Objective To develop a modified short time inversion recovery (STIR) sequence grading system for lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration based on MRI STIR sequences, and to test the validity and reproducibility of this grading system. Methods A modified 8-level grading system for lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration based on routine sagittal STIR sequences and modified Pfirrmann grading system was developed. Between April 2011 and February 2012, 60 patients with different degrees of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration were selected as objects of study, including 32 males and 28 females with an average of 50 years (range, 17-85 years). T2 weighted and STIR sequence images were obtained from the lumbar discs of L1, 2-L5, S1 of each object (total, 300 discs). All examinations were analyzed independently by 3 observers and a consensus readout was performed after all data collected. The validity and reproducibility were analyzed by calculating consistent rate and Kappa value. Results According to the grading system, there were 0 grade 1, 83 (27.7%) grade 2, 87 (29.0%) grade 3, 66 (22.0%) grade 4, 31 (10.3%) grade 5, 15 (5.0%) grade 6, 12 (4.0%) grade 7, and 6 (2.0%) grade 8. Intra-observer consistency was b (Kappa value range, 0.822-0.952), and inter-observer consistency was high to b (Kappa value range, 0.749-0.843). According to the consensus analysis, the total consistent rate was 82.7%-92.7% (mean, 85.6%). A difference of one grade occurred in 13.9% and a difference of two or more grades in 0.5% of all the cases. Conclusion Disc degeneration can be graded by using modified STIR sequence grading system, which can improve the accuracy of grading different degrees of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.
ObjectiveTo study the application value of mixed formulations consisting of paraffin oil, dimethyl silicone oil, and senna preparations in treatment for incomplete adhesive intestinal obstruction after laparotomy. MethodsOne hundred and twentyeight patients diagnosed incomplete adhesive intestinal obstruction admitted to this hospital from March 2005 to May 2008 were randomly divided into trial group and control group. For the control group, the tradition therapy including fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, fluid replacement therapy, and enema with soap and water were used for treatment. For the trial group, the mixed formulations consisting of paraffin oil, dimethyl silicone oil, and senna preparations were injected into stomach by the nasogastric tube on the basis of traditional treatment used for the control group. Some indicators including the successful rate of nonoperative treatment, the time that obstructive symptoms resolved and returned to normal exhaust and defecation and normal diet, and recurrence rate were compared between two groups. ResultsThe successful rate of nonoperative treatmentin in the trial group were significantly higher than that in the control group 〔92.1% (70/76) versus 69.2% (36/52), Plt;0.01〕. The average time that recovered to normal exhaust and defecation in the trial group and the control group was 32.5 d and 47.8 d, respectively. The average time that recovered to normal diet in the trial group and the control group was 3.2 d and 5.3 d, respectively. The time that recovered to normal exhaust and defecation, and diet in the trial group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (Plt;0.01). The recurrence rate had no significant difference between two groups (Pgt;0.05). ConclusionThe mixed formulations consisting of paraffin oil, dimethyl silicone oil, and senna preparations improve recovery of intestinal function and reduce surgical intervention rate.