Proposal and Validation of a Basic Progression Scoring System for Patients with Skull Base Chordoma.

OBJECTIVE: To propose and further validate a basic progression scoring system for patients with skull base chordoma. METHODS: All patients (n = 170) undergoing operation for skull base chordoma were classified randomly into a training (n = 113) or validation set (n = 57). In the training set, adverse factors for progression were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Significant independent factors were included into the scoring system. Scores for each risk category were allocated 1 point and each protection category 0 point. Three prognostic groups were formed on the basis of total score. The same scoring and grouping dispositions were made in the validation set. Analyses of the differences among the 3 groups in individual sets with regard to recurrence and the comparisons between the corresponding prognostic groups of both sets were all carried out by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In the training set, age, treatment history, preoperative Karnofsky performance scale, pathology, and features on magnetic resonance imaging were all significant independent factors and were included into the scoring system. According to the total score, 3 prognostic groups were formed, group A (0-1 points), group B (2-3 points), and group C (3-4 points), respectively. The pairwise comparisons between every 2 of 3 groups in the training set showed significance with P < 0.001, whereas in validation set, a log-rank test showed significance, P ≤ 0.001 (log-rank test). The comparisons between the corresponding prognostic groups of both sets did not show significance. CONCLUSIONS: The basic progression scoring system for patients with skull base chordoma is valid and reproducible.

[Study on the relationship between hypertension management and the risk of stroke at community level].

OBJECTIVE: To observe whether the community-based management for patients with hypertension can reduce the incidence of stroke. METHODS: Sample of this study included 36 863 people aged 35 years or more who came from a cohort consisting three communities from Tiantan Hospital, Puren Hospital and the Gymnasium Road Hospital in Beijing, based on the surveys on the Integrated Community Intervention Measures of Cerebro-vascular Diseases. Some patients with hypertension in this cohort were followed up and under management. First-ever stroke was considered as the end-point event. RESULTS: In both groups diagnosed as borderline hypertension or definite hypertension group, the rates of management and control showed an annual increase. The management rate for women was higher, but the control rate was lower (P < 0.05) than that for men. In the third year of this study, the control rate was nearly 18%. With the qualification of control rate, the risk factors of overall stroke, ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke reduced gradually, and the qualification of control rate showed more effects on hemorrhagic stroke. The qualification of control rate in the three years could cause the risk factors of total stroke, ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke to reduce by 25.7%, 19.1%, 27.4%, respectively. When comparing with blood pressure level at < 160/95 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), the level of < 140/90 mm Hg could reduce the risk factors as: 12.3% to total stroke, 12.8% to ischemic stroke and 14.9% to hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSION: Programs as long-term followed-up and management for patients with hypertension, and control the blood pressure at low level etc. could significantly reduce the incidence of stroke.