年龄相关性脑白质改变患者认知功能障碍及其特点的研究

Objective To explore the relationship between age-related cerebral white matter changes (ARWMC) and cognitive function, observe the features of cognitive impairment in ARWMC patients, and provide evidences for preventing and treating cognitive impairment in elderly people.Methods Fifty patients with ARWMC were divided into mild-to-moderate group (n= 26, ARWMC score 1-10) and severe group (n= 24, ARWMC score＞ 10) based on the ARWMC scale of CT/MRI scans. Twenty healthy elderly people, who underwent physical examination in hospital, were selected as control group. The cognitive function was evaluated using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA,Beijing version). Cognitive functions were compared between patients with ARWMC at different extents and the controls. The correlation between severity of ARWMC and cognitive function, the characteristics of cognitive impairment in patients with ARWMC were analyzed. Results The cognitive function in patients with ARWMC was impaired significantly (the MoCA scores were 26.60±1.23 in control group, 23. 19±2. 62 in mild-to-moderate group and 19.83±3. 09 in sever group, F =39. 930, P = 0. 000). The severity of ARWMC was negatively related with MoCA score (r =-0. 476, P=0. 000). The patients showed cognitive impairment especially in the visuoconstructional and executive functions (F= 13. 189, P＜0.05), delayed recall (F=32.340, P＜0.05) and orientation (F= 15.813, P＜0. 05). Conclusions ARWMC is related with cognitive impairment.The severity of white matter changes is correlated with worse cognitive function.     

甲状腺功能减退伴ST段改变患者非心脏开胸术后并发症观察

Objective To investigate complications in patients after noncardiac thoracotomy in hypothyroidism with ST changes. Methods Sixty one patients with hypothyroidism undergoing noncardiac thoracotomy were divided into ST segment change group(28 patients having ST segment depression≥0.05 mV) and controls(33 patients) according to the results of Holter. All patients were added with thyroid hormone, until the function of thyroid gland was normal before thoracotomy. The myocardial ischemia was measured by Holter within 48 hours after thoracotomy. Serum thyroid hormones was examined by radioimmunoassay during, before and after thoracotomy. And cardiovascular events were foliowed-up to hospital. Results Before and after thoracotomy serum TT3 in ST segment change group was (1.30±0.41), (2.09±0.45)nmol/L, TT4 was (80.56±30.28), (84.55±33.57) nmol/L, respectively; compared with the control group[TT3: (1.43±0.52), (2.38±0.51)nmol/L, TT4:(82.70± 29.43), (93.47±35.02)nmol/L], no significant differences were found(all P>0.05). After thoracotomy, 24 patients occurred myocardial ischemia, 10 patients occurred cardiovascular events in ST segment change group; 8 patients occurred myocardial ischemia, a patient occurred cardiovascular events in control group, there were significant differences between two groups(χ2=22.95,10.95, all P<0.05). The positive predictive value of ST segment change in Holter detection was 36% (10/28) recording in cardiovascular events of patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing noncardiac thoracotomy and hypothyroidism, negative predictive value was 97%(32/33). Conclusions Myocardial ischemia and other cardiovascular events tend to occur in hypothyroidism patients with ST segment change after noncardiac thoracotomy. ST segment change of preoperative Hoher detection recording cardiovascular events of hypothyroidism patients undergoing noncardiac thoracotomy has certain predictive value.     

小剂量甲巯咪唑治疗亚临床甲状腺功能亢进症合并阵发性房颤的临床观察

应用小剂量甲巯咪唑+比索洛尔治疗27例亚临床甲状腺功能亢进症合并阵发性房颤患者,治疗前后均接受多普勒超声心动仪、24 h动态心电图检查,放射免疫法测定血清FT3、FT4及TSH,观察期3个月,结果显示治疗后患者左室舒张功能明显改善(P<0.01),窦性心律维持率高,甲减发生率低,提示小剂量甲巯咪唑治疗亚临床甲状腺功能亢进症合并阵发性房颤安全有效.

