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Bandinelli F, Nassini R, Gherardi E, Chiocchetti B, Manetti M, Cincotta M, Nozzoli F, Nucci E, De Logu F, Pimpinelli N. Small Fiber Neuropathy Associated with Post-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Arthritis: A Rare Post-Infective Syndrome or a New-Onset Disease? J Pers Med 2024; 14:789. [PMID: 39201981 PMCID: PMC11355276 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14080789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 (PC) and post-COVID-19 vaccination (PCV) syndromes are considered emergent multidisciplinary disorders. PC/PCV small fiber neuropathy (SFN) was rarely described and its association with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) was never defined. We aimed to evaluate PC/PCV-UA associated with the recent onset of severe lower limb paresthesia, compare SFN positive (+) to negative (-) patients, and evaluate changes in biomarkers in SFN+ during treatments. Nineteen PC/PCV-UA-patients with possible SFN underwent skin biopsy at the Usl Tuscany Center (Florence) early arthritis outpatient clinic from September 2021 to March 2024. Eight selected SFN+ were compared to ten SFN- patients. In SFN+ patients, baseline joint ultrasound (US), electromyography (EMG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and skin biopsy were repeated at six months. Moreover, SFN+ patients were clinically assessed by a 0-10 numeric rating scale for neurological symptoms and DAS28/ESR up to 12 months follow-up. SFN+ patients showed a lower intraepidermal nerve fiber density at histopathological examination of skin biopsies and a higher frequency of OCT and EMG abnormalities in comparison to SFN- patients. In SFN+ patients, US and DAS28/ESR significantly improved, while intraepidermal nerve fiber density did not significantly change at the six-month follow-up. Fatigue, motor impairment, burning pain, brain fog, and sensitivity disorders decreased at long-term follow-up (12 months).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bandinelli
- Rheumatology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (R.N.)
- Headache Center and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gherardi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy (N.P.)
| | - Barbara Chiocchetti
- Neurology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Massimo Cincotta
- Neurology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Filippo Nozzoli
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Nucci
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco De Logu
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (R.N.)
| | - Nicola Pimpinelli
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy (N.P.)
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Taub DG, Woolf CJ. Age-dependent small fiber neuropathy: Mechanistic insights from animal models. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114811. [PMID: 38723859 PMCID: PMC11131160 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a common and debilitating disease in which the terminals of small diameter sensory axons degenerate, producing sensory loss, and in many patients neuropathic pain. While a substantial number of cases are attributable to diabetes, almost 50% are idiopathic. An underappreciated aspect of the disease is its late onset in most patients. Animal models of human genetic mutations that produce SFN also display age-dependent phenotypes suggesting that aging is an important contributor to the risk of development of the disease. In this review we define how particular sensory neurons are affected in SFN and discuss how aging may drive the disease. We also evaluate how animal models of SFN can define disease mechanisms that will provide insight into early risk detection and suggest novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Taub
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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De Stefano G, Truini A. An overview of diagnosis and assessment methods for neuropathic pain. Presse Med 2024; 53:104234. [PMID: 38636786 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2024.104234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, defined as pain arising as a consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system, requires precise diagnostic assessment. Different diagnostic tools have been devised for the diagnosis of neuropathic pain. This review offers insights into the diagnostic accuracy of screening questionnaires and different tests that investigate the somatosensory nervous system, in patients with suspected neuropathic pain. Thus, it illustrates how these tools can aid clinicians in accurately diagnosing neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Truini
- Sapienza University, Department of Human Neuroscience, Rome, Italy.
