Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency combined with continuous nerve block in the treatment of refractory postherpetic neuralgia(PHN).Methods A total of 208 patients with refractory PHN,who were admitted to the Hengshui Municipal People's Hospital of China between January 2021 and January 2023,were selected as the subjects of study.Using random number table method,the patients were divided into combination group and control group,with 104 patients in each group.The patients of control group received CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency therapy,and the patients of combination group received additional continuous nerve block therapy on the basis of the treatment of control group.The pain degree at different time point,clinical effective rate,number of analgesia remedy times,quality of sleep,and the levels of serum high mobility group box 1(HMGB1),interleukin-1 β(IL-1β)and interleukin-10(IL-10)were compared between the two groups.Results During the follow-up period,4 patients were lost in touch.Finally,103 patients were included in the combination group and 101 patients were included in the control group.The total treatment response rate in the combination group was 89.32％,which was significantly higher than 78.22％in the control group(P＜0.05).There were statistically significant differences in visual analogue scale(V AS)scores and Athens insomnia scale(AIS)scores including the time effect,inter-group effect and time-group interaction effect,between the two groups(P＜0.05).The postoperative one-week,2-week,4-week VAS scores and AIS scores in the combination group were remarkably lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The number of analgesia remedy times in the combination group was smaller than that in the control group,and the used dosage of tramadol in the combination group was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Four weeks after treatment,the serum levels of HMGB1,IL-1β and IL-10 in the combination group were lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of refractory PHN,CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency combined with continuous nerve block can effectively alleviate neural inflammatory damage,and improve pain symptoms and sleep quality,besides,its analgesic effect and clinical efficacy are superior to CT-guided pulsed radiofrequency alone.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:264-268)

Objective To discuss the curative effect of pulsed radiofrequency combined with nerve block in treating refractory postherpetic neuralgia(PHN).Methods A total of 201 patients with PHN,who were admitted to the hospital to receive treatment between March 2020 and March 2023,were enrolled in this study.Using random number table method,the patients were divided into pulsed radiofrequency group,nerve block group and combination group,with 67 patients in each group.On the basis of routine medication,the patients of pulsed radiofrequency group received nerve pulsed radiofrequency treatment,the patients of nerve block group received nerve block therapy,while the patients of combination group received nerve block followed by nerve root pulsed radiofrequency.At the preoperative(T0),postoperative 7-day(AT7),30-day(AT30)and 90-day(AT90)time point,the short-form of McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MPQ),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),levels of pain mediators including β-endorphin,substance P,calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP),and levels of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were determined.The adverse reactions were recorded.Results The postoperative AT7,AT30 and AT90 scores of PRI,VAS,PPI and PSQI,and levels of substance P,CGRP,TNF-α and IL-6 in combination group were lower than those in pulsed radiofrequency group and in nerve block group(all P＜0.05),while level of β-endorphin in combination group was higher than that in the other two groups(P＜0.05).No obvious adverse reactions were observed in all three groups.Conclusion For the treatment of patients with intractable PHN,the combination therapy of pulsed radiofrequency and nerve block is superior to single therapy in improving pain and sleep quality,which may be related to the regulation of the levels of pain mediators and inflammatory factors.

Objective To explore the effect of pulsed radiofrequency combined with nerve block on the score of short-form of McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MPQ)and the levels of serum substance P(SP)and interleukin(IL)-1β in patients with refractory postherpetic neuralgia(PHN).Methods A total of 219 patients with PHN,who were admitted to the Hengshui Municipal People's Hospital of China between April 2021 and April 2022,were collected as the objects of study.Using random number table method,the patients were divided into group A(n=73,receiving pulsed radiofrequency therapy),group B(n=73,receiving nerve block therapy),and group C(n=73,receiving pulsed radiofrequency combined with nerve block therapy).The SF-MPQ score,levels of serum SP and IL-1β,degree of anxiety and depression,and quality of life were compared between each other among the three groups.Results Among the 219 patients with PHN,6 patients were excluded from this study due to losing in touch or due to receiving other therapies,and finally group A had 71 patients,group B had 70 patients,and group C had 72 patients.At 7 d after treatment(AT7),30 d after treatment(AT30)and 90 d after treatment(AT90),in group C the scores of pain rating index(PRI),visual analogue scale(VAS)and present pain intensity(PPI)were obviously lower than those in group A and group B(P＜0.05),the levels of serum SP and IL-1β were strikingly lower than those in group A and group B(P＜0.05),and the scores of patient health questionnaire-9(PHQ9),generalized anxiety disorder 7-item(DAG7)and Generic Quality of Life Inventory 74(GQOL-74)were remarkably lower than those in group A and group B(P＜0.05).Conclusion Pulsed radiofrequency combined with nerve block can effectively reduce the pain degree and the serum SP and IL-1β levels,relieve the degree of anxiety and depression in patients with refractory PHN,which can improve the quality of life.