Abstract：

Twenty-seven patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism(SH)complicated by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(PAF)were treated with methimazole plus bisoprolol.All patients were examined by Doppler echocardiogram and 24 h ambulatory electrocardiograms before and 3 months after treatment.Serum FT3,FT4,and TSH levels were measured with RIA.The results showed that low-dose methimazole therapy could improve the left ventricular diastolic function(P < 0.01)and help maintain sinus rhythm.The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism was low.Low-dose methimazole was effective and safe in patients with SH complicated by PAF.     

肠易激综合征患者的睡眠特征

Objective To investigate the sleep features in the patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and compare the sleep quality between those IBS patients who were with and without anxiety and depression.Methods Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaire (PSQI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were measured in the 145 IBS patients and 59 regular physical examination volunteers.IBS patients were also divided into two subgroups-patients with or without anxiety and depression based on cutoff scores of SAS and SDS.Comparisons of sleep quality were made between subgroups, and between IBS patients and volunteer controls.Results Compared with the controls,the SAS raw score, SDS raw score and SAS positive incidence in IBS patients were shown statistically significant differences (P ＜ 0.05 ), while the SDS positive incidence had no statistically significant difference(P ＞ 0.05 ).PSQI total scores were significantly higher in the IBS patients without anxiety and depression (P ＜ 0.05), 3 domains (sleep quality, sleep disturbances and daytime function disorder) were also found statistically significant differences ( P ＜ 0.05 ), compared with the controls.The IBS patients with anxiety and depression were statistically significantly different from the controls ( P ＜ 0.05 ) in 6 domains (sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, sleep time and daytime function disorder) and significantly higher PSQI total scores( P ＜ 0.05 ).Statistically significant differences (P ＜0.05) were also found in all 7 domains and with higher PSQI total scores in IBS patients with anxiety and depression, compared with IBS patients without anxiety and depression.Conclusions IBS patients were more likely to have sleep abnormality, mainly in sleep quality, sleep disturbances and daytime function disorder and PSQI total scores.The abnormalities of these factors were independent of emotional disorder.However, emotional disorder worsened the sleep disorder in IBS patients.     

肠易激综合征患者的睡眠特征

Objective To investigate the sleep features in the patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and compare the sleep quality between those IBS patients who were with and without anxiety and depression.Methods Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaire (PSQI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were measured in the 145 IBS patients and 59 regular physical examination volunteers.IBS patients were also divided into two subgroups-patients with or without anxiety and depression based on cutoff scores of SAS and SDS.Comparisons of sleep quality were made between subgroups, and between IBS patients and volunteer controls.Results Compared with the controls,the SAS raw score, SDS raw score and SAS positive incidence in IBS patients were shown statistically significant differences (P ＜ 0.05 ), while the SDS positive incidence had no statistically significant difference(P ＞ 0.05 ).PSQI total scores were significantly higher in the IBS patients without anxiety and depression (P ＜ 0.05), 3 domains (sleep quality, sleep disturbances and daytime function disorder) were also found statistically significant differences ( P ＜ 0.05 ), compared with the controls.The IBS patients with anxiety and depression were statistically significantly different from the controls ( P ＜ 0.05 ) in 6 domains (sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, sleep time and daytime function disorder) and significantly higher PSQI total scores( P ＜ 0.05 ).Statistically significant differences (P ＜0.05) were also found in all 7 domains and with higher PSQI total scores in IBS patients with anxiety and depression, compared with IBS patients without anxiety and depression.Conclusions IBS patients were more likely to have sleep abnormality, mainly in sleep quality, sleep disturbances and daytime function disorder and PSQI total scores.The abnormalities of these factors were independent of emotional disorder.However, emotional disorder worsened the sleep disorder in IBS patients.     

