Существует ли связь между средним уровнем mIDkIne и прогнозом заболевания COVID-19?

   The objective was aimed to measure plasma midkine (MK)* levels in patients with COVID-19 and assess its clinical significance.   Materials and Methods. 88 patients observed in our hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. The patients’ demographic characteristics, clinical, and laboratory data were studied, and the relationship between MK levels, prognosis, and other parameters was investigated.   Results. Of the 88 patients included in the study, 43 (48.9 %) were female and 45 (51.1%) were male. 24 (27%) patients died. The mean age of non-survivors was 70 ± 12.3 years and the survivors were 61.9 ± 18.2 years. Mortality predictors such as D-dimer, ferritin, troponin, LDH, CRP, and procalcitonin were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors (p < 0.05). The median MK level (IR) was 152.5 ± 125 pg/ml in all patients, 143 ± 149 pg/ml in survivors, and 165.5 ± 76 pg/ml in non-survivors (p = 0.546). The difference between these two groups was not statistically significant. The area under the ROC curve was found to be 0.542 (95% CI 0.423–0.661, p = 0.546).   Conclusion. MK is not a biomarker that can replace or reinforce known predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients.   Цель. Исследование направлено на измерение уровня Midkine (MK)* в плазме крови у пациентов с COVID-19 и оценку его клинической значимости.   Материалы и методы. В исследование включены 88 пациентов, наблюдавшихся в клинике с диагнозом COVID-19. Изучены демографические характеристики пациентов, клинические и лабораторные данные, а также исследована взаимосвязь между уровнями MK, прогнозом и другими параметрами.   Результаты. Из 88 пациентов, включенных в исследование, 43 (48,9 %) были женщинами и 45 (51,1 %) – мужчинами. 24 (27 %) пациента умерли. Средний возраст невыживших составил 70 ± 12,3 года, а выживших – 61,9 ± 18,2 года. Предикторы смертности, такие как D-димер, ферритин, тропонин, ЛДГ, СРБ и прокальцитонин, были значительно выше у умерших, чем у выживших (р < 0,05). Медиана уровня МК (IR) составила 152,5 ± 125 пг/мл у всех пациентов, 143 ± 149 пг/мл у выживших и 165,5 ± 76 пг/мл у умерших (р = 0,546). Разница между этими 2 группами была незначима. Было обнаружено, что площадь под кривой ROC составляет 0,542 (95 % ДИ 0,423–0,661, р = 0,546).   Вывод. МК не является биомаркером, который может заменить или усилить известные предикторы смертности у пациентов с COVID-19

Grading of epidural fibrosis in a new rabbit experimental model for epidural adhesive scar tissue formation

This experimental study was planned to evaluate the success of rabbit hemilaminotomy procedure and proposing of a new grading system in the evaluation of epidural fibrosis. Fourteen New Zealand white rabbits were used in this experiment. Hemilaminotomy was performed in one level and 4 weeks later after operation rabbits were sacrificied. The lumbar spines were removed and immersed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for approximately 24 hours. Then each specimen was decalcified in 5% formic acid for approximately 3 weeks. Specimens were cut coronally for gross inspection. We proposed a new grading system in the evaluation of peridural fibrosis. In seven (50%) of the rabbits of hemilaminotomy sites, fibrous tissue penetrated into the spinal canal through the bone defect and produced neural compression with reaching to the posterior longitudinal ligament (Grade IV). Four hemilaminotomy sites were in Grade III fibrosis. Remaining 3 rabbits had Grade II fibrosis. In this experimental study, we modified the rabbit total laminectomy model by using of hemilaminotomy procedure in the studying of peridural scar formation. In the same time we proposed a new grading system in the evaluation of epidural scar tissue formation. © 2009 OMU All rights reserved

The effect of omega-3 solution in the prevention of epidural fibrosis formation in experimental rabbit hemilaminotomy model

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids solution in the prevention of the forming of peridural fibrotic tissue and adhesion in a rabbit hemilaminotomy model. This new experimental model was previously developed by the first author of this study. Twenty-one New Zealand white rabbits were used for this experiment. Seven of them were randomly selected as Control group and was named as Group I rabbits. The rabbits in this group were not operated and treated. The second group was Group II including 7 rabbits. This group was named as hemilaminotomy and untreated rabbits. Group III included 7 rabbits and named as Omega-3 treated group after hemilaminotomy procedure. In this group (Group III), 250 mg omega-3 solution was put in the hemilaminotomy area before closing the skin and fascia. Four weeks later from the operation rabbits were sacrificied by perfusion with 10% neutral buffered formalin solution. The lumbar spines were removed and immersed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for approximately 24 hours. Then each specimen was decalcified in 5% formic acid for approximately 3 weeks. Specimens were cut coronally for gross inspection. Peridural scar tissue on gross inspection in coronal sectioned specimens was graded into three grades. Grade I epidural scar tissue was scored with 1 point, Grade II with 2 point and Grade III with 3 point. The average score of hemilaminotomy sites without treatment was found as 2, 6 ± 0, 51. In the other hand the average score of hemilaminotomy sites with omega-3 fatty acids treatment was found as 1, 9 ± 0, 56. The difference between the treatment and non-treatment group was statistically significant. Omega-3 fatty acids solution seems an effective treatment modality in the prevention of peridural excessive scar tissue formation in the rabbit hemilaminotomy model. © 2010 OMU All rights reserved

Morphometry of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in sickle cell disease

PubMedID: 20006508Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who have deformities and vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis may require surgery. Spinal surgeons must become familiar with the vertebral morphometry of patients with SCD and to that aim we have examined the morphometry of the thoracolumbar spine in these patients. A cohort of 100 patients with SCD was examined using plain thoraco lumbar anteroposterior/lateral radiographs and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Vertebral morphometry (vertebral body diameters, pedicle, spinal canal and deformity) was assessed for different age groups. Results were compared to published studies of healthy subjects. The vertebral dimensions for the 16-20-year and the 21+-year-old groups were significantly smaller for females than males at most spinal levels, while measurements in the 6-10 years and 11-15 years age groups were similar across both sexes at most levels. No significant statistical difference was found between the diameters of the right and left pedicles. With the exception of the sagittal diameter, most of the dimensions of the vertebral bodies measured in SCD patients were less than those of healthy individuals; multiple deformities were also observed. Low bone density was noted in 32 patients. Our data highlight the differences in vertebral bone mineral density, anatomy and deformities in patients with SCD compared to healthy individuals. When considering surgical intervention for patients with SCD, it is important that pre-operative radiography and planning is undertaken, and that the surgeon is familiar with the geometry of the pedicles of the thoracolumbar vertebrae necessary for the safe insertion of pedicle screws. Osteoporosis must be considered when planning surgical interventions in these patients. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved