Chest tube insertion is one important factor leading to intercostal nerve impairment in thoracic surgery

Objectives: Chest tube insertion seems to be one important factor leading to intercostal nerve impairment. The purpose of this prospective study was to objectively evaluate intercostal nerve damage using current perception threshold testing in association with chest tube insertion. Methods: Sixteen patients were enrolled in this study. Intercostal nerve function was assessed with a series of 2000-Hz (Aβ fiber), 250-Hz (Aδ fiber), and 5-Hz (C fiber) stimuli using current perception threshold testing (Neurometer CPT/C R). Current perception threshold values at chest tube insertion were measured before surgery, during chest tube insertion and after removal of the chest tube. Intensities of ongoing pain were also assessed using a numeric rating scale (0-10). Results: Current perception thresholds at each frequency after surgery were significantly higher than before surgery. Numeric rating scale scores for pain were significantly reduced from 3.3 to 1.9 after removal of the chest tube (p = 0.004). The correlation between current perception threshold value at 2000 Hz and intensity of ongoing pain was marginally significant (p = 0.058). Conclusions: This is the first study to objectively evaluate intercostal nerve damage at chest tube insertion. The results confirmed that chest tube insertion has clearly deleterious effects on intercostal nerve function

Transplantation of Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Diabetic Polyneuropathy in Rats

OBJECTIVE—Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to secrete various cytokines that exhibit angiogenic and neurosupportive effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of MSC transplantation on diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in rats

Bone Marrow Aplasia Following Propylthiouracil Therapy: Report of a Case With Complete Recovery

Although ALTHOUGH agranulocytosis occurs in approximately 1% of patients treated with some antithyroid drugs, notably methylthiouracil, propylthiouracil, and methimazol, the association of bone marrow aplasia with their use appears to be extremely rare.1 An occasional case of aplastic anemia has been reported following methylthiouracil2 and methimazol (Tapazole) therapy.3 The following represents the first report of bone marrow aplasia and pancytopenia following therapy with propylthiouracil. REPORT OF A CASE A 53-year-old white housewife was first admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital on March 17, 1966, with complaints of tiredness, weakness, nervousness, palpitation, and weight loss of 15 months' duration. Physical examination revealed blood pressure, 130/70 mm Hg; pulse rate, 100 beats per minute and irregular; respiration, 16/min; and temperature 98.6 F (37 C). The patient had a questionable lid lag, moderate diffuse thyroid enlargement, an irregular cardiac rhythm, and mild ankle edema.Laboratory data included hemoglobin level, 15 g