Cognitive function and adherence to anticoagulation treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Medication adherence is an integral part of the comprehensive care of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving oral anticoagulation (OACs) therapy. Many patients with AF are elderly and may suffer from some form of cognitive impairment. This study was conducted to investigate whether cognitive impairment affects the level of adherence to anticoagulation treatment in AF patients. Methods The study involved 111 AF patients (mean age, 73.5 ± 8.3 years) treated with OAC. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The level of adherence was assessed by the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Scores on the MMAS-8 range from 0 to 8, with scores < 6 reflecting low adherence, 6 to < 8 medium adherence, and 8 high adherence. Results 46.9% of AF patients had low adherence, 18.8% had moderate adherence, and 33.3% had high adherence to OAC. Patients with lower adherence were older than those with moderate or high adherence (76.6 ± 8.7 vs. 71.3 ± 6.4 vs. 71.1 ± 6.7 years) and obtained low MMSE scores, indicating cognitive disorders or dementia (MMSE = 22.3 ± 4.2). Patients with moderate or high adherence obtained high MMSE test results (27.5 ± 1.7 and 27.5 ± 3.6). According to Spearman’s rank correlation, worse adherence to treatment with OAC was determined by older age (rS = －0.372) and lower MMSE scores (rS = 0.717). According to multivariate regression analysis, the level of cognitive function was a significant independent predictor of adherence (b = 1.139). Conclusions Cognitive impairment is an independent determinant of compliance with pharmacological therapy in elderly patients with AF. Lower adherence, beyond the assessment of cognitive function, is related to the age of patients.     

轻度认知功能损害患者静息状态脑默认活动网络的功能磁共振研究

目的 采用静息状态功能磁共振(fMRI)技术,探讨轻度认知功能损害(MCI)患者的脑默认活动网络(DMN)是否存在异常及其可能的神经机制.方法 对20名遗忘型MCI老年患者和25名正常老年人进行简易智能状态检查(MMSE)、听觉词语学习测验(AVLT)和静息状态脑功能成像.利用低频振幅(ALFF)算法,观察MCI患者相对于正常老年人ALFF增强及减弱的区域.结果 MMSE和AVLT测试结果显示MCI患者与正常老年人比较,记忆功能损害较明显,主要以情景记忆的短延迟回忆[(2.4±1.7)分与(6.6±1.4)分,t=3.70,P＜0.01]和长延迟回忆[(2.1±1.6)分与(6.7±1.5)分,t=4.16,P＜0.01]损害为主.静息状态fMRI结果显示与正常老年人比较,MCI患者与情景记忆密切相关的海马、海马旁回和侧颞叶皮层等脑区的ALFF减弱(t=2.58、2.43、1.75,均P＜0.01),颞顶交界和顶下小叶的ALFF增强(t=3.14、2.77,均P＜0.01).结论 MCI患者静息状态DMN与情景记忆密切相关的脑区结点活动强度存在异常,与正常老年人比较,大多活动减低,但是部分区域活动增强,提示MCI患者脑内可能存在代偿机制.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the activity and its possible neural mechanism of brain default mode network by using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods The 20 amnestic MCI patients and 25 healthy controls were included in this study, and all subjects underwent mini-mental state examination (MMSE), auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) and fMRI. The data were analyzed by amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and the enhanced and weakened regions of ALFF were observed and compared in both MCI patients and healthy controls. Results MMSE and AVLT tests showed that the memory function was seriously impaired in MCI patients compared with healthy controls, which is based on the short and long delayed episodic memory impairment (2.4±1.7 vs. 6.6±1.4, t=3.70, P＜0.01; 2.1±1.6 vs. 6.7±1.5, t=4.16, P＜0.01). The resting state fMRI showed that MCI patients had significant decreases of ALFF in hippocampal formation, parahippocampal cortex and lateral temporal cortex as compared with health controls (t=2.58, 2.43 and 1.75, all P＜0.01), which were closely relevant to the episodic memory. And they had significant increases in temporal-parietal joint and inferior parietal lobule (t=3.14 and 2.77, both P＜0.01). Conclusions MCI patients show significant decreased active intensity of some DMN nodes that is related to episodic memory in resting state. Increased active intensity in MCI patients would be some type of compensation.     