Objective:Using bioinformatics methods to study the immune infiltration mechanism of lupus nephritis(LN)and to explore potential target Chinese medicines,which can provide new directions for clinical treatment of LN.Methods:Gene expres-sion profile microarray dataset of LN was downloaded from GEO database,differential expressed genes(DEGs)were screened using R software,and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed on these DEGs.Protein interaction network analysis of DEGs was performed by applying STRING database,key genes were screened by using Cytoscape,core gene expression was validated by Nephro-seq database,and the infiltration and correlation of 22 kinds of immune cells in LN were calculated by CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm.Finally,herbal prediction of significantly enriched immune-related biological processes and key target genes were performed by Coremine Medical database.Results:A total of 367 LN-related DEGs were obtained,of which 253 were up-regulated and 114 were down-regulated.GO was mainly enriched in response to viruses,defense response to viruses,regulation of viral life cycle,regulation of viral processes,etc;KEGG was mainly enriched in S.aureus infection,COVID-19,influenza A,complement and coagulation cascade,pertussis,etc.Ten key genes were screened:IFIT3,OAS2,MX1,OAS1,RSAD2,XAF1,ISG15,IFIT1,ITGAM and PTPRC.Immune infiltration by CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm showed that monocytes and initial B cells were highly expressed in LN,while memory B cells,naive CD4+T cells,follicular helper T cells and resting natural killer cells were lowly expressed in LN.Immune cell correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between initial B cells and plasma cells,a positive correlation between resting natural killer cells and resting dendritic cells,a negative correlation between monocytes and regulatory T cells,and a negative correlation between resting CD4+memory T cells and monocytes.Coremine Medical predicted that Salvia miltiorrhiza,Panax notogin-seng,Scutellaria baicalensis,ginseng,honey,monkey mushroom and peony were found to be most closely related to immunity in LN.Conclusion:The development and progression of LN are results of the combined involvement of multiple genes and pathways.Mono-cytes,memory B cells,initial CD4+T cells and initial B cells are most closely associated with LN.The predicted Salvia miltiorrhiza,Panax notoginseng,Scutellaria baicalensis,ginseng,honey,monkey mushroom and peony may be used as target herbs for the poten-tial treatment of LN.

Morton's neuroma is a prevalent cause of forefoot pain, predominantly affecting middle-aged women and typically occurring in the third intermetatarsal space. The precise pathological mechanism remains unclear, with the chronic trauma theory being the most widely accepted explanation. Patients commonly present with localized pain, paresthesia, or tingling at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Clinical diagnosis is generally accurate, although no definitive gold standard for treatment exists. Non-surgical management includes both non-invasive and invasive options, such as ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation and type I collagen injections. Neurotomy represents the traditional surgical intervention. Recent advancements in treatment include ultrasound-assisted ethanol and steroid injections, the utilization of fluorescence microscopy, electroneurography, percutaneous electrode stimulation techniques, and neurolysis, with or without dorsal nerve displacement. Additional procedures such as the release of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament, metatarsal osteotomy, and targeted muscle nerve reinnervation following nerve transection or neurectomy are aimed at enhancing diagnostic precision and therapeutic efficacy, thereby improving the overall clinical outcomes for patients with this condition.

