP had poorer outcomes in all aspects, including a higher risk of hip dislocation, scoliosis, surgical rate for hip and spine, and mortality. Although BTA injection in children with CP proved to not significantly reduce hip dislocation and scoliosis, it is considered safe as an anti-spasticity treatment and may be beneficial for survival.

Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Mechanisms: A Systemic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to investigate the detailed existing scientific information about the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) conditions and to reveal the proposed mechanisms. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), NCCAM (The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine), and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases to identify relevant monographs and related references from 1974 to 2018. Chinese journals and theses/dissertations were hand searched. RESULTS: 43 studies were recruited. Each research was analyzed for study design, subject characteristics, intervention, selected acupoints, assessment parameters, proposed mechanisms, and results/conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: In our review, we concluded that acupuncture alone or combined with other treatment modalities is beneficial to the clinical conditions of RA without adverse effects reported and can improve function and quality of life and is worth trying. Several important possible mechanisms were summarized including anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidative effect, and regulation of immune system function. However, there is still inconsistency regarding the clinical efficacy and lack of well-designed human/animal double-blinded RCTs. Future discussion for further agreement on taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory into consideration as much as possible is a top priority.

Relationship of HS CRP and Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation in Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Elevation of serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level has been demonstrated as a risk factor for varying diseases, as well as a biomarker for predicting recovery after operation of lumber disc herniation. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between serum hs-CRP and sacroiliac (SI) joint inflammation in patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (uSpA). METHODS: In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with uSpA who underwent hs-CRP testing between January 2007 and September 2013. Serum hs-CRP was analyzed at our central laboratory. All enrolled patients underwent skeletal scintigraphic scan with quantitative sacroiliac measurement. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were enrolled with mean age 32.27 years and female:male ratio of 6:23. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significant difference between hs-CRP in serum and SI/S ratio in uSpA, particularly the middle part of the sacroiliac joint, either right side or left side. The significantly high concentration of serum hs-CRP might indicate a systemic inflammatory response to flare-up of the SI joint and might be an indicator of SI inflammation in uSpA.

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Risk Factors: A Nationwide Study in Taiwan.

AIMS: To investigate the association between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as potential risk factors for TMD and the preventive effect of medications on TMD, by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. METHODS: In total, 17,317 patients newly diagnosed with RA and 17,317 matched controls without RA were followed up from 2000 to 2010. Cox regression was used to determine risk factors for developing TMD. Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank test was used to determine the cumulative risk of TMD in RA patients and the effects of antirheumatic medications. RESULTS: Cox regression showed a higher risk of developing TMD if patients had RA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.538, P < .001) and a lower risk if patients were of male gender and elderly (≥ 40 years) in comparison to younger patients (20 to 29 years) (P < .01). Patients with insomnia, stroke, and mental disorders had, respectively, 4.756, 6.929, and 9.671 times the number of events of TMD compared to those without diseases (P < .001). No patients with RA treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) developed TMD after the 11-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: RA patients had 2.538 times the events of TMD compared with non-RA patients during this trial in Taiwan. The other risk factors for developing TMD included female gender, younger age, insomnia, stroke, and mental disorders. The DMARDs had a beneficial effect on prevention of TMD.

Ultrasound-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Stimulation of Posterior Tibial Nerve: A Potential Novel Intervention for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic benefit of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation at the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (PF). DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (12-wk follow-up). SETTING: Outpatient local medical center settings. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=36) with recalcitrant PF underwent randomization, and all were included in the final data analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the PRF group were treated with 1 dose of ultrasound-guided PRF stimulation at the PTN, and those in the control group received 1 dose of 2% lidocaine, 0.5mL, injected at the PTN under ultrasound guidance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The visual analog scale (first-step and overall pain), American Orthopedic Foot-Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, and ultrasonographic thickness of the plantar fascia were evaluated at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (20 feet per group) completed the study. The PRF group had a significantly larger improvement in first-step pain, overall pain, and AOFAS score (all P<.001), as well as plantar fascia thickness (P<.05), compared with those of the control group at all observed time points. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that ultrasound-guided PRF stimulation at the PTN is effective for treating recalcitrant PF. This simple, reproducible method could be a novel strategy for managing recalcitrant PF.