甲状腺功能异常患者心率变异性临床分析

Objective To investigate the autonomic nervous system function of hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism by analyzing the heart rate variability of patients with the diseases. Methods 12-synchronous dynamic 24-hour monitoring and man-machine dialogue were used in 36 patients with hyperthyroidism, 30 patients with hypothyroidism and 26 cases of healthy volunteers(controls), and 24-hour electrocardiogram was analyzed.Heart rate variability indicators observed included 24 h consecutive sinus standard deviation of R-R interval (SDNN), standard deviation of sequential five-minute R-R interval (SDANN), percentage of differences between adjacent NN intervals that ＞ 50 ms(PNN50), root mean square standard deviation from adjacent R-R interval (rMSSD), low-frequency power (LF), high frequency power (HF), low frequency power/high frequency power (LF/HF). Results In hyperthyroidism group, SDNN[(80.48 ± 11.95)ms], PNN50[(18.56 ± 3.50)%], rMSSD [ ( 13.56 ± 3.45)ms] were significantly lower than those of the control group[ ( 128.06 ± 12.8)ms, (32.84 ± 7.21)%,(30.84 ± 6.12)ms, all P ＜ 0.05 ], and LF/HF(3.78 ± 1.63) were significantly higher than that of the control group (2.34 ± 1.06, P ＜ 0.05). In hypothyroidism group, SDNN[(65.65 ± 15.55)ms], SDAN[ (80.2 ± 15.72)ms],PNN50[ (16.34 ± 3.56)%], rMSSD [ (15.77 ± 3.58)ms ], LF[ (279.03 ± 91.49)ms2/Hz ] were also significantly lower than those of the control group[ (128.06 ± 12.87)ms, (132.40 ± 21.95 )ms, (32.84 ± 7.21 )%, (30.84 ± 6.12)ms, (525.60 ± 84.11)ms2/Hz, all P ＜ 0.05], but LF/HF (1.08 ± 0.73) was lower than that of the control group,however, the difference was not significant(P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions The heart rate in patients with abnormal thyroid function is lower in the overall performance, but in patients with hyperthyroidism sympathetic activity is dominate, while in patients with hypothyroidism, vagal nerve activity is dominate.     

Viable Myocardium Impact on Left Ventricular Function after Late Revascularization of Infarct-related Artery in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives The long-term benefit of late reperfusion of infarct-related artery (IRA) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is controversial, and the benefit mechanisms remain uncertain. Low dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LDSE) can identify viable myocardium and predict improvement of wall motion after revascularization. Methods Sixty-nine patients with first AMI who did not received early reperfusion therapy were studied by LDSE at 5 to 10 days after AMI. Wall motion abnormality and left ventricular size were measured at the same time. Successful PCI were done in all patients at 10 to 21 days after AMI onset. Patients were divided in two groups based on the presence or absence of viable myocardium. Echocardiography was repeated six months later. Results There were 157 motion abnormality segments. 89 segments (57%) were viable during LDSE. 26 patients (38%) with viability and 43 (62%) without. In viable group, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was increased (P < 0.05), and left ventricular end systolic volume index (LVESVI) and wall motion score (WMS) were decreased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) significantly at 6 months compared with baseline. But in patients without viability, LVEF was decreased (P < 0.01), and LVESVI and left ventricular end diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) were increased (P<0.05) significantly after 6 months, and the WMS did not changed (P > 0.05). LVEF increased (P< 0.05) and WMS decreased (P < 0.05) on LDSE during acute phase in patients with viability, but they were not changed in the nonviable group. Conclusions Late revascularization of IRA in patients with presence of viable myocardium after AMI is associated with long-term preservation left ventricular function and less ventricular remodeling. Improvement of left ventricular systolic function on LDSE indicates late phase recovery of left ventricular function after late revascularization.     

