Low bone mineral density in ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy? A systematic review

Purpose: Non-ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy are prone to low bone mineral density. In ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy, bone mineral density deficits are expected to be small or absent, but a consensus conclusion is lacking. In this systematic review bone mineral density in ambulatory persons with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification Scales I–III) was studied.

Materials and methods: Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched. According to international guidelines, low bone mineral density was defined as Z-score?≤??2.0. In addition, we focused on Z-score?≤??1.0 because this may indicate a tendency towards low bone mineral density.

Results: We included 16 studies, comprising 465 patients aged 1–65?years. Moderate and conflicting evidence for low bone mineral density (Z-score?≤??2.0) was found for several body parts (total proximal femur, total body, distal femur, lumbar spine) in children with Gross Motor Function Classification Scales II and III. We found no evidence for low bone mineral density in children with Gross Motor Function Classification Scale I or adults, although there was a tendency towards low bone mineral density (Z-score?≤??1.0) for several body parts.

Conclusions: Although more high-quality research is needed, results indicate that deficits in bone mineral density are not restricted to non-ambulatory people with cerebral palsy.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Although more high-quality research is needed, including adults and fracture risk assessment, the current study indicates that deficits in bone mineral density are not restricted to non-ambulatory people with CP.

• Health care professionals should be aware that optimal nutrition, supplements on indication, and an active lifestyle, preferably with weight-bearing activities, are important in ambulatory people with CP, also from a bone quality point-of-view.

• If indicated, medication and fall prevention training should be prescribed.

     

Structures at Risk From an Intermetatarsal Screw for Lapidus Bunionectomy: A Cadaveric Study

The Lapidus bunionectomy is performed to treat hallux valgus. Recurrence of the deformity remains a concern. A transverse intermetatarsal screw spanning the base of the first metatarsal to the base of the second can increase stability. The neurovascular bundle is located within the proximity of this screw. In this study, we assessed the structures at risks with the use of this technique. In 10 specimens, a guide wire was placed, and a 4.0-mm cannulated screw was inserted. The neurovascular bundle was dissected and inspected for direct trauma to the neurovascular bundle, and the proximity of the screw was measured using a digital caliper. Ten cadaveric specimens were used. The dorsalis pedis artery and deep peroneal nerve were free from injury in 9 of 10 specimens. In those 9 specimens, the neurovascular bundle was located dorsal in relation to the screw. The mean distance of the screw to the neurovascular bundle was 7.1 ± 3.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw to the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) was 14.7 ± 4.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw as it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 18.0 ± 7.2 mm. In 1 specimen, the screw was found to be traversing through the neurovascular bundle. The distance from the screw to the first TMTJ was 15.0 mm. The distance of the screw from where it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 24.0 mm. Although the intermetatarsal screw avoided the neurovascular cases in most instances, there is some anatomic risk to the neurovascular bundle. Further study is warranted to evaluate clinical results using the intermetatarsal screw for the modified Lapidus procedure.     

Augmented Vector Right ST-Segment Elevation: Pearls and Pitfalls

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is characterized by ST-segment elevation in at least 2 contiguous leads, chest discomfort, and the release of biomarkers requiring emergent revascularization. In 2013, the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association revised STEMI guidelines to include augmented vector right (aVR) ST-segment elevation to be treated as a STEMI equivalent. However, aVR ST-segment elevation with multilead ST depression can occur in presentations other than occlusive myocardial infarctions. The purpose of this clinical feature is to provide a brief review of aVR ST-segment elevation, explore approaches to clinical decision making, and provide tools to support nurse practitioners caring for patients with cardiac issues.     

注射催产素对小鼠骨密度和成骨细胞分化影响的实验研究

目的通过建立雌性小鼠骨质疏松模型并给予催产素(oxytocin,OT)腹腔注射来验证催产素对骨代谢的调控作用。方法选取同批次2月龄雌性C57/B6小鼠15只,随机分成3组,每组5只:①对照组(C),②造模组(OVX),③造模+催产素注射组(OVX+OT)。注射催产素前和注射8周后分别测定各组小鼠左股骨和腰椎L4～6的骨密度,并提取小鼠骨髓细胞定向诱导分化,进行碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)和Von Kossa染色以鉴定成骨细胞分化水平,通过q PCR检测分化相关因子表达水平。结果 OVX组小鼠骨密度较C组显著降低(P0. 001),OVX+OT组小鼠骨密度较OVX组显著升高(P0. 001)。ALP染色显示,OVX组成骨细胞分化较C组差,细胞集落最少; OVX+OT组成骨细胞分化情况较OVX组好,染色面积增加了322. 5%。Von Kossa染色发现OVX组细胞集落和钙结节较C组少且小,OVX+OT组细胞集落和钙结节较OVX组多,染色面积增加了62. 3%。而进一步添加催产素体外培养的成骨细胞其分化水平均比未加入催产素组有所提高。q PCR结果显示催产素能够促进成骨相关基因OPN、Runx2和Osterix的表达(P0. 001)。结论催产素促进小鼠体内的骨合成代谢作用,提示其对骨质疏松症治疗具有潜在用途。     

Canakinumab: Promises and Future in Cardiometabolic Diseases and Malignancy

Inflammation has proven in multiple studies to be responsible for the progression of cardiometabolic diseases and malignancies. The interleukin family has been critically associated with progression of atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and various malignancies. Given the advent of pharmacologic interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibition, this pathway can potentially be targeted to improve outcomes. In the recently concluded Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study (CANTOS) trial, investigators looked at the potential role of IL-1 (especially IL-1β) inhibition in halting the progression of atherosclerosis. In the subset analysis of the data from this trial, IL-1β inhibition with canakinumab was found to have beneficial effects in other cardiometabolic diseases characterized by inflammation, like diabetes, stroke, and chronic kidney disease, and also in patients with lung cancer. In this article, we will try to review the current literature on the role of canakinumab in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases and malignancies.