The dose-dependent efficiency of radial shock wave therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Recently, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been shown to be a novel therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, previous studies did not examine the diverse effects of different-session ESWT for different-grades CTS. Thus, we conducted a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Sixty-nine patients (90 wrists) with mild to moderate CTS were randomized into 3 groups. Group A and C patients received one session of radial ESWT (rESWT) and sham eESWT per week for 3 consecutive weeks, respectively; Group B patients received a single session of rESWT. The night splint was also used in all patients. The primary outcome was Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) points, whereas secondary outcomes included the sensory nerve conduction velocity and cross-sectional area of the median nerve. Evaluations were performed at 4, 10, and 14 weeks after the first session of rESWT. Compared to the control group, the three-session rESWT group demonstrated significant BCTQ point reductions at least 14 weeks, and the effect was much longer lasting in patients with moderate CTS than mild CTS. In contrast, the effect of single-session rESWT showed insignificant comparison. rESWT is a valuable strategy for treating CTS and multiple-session rESWT has a clinically cumulative effect.

Effect of Radial Shock Wave Therapy on Spasticity of the Upper Limb in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Prospective, Randomized, Single Blind, Controlled Trial.

Recently, studies have reported that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a safe, noninvasive, alternative treatment for spasticity. However, the effect of ESWT on spasticity cannot be determined, because most studies to date have enrolled small patient numbers and have lacked placebo-controlled groups and/or long-term follow-up. In addition, whether varying the number of ESWT sessions would affect the duration of the therapeutic effect has not been investigated in a single study. Hence, we performed a prospective, randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the long-term effect of radial ESWT (rESWT) in patients with poststroke spasticity and surveyed the outcome of functional activity.Sixty patients were randomized into 3 groups. Group A patients received 1 session of rESWT per week for 3 consecutive weeks; group B patients received a single session of rESWT; group C patients received one session of sham rESWT per week for 3 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was Modified Ashworth Scale of hand and wrist, whereas the secondary outcomes were Fugl-Meyer Assessment of hand function and wrist control. Evaluations were performed before the first rESWT treatment and immediately 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after the last session of rESWT.Compared to the control group, the significant reduction in spasticity of hand and wrist lasted at least 16 and 8 weeks in group A and B, respectively. Three sessions of rESWT had a longer-lasting effect than one session. Furthermore, the reduction in spasticity after 3 sessions of rESWT may be beneficial for hand function and wrist control and the effect was maintained for 16 and 12 weeks, respectively.rESWT may be valuable in decreasing spasticity of the hand and wrist with accompanying enhancement of wrist control and hand function in chronic stroke patients.

Retrospective study using MRI to measure depths of acupuncture points in neck and shoulder region.

OBJECTIVES: There are safety issues associated with acupuncture treatment. Previous studies regarding needling depth of acupuncture points revealed inconsistent results due to vague depth definition, acupuncture point localisation and measuring tools. The objective of this study is to find and compare the differences of the mean depths of 11 acupuncture points in the neck and shoulder region between subjects, with variables including gender and body mass index (BMI). SETTING: This study was conducted at a single medical center in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred and ninety-four participants were included in this study. Participants were grouped according to gender and BMI. Acupuncture points were localised by WHO standard and measured by MRI. OUTCOME MEASURES: The distance from the needle insertion point (surface of the skin) to any tissues that would cause possible/severe complications. RESULTS: Mean depths of 11 points were obtained in groups of different BMI and gender. Mean depths of all participants regardless of BMI and gender are as follows, in centimetres: GB21=5.6, SI14=5.2, SI15=8.8, GV15=4.9, GV16=4.6, GB20=5.0, ST9=1.6, SI16=1.8, SI17=2.4, TE16=3.1, LI18=1.3. Participants with higher BMI had greater measured depths in both gender groups. Male participants had larger mean depths than female participants regardless of BMI except in SI17 and LI18. When taking BMI into consideration, depths in male participants are greater than in female participants in most of the points except the following: GB21, TE16 in obesity group; ST9 in underweight and obesity group; SI16 in ideal body weight, overweight and obesity group; SI17, LI18 in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with higher BMI had greater measured depths and males tended to have greater depths in most of the points. Clinical practitioners are recommended to consider this information to prevent complications when applying acupuncture treatment to their patients.