卒中后认知功能变化规律及其影响因素分析

目的 研究卒中后认知功能的变化规律及其影响因素.方法 收集西安交通大学医学院第一、第二附属医院和陕西省人民医院住院98例首发卒中患者,简短照料者问卷得分≤56分,卒中发病2周之内,无意识障碍及失语,至少一侧上肢肌力≥3级,能够完成量表测查者,分别于卒中急性期(发病2周以内)、卒中后6、12周,应用简易精神状态量表(MMSE)和蒙特利尔认知功能评定量表(MoCA)评定认知功能.结果 MMSE测定卒中急性期、卒中后6、12周认知功能障碍发生率分别为24.5%、12.1%和9.9%;MoCA测定卒中急性期、卒中后6、12周认知功能障碍发生率分别为86.8%、68.2%和38.0%.Logistic回归分析显示,与卒中后认知功能障碍相关的因素有高龄(B=-0.124)、高血压史(β=-3.705)、低教育程度(β=0.560)和卒中后抑郁(β=4.613)(P＜0.05);而低教育程度(β=0.710)、冠心病史(β=-3.649)、TC水平增高(β=-3.361)、LDL-C水平增高(B=-5.833)和卒中后抑郁(β=-3.612)影响卒中后认知功能恢复(P＜0.05).结论 卒中后12周内认知功能逐渐改善,认知障碍发生率逐渐降低,低教育程度、冠心病史、TC、LDL-C水平增高和卒中后抑郁影响卒中后认知功能恢复.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the evolution of cognitive function and its influence factors,so as to provide evidence for guiding treatment of cognitive impairment after stroke.Methods A total of 98 cases of patients with stroke admitted in the First and Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University and Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital between April and September 2009 were enrolled and recruited.Mini-mental state examination(MMSE) and Montreal cognitive function rating scale (MoCA) were adopted to assess the evolution of cognition at acute phase( within 2 weeks),6 weeks,and 12 weeks after stroke among patients within 2 weeks after onset,questionnaire score≤56,without aphasia and consiousness disturbance and at least one side of upper extremities muscle force ≥ grade 3.Results When using MMSE scale as criteria,the incidence of cognitive impairment was 24.5% at acute phase,12.1% at 6 weeks and 9.9% at 12 weeks after stroke,while the incidence was 86.8%,68.2%,and 38.0% respectively when using MoCA scale as criteria.The scales of MMSE and MoCA were increased and the incidence of cognitive impairment was decreased within 12 weeks after stroke.Logistic regression analysis indicated that,advanced age( β = -0.124 ),hypertension ( β = -3.705 ),low education level ( β = 0.560 )and depression after stroke ( β =4.613 ) were related with cognitive impairment after stroke ( all P values ＜0.05 ); low education level ( β = 0.710 ),coronary heart disease ( β = -3.649 ),elevated total cholesterol (TC) ( β = -3.361 ) and low density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C) ( β = - 5.833 ),and depression ( β =-3.612) delayed recovery of cognition after stroke.Conclusions The cognitive function improves and the incidence of cognitive impairment lowers as the time goes on within 12 weeks after stroke.The factors that may affect the improvement of cognitive function include low educational level,coronary heart disease,elevated TC and LDL-C,and post-stroke depression.     

Neuromuscular symptoms and dysfunction in subclinical hypothyroid patients: beneficial effect of L-T4 replacement therapy

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: The presence of neuromuscular symptoms was ascertained by questionnaire in 33 consecutive patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) as compared to 44 age- and sex-matched controls. Blood was sampled for PTH, magnesium, phosphate, and total and ionized calcium determination. Patients reporting three or more symptoms were also studied by surface electromyography (sEMG). The study was repeated following a six-month L-T4 course. RESULTS: Neuromuscular symptoms were significantly more frequent in patients than in controls (P = 0. 0001), and correlated with TSH values (r = 0.52; P = 0.0001). Among patients showing three or more symptoms (n = 11), sEMG documented the presence of repetitive discharges in 8 patients. L-T4 therapy led to a significant improvement of symptoms (P = 0.0001); persistent repetitive discharges were no longer observed. Total and ionized calcium values, always within the normal limits, were significantly lower in patients than controls (P < 0.0001). An inverse relationship was observed between ionized calcium and: TSH values (r = -0.69, P = 0.0001); the number of neuromuscular symptoms (r = -0.53, P = 0.0001). L-T4 replacement induced a significant increase in both total and ionized calcium levels (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular symptoms and dysfunction are rather common in subclinical hypothyroidism, and may be associated with abnormalities in serum calcium balance and surface electromyography. The ability of L-T4 treatment to reverse all these changes suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism patients may require early therapy not only to prevent progression to frank hypothyroidism, but also to improve their neuromuscular dysfunction.     

Changes in plasma concentrations of osteoprotegerin before and after levothyroxine replacement therapy in hypothyroid patients

CONTEXT: Recent study has shown that overt hypothyroidism (oHT) is associated with increased plasma osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine the plasma OPG level alteration before and after levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment in oHT and subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT). PATIENTS: The study subjects included oHT and sHT patients and healthy individuals (20 subjects in each group). METHODS: All patients were given L-T4 therapy to maintain a euthyroid state. Plasma OPG concentration was measured in duplicate by a sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Plasma OPG levels in oHT and sHT before treatment were significantly higher than levels in controls (P < 0.01). After normalization of thyroid function, OPG levels in both groups decreased markedly (P < 0.01). The absolute changes in OPG showed a significant positive correlation with the changes in TSH (P < 0.05) and negative correlation with the changes in endothelium-dependent arterial dilation (P < 0.01) in hypothyroid patients during the course of treatment. CONCLUSION: OPG may be involved in the development of vascular dysfunction in hypothyroid patients.     