Objective Using bioinformatics methods to study the immune infiltration mechanism of Primary Sj?gren's syndrome(pSS)and to explore potential target Chinese medicines,which can provide new directions for the clinical treatment of pSS.Methods Gene expression profile microarray dataset of pSS was downloaded from the GEO database,differential genes were screened using R software,and gene ontology(GO)and gene pathway enrichment(KEGG)enrichment analysis was performed on these differential genes.Protein interaction network analysis of differential genes was performed by applying the STRING database,key genes were screened by using Cytoscape,and ELISA for the verification of key genes expression.Immune infiltration and correlation of immune cells in pSS were calculated by CIBERSORT inverse convolution method in 22.Finally,the herbal prediction of key target genes was performed by using the Coremine Medical database.Results A total of 232 differential genes were obtained,of which 207 were up-regulated and 25 were down-regulated.GO was mainly enriched in:leukocyte mediated immunity,lymphocyte mediated immunity,leukocyte cell-cell adhesion,etc;KEGG was mainly enriched in Hematopoietic cell lineage,Primary immunodeficiency,Intestinal immune network for IgA production,Phagosome,Leishmaniasis.Ten key genes were screened:PTPRC,CD19,LCP2,CCR5 and CD69 etc.The hub genes expression in the pSS is the same as that of GSE40611.Immune infiltration showed that memory B cells,T cells CD4 memory activated,and T cells CD4 na?ve were highly expressed in the pSS.Immune cell correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between initial Monocytes and T cells regulatory(Tregs),a positive correlation between Macrophages M1 and B cell na?ve,and a negative correlation between Plasma cells and T cells CD4 memory activated.COREMINE Medical predicted that Ginseng,Panax notoginseng,Tripterygium wilfordii,Burnet,Magnolia,and Strychni may treat pSS.Conclusion The development and progression of pSS are the results of the combined involvement of multiple genes and pathways.Memory B cells,T cells CD4 memory activated,and T cells CD4 na?ve may promote the development of pSS.The predicted Ginseng,Panax notoginseng,Tripterygium wilfordii,Burnet,Magnolia,Strychni may be used as target herbs for the potential treatment of pSS.

Objective:To analyze the prognostic factors for survival in elderly patients with glioma.Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors for elderly patients with glioma,who were treated by the same attending doctor during June 2014 and June 2016,to investigate the correlations of the age,dimension of pathology,histological grade,extent of resection,adjuvant therapy,preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score,postoperative KPS score,molecular markers [isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDHH-1),O6-methylguanine DNA-transferase (MGMT),epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR),Ki-67] with the prognosis.Results:A total of 45 patients were included in the study.The median overall survival (OS) was 11 months.The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6 months.Univariate analysis revealed that the age,gender,dimension ofpathology,histological grade and preoperative KPS score had no significant correlation with survival (P＞0.05).The gross total resection,higher postoperative KPS score,adjuvant therapy,lower Ki-67 index were significantly correlated with survival.The expressions of MGMT and EGFR were significant factors for survival.High postoperative KPS score (P=0.019),adjuvant therapy (P=0.024),and the expression of MGMT (P=0.026) were independent predictors for increased median OS in a multivariate regression model.Conclusion:The extent of resection,adjuvant therapy,postoperative KPS score and molecular markers are the influential factors for survival.Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Objective To summarize the experience of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt in treating children with methylmalonic aciduria combined with hydrocephalus,and to assess the clinical value.Methods From September 2012 to May 2016,a total of 12 patients with methylmalonic aciduria combined with hydrocephalus in Peking University First Hospital were enrolled,including 7 boys and 5 girls.All the 12 patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt.Drug therapy was performed after surgery.The clinical manifestations and imaging findings were used as the basis for adjusting the pressure of the diverter valve appropriately.The clinical condition of patients were evaluated retrospectively.The patients' clinical symptoms,signs,imaging materials,surgical complications and postoperative prognosis were analyzed.Results All the cases were followed up for 3 to 36 months,no death case and no serious postoperative complications of hydrocephalus occurred.Clinical symptoms of intracranial hypertension were relieved or disappeared.The head circumference progressive enlargement stopped.The anterior fontanelle tension decreased significantly.Setting-sun sign of eyes disappeared.One out of 4 cases with convulsion and epilepsy was relieved after the operation.Seven cases of poor vision or vision loss,postoperative visual acuity were improved though not recover to normal eyesight.One case of the children with hearing loss,postoperative hearing recovered.During the follow-up period,the head CT showed that the ventricle was narrowed significantly,interstitial brain edema improved obviously.Conclusion Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a effective method for treating children with methylmalonic aciduria combined with hydrocephalus,which is beneficial for patients with these diseases.