Short-term effects of self-massage combined with home exercise on pain, daily activity, and autonomic function in patients with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.

[Purpose] The aim of the present was to investigate the short-term effects of a program combining self-massage and home exercise for patients with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS). [Subjects and Methods] In this retrospective study, 63 patients were allocated to the experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 31) groups. Both groups received 6 sessions of treatment with physical modalities over the course of two weeks. The experimental group completed an additional program with a combination of self-massage and home exercise. The outcome measurements included a pain scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck disability index (NDI), patient-specific functional scales (PSFS), and heart rate variability (HRV). The interactions between the groups and over time were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. [Results] Only the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in the pain scale with varying conditions. The PPTs of the trigger points increased significantly in the experimental group, and significant functional improvements in NDI and PSFS were observed in the same group. There were significant increases in high-frequency HRV and high-frequency % in the experimental group. [Conclusion] Treatment with physical modalities plus combination of self-massage and home exercise is more effective than the physical modalities treatment alone.

Trapping particles using waveguide-coupled gold bowtie plasmonic tweezers.

We propose and demonstrate a trapping configuration integrating coupled waveguides and gold bowtie structures to form near-field plasmonic tweezers. Compared with excitation from the top, waves coupled through the waveguide can excite specific bowties on the waveguide and trap particles precisely. Thus this scheme is more efficient and compact, and will assist the circuit design on a chip. With lightning rod and gap effects, the gold bowtie structures can generate highly concentrated resonant fields and induce trapping forces as strong as 652 pN W(-1) on particles with diameters as small as 20 nm. This trapping capability is investigated numerically and verified experimentally with observations of the transport, trapping, and release of particles in the system.

An exploration of the needling depth in acupuncture: the safe needling depth and the needling depth of clinical efficacy.

Objective. To explore the existing scientific information regarding safe needling depth of acupuncture points and the needling depth of clinical efficacy. Methods. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify relevant monographs and related references from 1991 to 2013. Chinese journals and theses/dissertations were hand searched. Results. 47 studies were recruited and divided into 6 groups by measuring tools, that is, MRI, in vivo evaluation, CT, ultrasound, dissected specimen of cadavers, and another group with clinical efficacy. Each research was analyzed for study design, definition of safe depth, and factors that would affect the measured depths. Depths of clinical efficacy were discussed from the perspective of de-qi and other clinical observations. Conclusions. Great inconsistency in depth of each point measured from different subject groups and tools exists. The definition of safe depth should be established through standardization. There is also lack of researches to compare the clinical efficacy. A well-designed clinical trial selecting proper measuring tools to decide the actual and advisable needling depth for each point, to avoid adverse effects or complications and promote optimal clinical efficacy, is a top priority.

Concomitance of cervical intramedullary traumatic neuroma and cervical cord herniation in a tetraplegic woman.

We present the first case of concomitant intramedullary traumatic neuroma and spinal cord herniation. A 57-year-old woman injured her cervical spine with subluxation and cord compression at the C5-C6 level. After the operation, the patient received intensive rehabilitation for one year with well response. Unfortunately, she experienced weakness and progressive numbness extending to all the limbs later. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord herniation at the C5-C6 level and pathology proved intramedullary traumatic neuroma. After the second operation, the paresthesia over the trunk and limbs persisted, and the patient was nearly totally assisted in her activities of daily living. The intramedullary traumatic neuroma and spinal cord herniation are rare causes in patients with spinal cord dysfunction. The case presented here indicates the possibility of the coexisting conditions leading to progressive neurologic deficits in patients with old spinal cord injury.

Predictors of first-week mortality in patients with acute spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage.