Thyroid Function Abnormalities and Cognitive Impairment in Elderly People: Results of the Invecchiare in Chianti Study

OBJECTIVES: To investigate thyroid function testing abnormalities in older persons and to explore the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cognition.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional.
SETTING: Community-based.
PARTICIPANTS: One thousand one hundred seventy-one men and women aged 23 to 102.
MEASUREMENTS: Thyroid function was evaluated by measuring plasma concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3). Cognition was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Prevalence of overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction was evaluated in different age groups (<65 vs ≥65). Age trends in TSH, FT4, and FT3 were examined in euthyroid participants. The cross-sectional association between thyroid dysfunction and MMSE score was evaluated adjusting for confounders.
RESULTS: Subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism were more prevalent in older than in younger participants (subclinical hypothyroidism, 3.5% vs 0.4%, P <.03; subclinical hyperthyroidism, 7.8% vs 1.9%, P <.002). In euthyroid participants, TSH and FT3 declined with age, whereas FT4 increased. Older participants with subclinical hyperthyroidism had lower MMSE scores than euthyroid subjects (22.61±6.88 vs 24.72±4.52, P <.03). In adjusted analyses, participants with subclinical hyperthyroidism were significantly more likely to have cognitive dysfunction (hazard rate=2.26, P =.003).
CONCLUSION: Subtle age-related changes in FT3, FT4, and TSH occur in individuals who remain euthyroid. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is the most prevalent thyroid dysfunction in Italian older persons and is associated with cognitive impairment.     

Health status, mood, and cognition in experimentally induced subclinical hypothyroidism

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether subclinical hypothyroidism causes decrements in health status, mood, and/or cognitive function. DESIGN: This was a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study of usual dose l-thyroxine (L-T4) (euthyroid arm) vs. lower dose L-T4 (subclinical hypothyroid arm) in hypothyroid subjects. PATIENTS: Nineteen subjects on L-T4 therapy for primary hypothyroidism participated in the study. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects underwent measurements of health status, mood, and cognition using validated instruments: Short Form 36, Profile of Mood States, and tests of declarative memory (paragraph recall, complex figure), working memory (N-back, subject ordered pointing, digit span backward), and motor learning (pursuit rotor). The same measures were repeated after 12 wk on each of the study arms. RESULTS: Mean TSH levels increased to 17 mU/liter on the subclinical hypothyroid arm (P < 0.0001). Mean free T4 and free T3 levels remained within the normal range. The Profile of Mood States fatigue subscale and Short Form 36 general health subscale were slightly worse during the subclinical hypothyroid arm. Measures of working memory (N-back, subject ordered pointing) were worse during the subclinical hypothyroid arm. These differences did not depend on mood or health status but were related to changes in free T4 or free T3 levels. There were no decrements in declarative memory or motor learning. CONCLUSIONS: We found mild decrements in health status and mood in L-T4-treated hypothyroid subjects when subclinical hypothyroidism was induced in a blinded, randomized fashion. More importantly, there were independent decrements in working memory, which suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism specifically impacts brain areas responsible for working memory.     