Objective To evaluate the influence of simple subtalar arthrodesis to the motion and degeneration of midfoot.Methods Data of 37 patients (27 males,10 females) with an average age of 42.6 years who had undergone subtalar joint fusion from January 1996 to August 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.The MOS item short form health survey (SF-36),American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score were used.Midfoot sagittal and coronal motion were measured on ankle radiographs of maximum plantar flexion and dorsiflexion.On sagittal plane,the Meary angle was measured and the bilateral tarsometatarsal joints mobility was compared.On coronal plane,tibio-plantar angles (TPA) on 30 degrees varus slope and 30 degrees valgus slope were respectively measured on the anterio-posterior ankle X-ray films to observe the changes of midfoot activities.Besides,single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) of bilateral foot and ankle was taken to estimate the degeneration of midfoot joint.Results All the 37 patients were followed-up,with mean follow-up period of 9.2 years.The average SF-36 scores was increased from 34.26± 11.02 points preoperatively to 77.59± 12.57 points postoperatively.The average AOFAS midfoot scores were 86.14± 16.79 points preoperatively and 86.43± 16.70 points postoperatively without any statistical significant difference.On sagittal plane,medial tarsometatarsal joints mobility was limited by 20％.According to coronal plane of varus slope,the average TPA of healthy side and operated side were 61.32° and 64.91°,respectively,so the varus mobility of operated side was limited by 12.5％.While standing on the valgus slope,the average TPA of both sides were 76.54° and 82.28°,which indicated that valgus mobility of operated side was reduced by 42.6％.35.1％ patients of talonavicular joint,56.8％ patients of calcaneocuboid joint,and 27.0％ patients of metatarsal cuboid joint were found mild joint degeneration on SPECT/CT images without any clinical symptoms.Conclusion Subtalar arthrodesis can affect midfoot with less limit of sagittal mobility and more limit of coronal movement.And the lateral joints degeneration is more likely to happen for their compensatory activity.

Objective To analyze the categories of co-existed nervous system anomalies in children with meningomyelocele in order to consummate the treating strategy for meningomyelocele.Methods Sixty-nine children who had complete clinical data diagnosed as meningomyelocele in Department of Pediatric Surgery,Peking University First Hospital from Jan.2005 to Jun.2013,were retrospectively analyzed.Preoperative spinal MRI was routinely performed.Ultrasonagraphy,CT,MRI or combination of the 2 measures were adopted to evaluate the brain.Microscopically excision of the sac,exploration of the spinal canal,brisement of the tethered cord and meningomyelocele repair were routine operation procedures.Other lesions detected during operation were treated accordingly.MRI findings and intraoperative findings were also compared.Results Preoperative spinal MRI found 59 cases of cone bit,24 cases of syringomyelia,20 cases of mild syringomyelus,14 cases of diastematomyelia,6 cases of intraspinal cyst,6 cases of intraspinal lipoma.Nineteen cases of hydrocephalus were diagnosed by iconography,among which 5 cases complicated with caudal herniation of cerebellar tonsils.Seventeen cases of diastematomyelia,8 cases of intraspinal lipoma,6 cases of intraspinal cyst were detected and treated during operation.Three cases of intraspinal lipoma and 3 cases of osseous diastematomyelia were ignored by preoperative MRI reports.Two cases of intraspinal epidermoid cyst were misdiagnosed as general cyst.One case of teratoma who was not found on MRI was detected by operation and resected.Syringomyelus or syringomyelia was found in all the children complicated with hydrocephalus.Sixty-one cases(88.4％) among the 69 cases complicated with other nervous system anomalies.All of patients were followed up for 4-71 months,averaged 23.8 months.All of patients had no new symptom.Conclusions Children with meningomyelocele often complicate with multiple nervous system anomalies.Preoperative brain and entire spinal iconography,together with thorough intraoperative exploration,are very important so as to avoid omission the co-existed lesions during operation.