Cerebellar hemorrhage (CH) is considered a predictive factor for poor outcome after intracranial hemorrhage because of the high risk of brainstem compression. Hence, predictors of early mortality in patients with spontaneous CH are clinically valuable. However, the predictors of death within 7 days of CH onset have not yet been studied. In this study, 70 patients with acute spontaneous CH were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the first-week mortality group (n = 15, died within 7 days) and survival group (n = 55, survived at discharge). The association between first-week mortality and clinical characteristics was investigated using a multivariate logistic regression. The initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) values (5.0 ± 2.8) in the first-week mortality group were significantly lower than those in the survival group (12.8 ± 3.3) (p < 0.001). Brainstem compression was indicative of first-week mortality (p < 0.001). GCS scores ≤8 (odds ratio, OR = 32.344, p = 0.003) and brainstem compression (OR = 14.417, p = 0.009) were strong predictors of first-week mortality in patients with CH. This is the first study showing that GCS scores ≤8 on arrival and brainstem compression are strong predictive factors for first-week mortality in patients with CH. These patients were about 32 and 14.5 times, respectively, more likely to die within 7 days.

Conus medullaris metastasis in breast cancer: report of a case and a review of the literature.

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis is quite rare. This report presents the case of a female patient with metastasis of the conus medullaris from breast cancer, presenting with paraplegia and sphincter dysfunction. Bladder dysfunction improved after removal of the conus mass. This report is the seventh case of conus medullaris metastasis from breast cancer and the first review of clinical outcome, survival time and other data of all these 7 cases. This study also reviewed cases of intramedullary spinal cord metastasis arising from breast cancer in regions other than the conus medullaris in the literature. Longer survival time resulted from surgery in contrast to those without surgery in the latter group.

Hyperglycemia as a predictor of poor outcome at discharge in patients with acute spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage.

Acute stroke patients commonly suffer from hyperglycemia. However, the relationship between hyperglycemia and poor outcome after discharge of patients with acute cerebellar hemorrhage (CH) had not been hitherto investigated.Sixty-two patients with acute spontaneous CH were retrospectively analyzed. The consciousness level, blood glucose/sugar (BS) on arrival and maximum diameter of hematoma, etc., were obtained. Patient prognosis was scored by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and we divided them into good outcome (GOS score of 4 or 5) and poor outcome (GOS score of 1 or 2 or 3) groups. The association between early outcome and clinical characteristics were investigated by multivariate logistic regression. There were 33 (53.4%) patients in the poor outcome group and 29(46.6%) in the good outcome group. The initial BS was significantly higher in the poor outcome group (186.4±57 mg/dl) compared with good outcome group (136.6±31.1 mg/dl)(p<0.001). BS≥140 mg/dl (OR=25.217, p=0.008) and maximum diameter of hematoma ≥3 cm (OR=216.422, p<0.001) were independently correlated with poor outcome. We report the first study that hyperglycemia (BS≥140 mg/dl) on arrival and maximum diameter of hematoma ≥3 cm were found to be strong predictive factors of poor outcome at discharge in patients with acute spontaneous CH.

Relationship between the interval before high-dose methylprednisolone administration and chronic pain in traumatic spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the interval before the administration of high-dose methylprednisolone (MP) and pain in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the medical records of admitted patients with traumatic SCI at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tri- Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan from January 2005 to January 2010. We examined the relationship between the interval before the administration of highdose MP, and the severity of pain and the presence of neuropathic pain (NeP). Patients treated with highdose MP <8 hours after their injuries were defined as the classical-MP group (n=22), and patients who received high-dose MP >/-8 hours after their injuries were defined as the delayed-MP group (n=10). The patients were mailed questionnaires including the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions questionnaire (DN4Q). RESULTS: The SF-MPQ score in the classical-MP group (9.54 +/- 10.4) was almost 2-fold more than in the delayed-MP group (5.9 +/- 3.5). The interval before the administration of high-dose MP was positively correlated with the DN4Q and SF-MPQ scores, although these differences, and associations were not statistically significant. The increased interval in the administration of MP resulted in slightly greater pain and an increased prevalence of NeP. CONCLUSION: Although the delayed administration of high-dose MP did not significantly increase the severity of pain or prevalence of NeP, it should still be avoided due to the increased risk of serious side effects.