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Although subclinical hypothyroidism is frequently diagnosed, the decision to institute a substitutive therapy with L-T4 remains controversial. Because the cardiovascular system is considered a main target for the action of thyroid hormone, we investigated whether subclinical hypothyroidism induces cardiovascular abnormalities. Twenty-six patients (mean age, 36 +/- 12 yr) were evaluated by Doppler-echocardiography, whereas a subgroup of 10 patients, randomly selected, were reevaluated after 6 months of L-T4 substitutive therapy (mean dose, 68 microg daily). Thirty subjects (matched for age, sex, and body surface area) served as controls. Mean plasma TSH was significantly higher in patients (P < 0.001), whereas mean serum free T4 and free T3 concentrations, although in the normal range, were significantly lower (P < 0.001 and P < 0.005, respectively). Blood pressure and heart rate did not differ from control values. Echocardiogram examination showed no abnormalities of the left ventricular morphology and a slight, but not significant, reduction in the systolic function in the patient group. In contrast, Doppler-derived indices of diastolic function showed significant prolongation of the isovolumic relaxation time (94 +/- 13 vs. 84 +/- 8 msec; P < 0.001), increased A wave (55 +/- 13 vs. 48 +/- 9 cm/sec; P < 0.05), and reduced early diastolic mitral flow velocity/late diastolic mitral flow velocity ratio (1.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.3; P < 0.001). In the subgroup of 10 patients, thyroid hormone profile was normalized by 6 months of L-T4 substitutive therapy, whereas no changes were observed in the left ventricular morphology. Systolic function was significantly enhanced, as compared with pretreatment values (P < 0.01) but did not differ from control values. Also, systemic vascular resistance was significantly decreased by L-T4 replacement therapy. Assessment of diastolic function showed significant shortening of isovolumic relaxation time (77 +/- 15 vs. 91 +/- 8; P < 0.05), reduction of A wave (51 +/- 13 vs. 60 +/- 12; P < 0.01), and increase of early diastolic mitral flow velocity/late diastolic mitral flow velocity ratio (1.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.3; P < 0.001). These indices, however, were comparable with those of control subjects. These findings indicate that subclinical hypothyroidism affects diastolic function and that this abnormality may be reversed by L-T4 substitutive therapy.     

左旋甲状腺素治疗妊娠期亚临床甲减妇女对后代神经智力发育影响的前瞻性研究

目的 通过前瞻性观察妊娠期亚临床甲状腺功能减退(甲减)妇女左旋甲状腺素(L-T4)治疗后甲状腺功能指标的动态变化和后代神经智力的发育情况,探讨L-T4对妊娠期亚临床甲减妇女后代神经智力发育的影响.方法17例亚临床甲减孕妇未接受治疗(SCH组),23例亚临床甲减孕妇接受L-T4治疗(SCH+LT4组),24例正常孕妇(C组)作为对照组.3组孕妇分别在妊娠12周(G12)、16周(G16)、20周(G20)、24周(G24)、28周(G28)、32周(G32)和(或)36周(G36)接受随访检查,检测血清TSH、TT4、FT4、TT3、FT3、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)和甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb).应用Bayley量表对所有孕妇的后代在14～30月龄检测智力和运动评分.结果SCH组、SCH+LT4组和C组孕妇后代的智力发育指数(MDI)分别为115.12分、118.56分和117.63分;运动发育指数(PDI)分别为115.47分、120.65分和117.50分.与其他两组比较,SCH+LT4组MDI和PDI评分均较高,SCH组MDI和PDI评分均较低,但3组间比较没有统计学差异.SCH组孕妇的血清TSH在妊娠过程中始终保持在2.0 mIU/L以上,各时点都明显高于C组(均P＜0.05);血清TT4和FT4水平除G28和G32外其他时点均略低于同时点C组水平.SCH+LT4组孕妇基础血清TSH水平明显高于其他两组(均P＜0.01),血清TT4和FT4水平则低于其他两组;在接受L-T4治疗后血清TSH水平明显下降,自G12至孕末期始终与C组水平相当,且低于同时点SCH组孕妇的水平;血清TT4和FT4水平则明显升高至与对照组相当的水平.结论L-T4的及时治疗能够维持妊娠早期亚临床甲减患者妊娠全程血清TSH在正常水平,这很可能会避免后代智力和运动能力发育水平的下降.     