Safe needling depth of acupuncture points.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to investigate the existing scientific information on the safe needling depth of acupuncture points. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), NCCAM (The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine), and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases were searched to identify relevant monographs from 1991 to 2009. Additional articles were also identified from the reference list of identified articles. Chinese journals that we thought might be relevant to our study were hand searched. RESULTS: Thirty-three (33) studies were recruited into the review. Each research study was analyzed for study design, investigated acupuncture points, definition of safe depth, measuring methods, subject number, and for discussion of de qi. Factors that would affect the measured depth such as gender, age, body sizes, right or left side of limb, if using Ton Shen Cun for comparison, and needling angles were also reviewed. Needling depth of each point was revealed as well. CONCLUSIONS: There is great inconsistency in terms of safe needling depths measured from different subject groups and measuring methods. There is suitable justification for a well-designed clinical trial to investigate the real needling depth for each acupuncture points to avoid adverse effects or complications.

Recurrent cerebellar hemorrhage: case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of cerebellar hemorrhage (CH) that recurred in other hemisphere after 4 months of the first attack. A 58-year-old man presented with general weakness and computerized tomography (CT) of the brain showed a 41 mm hematoma in the right cerebellum with intraventricular extension. The satisfactory outcome was obtained after emergency surgical intervention and intensive rehabilitation. However, the patient irregularly took the prescribed anti-hypertensive medication. Four months after first attack, the recurrent CH in left side showed by brain CT. Only 2 cases of recurrent CH have been published thus far. The patient is the third reported case of recurrent CH and the second case in which CH recurred in the other hemisphere. Further, no patient has been reported to develop recurrence of CH in such a short period after the first onset. We discuss the possible pathophysiology, clinical course, treatment outcome, risk factors associated with such events and the importance of blood pressure control for preventing recurrence.

Impairment of static upright posture in subjects with undifferentiated arthritis in sacroiliac joint in conjunction with elevation of streptococcal serology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Our latest work has demonstrated a strong correlation between the anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titer and the sacroiliac (SI) joint scintigraphy in subjects with undifferentiated arthritis [Journal of Rheumatology 34 (2007), 1746-1752]. Of a significant percentage in those subjects with sacroiliac disorder reported suffering from postural abnormality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was an abnormality of upright postural sway in those subjects. METHODS: All subjects who have been examined for ASO titer levels and SI joint scintigraphy were divided into two groups according to the reference level of ASO titer in our central laboratory, and were subjected to ten sway tests to assess static postural sway when they were standing upright. The comparisons of the sway parameters were analyzed by using two sample t-test for continuous variables and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the degree effect and interaction effect (sloped degree x group) in varying stressful conditions (eyes open vs closed, plantar flexion or dorsiflexion of feet). RESULTS: In a total of 84 subjects, mean age was 23 years (range 18.0-36.4). Compared with the low ASO (ASO titer 116 IU/mL) group had 2.76-, 4.46- and 4.59-fold in sway area, 1.32-, 1.50- and 1.61-fold in sway velocity, and 2.02-, 1.97- and 1.70-fold in sway intensity, over the study period at 0 degrees, 10 degrees, and 20 degrees in conditions of eyes open and plantar flexion. The values of sway velocity/intensity obtained with eyes open and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion had lower intensity values when compared with those obtained in closed eyes and plantar flexion/dorsiflexion in high ASO group, but not the same as in low ASO group. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the sloped degree only affected the sway area in condition of eyes closed and dorsiflexion (P = 0.016), and affected the velocity/intensity in all conditions tested (all P < 0.0001). In consideration of interaction effect, the sloped degree showed significant difference in sway area in conditions of eyes open and plantar flexion/dorsiflexion (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0113), in sway velocity in most conditions tested (P < 0.05), and in sway intensity in condition of eyes open and dorsiflexion only (P = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: Subjects with high level of streptococcal serology demonstrated increased sway on all postural control measures as compared to those with low serology. Proprioceptive deficits in the SI joint might contribute to the postural impairment measured in this study.