短暂性全面遗忘症的认知功能和MRI及PET的对比研究

目的　研究短暂性全面遗忘症 (transientglobalamnesia ,TGA)患者认知功能及脑代谢状况。方法　对 3例临床诊断为TGA的患者分别行简易心理测试 (MMSE)、修订的韦氏记忆量表 (WMS R)测定和脑核磁共振成像 (MRI)检查 ,在恢复后不同时间以18氟标记的脱氧葡萄糖 (18F FDG)为示踪剂行脑正电子发射型计算机断层扫描 (positrone missiontomography ,PET)成像 ,并对其图像、量表测试结果与病史作对照研究。结果　 3例患者MMSE测试及MRI扫描均未见明显异常 ,而WMS R测试及PET成像显示 :1例正常 ,另外 2例有不同程度认知功能损害 ,与记忆相关结构有不同程度的低代谢。结论　TGA患者认知功能及局部脑代谢与其症状持续时间密切相关 ,尽早终止其发作是必要的。     

老年期抑郁症和轻度Alzheimer病的认知功能研究

目的 了解老年期抑郁症（SD）和轻度Alzheimer病（AD）的认知功能差异。方法 使用汉密顿抑郁量表（HAMD）、简易智能状态检查（MMSE）和Et常生活能力量表（ADL）、韦氏成人记忆量表（WAIS-RC）和中国临床记忆量表对60例SD患者、30例轻度AD患者和30例正常老年人进行评定。同时在治疗前对他们进行P300测量。结果 SD和轻度AD患者的MMSE、WAIS-RC和记忆量表评分均显著低于正常对照组，而ADL总分均显著高于正常对照组，但轻度AD患者的前3个量表总分又均显著低于SD患者，而ADL总分又均显著高于SD患者（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。SD和轻度AD患者的P300的N1、P2、N2、P3潜伏期均显著长于正常对照组，SD患者的P3波幅显著低于轻度AD患者；但轻度AD患者的P300的N1、N2、P3潜伏期均显著长于SD患者；并且轻度AD患者的P300的P2波幅显著高于正常对照组（P〈0．05或P〈0．01），而SD的P2波幅与正常对照组无显著性差异。结论 SD和轻度AD患者均存在认知功能障碍，但轻度AD患者较SD患者重。     

盐酸多奈哌齐干预血管性痴呆患者后的磁共振波谱分析

目的 利用氢质子磁共振波谱分析(1 H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy,1 H-MRS)技术研究脑卒中后血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD)患者颞叶海马区细胞代谢水平及给予盐酸多奈哌齐后,细胞代谢水平的改变及其与临床症状的关系.方法 脑卒中VD组18例,男性16例,女性2例,平均年龄(76.9±2.7)岁,符合痴呆的《神经病诊断和统计手册》第4版(DSM-Ⅳ)诊断标准;脑卒中非VD组13例,男性11例,女性2例,平均年龄(76.2±3.6)岁;正常对照组来源于门诊就诊者,共14例,男性12例,女性2例,平均年龄(75.1±2.4)岁.所有入组者均行简易精神状态量表(MMSE)、日常生活活动能力量表(ADL)、汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)评分以及1H-MRS检测患者双侧颞叶海马区细胞代谢水平.脑卒中VD组在盐酸多奈哌齐治疗6个月后复查MMSE评分及1H-MRS检查.结果 脑卒中VD组患者双侧颞叶海马区N-乙酰天门冬氨酸盐(NAA)/肌酸(Cr)比值较正常对照组及脑卒中非VD组均有显著下降(F=4.23、4.98,均P＜0.05);而双侧胆碱复合物(Cho)/Cr比值较正常对照组显著升高(P=0.005、0.010),较脑卒中非VD组左侧有显著升高(P=0.038),但右侧差异无统计学意义(P=0.066).脑卒中非VD组NAA/Cr比值及Cho/Cr比值较正常对照组虽有变化,但差异无统计学意义.脑卒中VD组MMSE评分与双侧颞叶海马区NAA/Cr及Cho/Cr比值有相关性,且MMSE分数越低,NAA/Cr比值越低,而Cho/Cr比值则越高.应用盐酸多奈哌齐干预治疗脑卒中VD组患者6个月后,患者MMSE及ADL评分均有显著提高(均P＜0.05);双侧颞叶海马区NAA/Cr比值无明显改善(t=-2.02、-2.04,均P＞0.05),而双侧颞叶海马区Cho/Cr比值有显著下降(t=2.86、2.23,均P＜0.05).结论 1 H-MRS技术可能有助于早发现脑卒中后血管性痴呆;盐酸多奈哌齐可通过调整脑内胆碱能系统,改善血管性痴呆患者的认知功能.