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Csorba A, Kormányos K, Csidey M, Náray A, Kovács K, Németh O, Knézy K, Bausz M, Szigeti A, Szabó D, Corton M, Tory K, Nagy ZZ, Langenbucher A, Maka E, Szentmáry N. Examination of Subbasal Nerve Plexus and Central Corneal Stromal Microstructure in Subjects With Congenital Aniridia, Using in Vivo Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Curr Eye Res 2024; 49:582-590. [PMID: 38444179 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2320779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE During life up to 70% of aniridia subjects develop aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). AAK is characterized by limbal stem cell insufficiency, impaired corneal epithelial cell differentiation and abnormal cell adhesion, which leads to centripetal spreading vascularization, conjunctivalization, and thickening of the cornea. Our aim was to examine the subbasal nerve plexus and central corneal stromal microstructure in subjects with congenital aniridia, using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy CLSM. METHODS 31 eyes of 18 patients (55.6% males, mean age: 25.22 ± 16.35 years) with congenital aniridia and 46 eyes of 29 healthy subjects (41.4% males, mean age 30 ± 14.82 years) were examined using the Rostock Cornea Module of Heidelberg Retina Tomograph-III. At the subbasal nerve plexus, corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal total branch density (CTBD), and corneal nerve fiber width (CNFW) were analyzed using ACCMetrics software. Keratocyte density in the anterior, middle and posterior stroma was assessed manually. RESULTS The CNFD (2.02 ± 4.08 vs 13.99 ± 6.34/mm2), CNFL (5.78 ± 2.68 vs 10.56 ± 2.82 mm/mm2) and CTBD (15.08 ± 15.62 vs 27.44 ± 15.05/mm2) were significantly lower in congenital aniridia subjects than in controls (p < 0.001 for all). CNFW was significantly higher in aniridia subjects than in controls (0.03 ± 0.004 vs 0.02 ± 0.003 mm/mm2) (p = 0.003). Keratocyte density was significantly lower in all stromal layers of aniridia subjects than in controls (p < 0.001 for all). Stromal alterations included confluent keratocytes, keratocytes with long extensions and hyperreflective dots between keratocytes in aniridia. CONCLUSIONS Decrease in CNFD, CNFL, and CTBD, as well as increase in CNFW well refer to the congenital aniridia-associated neuropathy. The decreased keratocyte density and the stromal alterations may be related to an increased cell death in congenital aniridia, nevertheless, stromal changes in different stages of AAK have to be further analyzed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Csorba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kitti Kormányos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Csidey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Annamária Náray
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Congenital Aniridia Research, Universität des Saarlandes - Campus Homburg, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Klaudia Kovács
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Németh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Markusovszky University Teaching Hospital, Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Knézy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Bausz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Szigeti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Szabó
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marta Corton
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kálmán Tory
- MTA-SE Lendület Nephrogenetic Laboratory, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Zsolt Nagy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Erika Maka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Szentmáry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Congenital Aniridia Research, Universität des Saarlandes - Campus Homburg, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Sommer C, Baron R, Sachau J, Papagianni A, Özgül ÖS, Enax-Krumova E. [The EAN-NeuPSIG guideline on the diagnosis of neuropathic pain-a summary]. Schmerz 2024:10.1007/s00482-024-00806-0. [PMID: 38602515 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-024-00806-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In this joint guideline of the scientific societies and working groups mentioned in the title, evidence-based recommendations for the use of screening questionnaires and diagnostic tests in patients with neuropathic pain were developed. The systematic literature search and meta-analysis yielded the following results: Of the screening questionnaires, Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4), I‑DN4 (self-administered DN4), and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) received a strong recommendation, while S‑LANSS (self-administered LANSS) and PainDETECT received weak recommendations for their use in the diagnostic workup of patients with possible neuropathic pain. There was a strong recommendation for the use of skin biopsy and a weak recommendation for quantitative sensory testing and nociceptive evoked potentials. The role of confocal corneal microscopy is still unclear. Functional imaging and peripheral nerve blocks are helpful in elucidating the pathophysiology, but current literature does not support their use in diagnosing neuropathic pain. In selected cases, genetic testing in specialized centers may be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sommer
- Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland.
| | - Ralf Baron
- Sektion Neurologische Schmerzforschung und -therapie, Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Juliane Sachau
- Sektion Neurologische Schmerzforschung und -therapie, Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
| | | | - Özüm S Özgül
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
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Klein T, Grüner J, Breyer M, Schlegel J, Schottmann NM, Hofmann L, Gauss K, Mease R, Erbacher C, Finke L, Klein A, Klug K, Karl-Schöller F, Vignolo B, Reinhard S, Schneider T, Günther K, Fink J, Dudek J, Maack C, Klopocki E, Seibel J, Edenhofer F, Wischmeyer E, Sauer M, Üçeyler N. Small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease: a human-derived neuronal in vitro disease model and pilot data. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae095. [PMID: 38638148 PMCID: PMC11024803 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Acral burning pain triggered by fever, thermal hyposensitivity and skin denervation are hallmarks of small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease, a life-threatening X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Variants in the gene encoding alpha-galactosidase A may lead to impaired enzyme activity with cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. To study the underlying pathomechanism of Fabry-associated small fibre neuropathy, we generated a neuronal in vitro disease model using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells from three Fabry patients and one healthy control. We further generated an isogenic control line via gene editing. We subjected induced pluripotent stem cells to targeted peripheral neuronal differentiation and observed intra-lysosomal globotriaosylceramide accumulations in somas and neurites of Fabry sensory neurons using super-resolution microscopy. At functional level, patch-clamp analysis revealed a hyperpolarizing shift of voltage-gated sodium channel steady-state inactivation kinetics in isogenic control neurons compared with healthy control neurons (P < 0.001). Moreover, we demonstrate a drastic increase in Fabry sensory neuron calcium levels at 39°C mimicking clinical fever (P < 0.001). This pathophysiological phenotype was accompanied by thinning of neurite calibres in sensory neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from Fabry patients compared with healthy control cells (P < 0.001). Linear-nonlinear cascade models fit to spiking responses revealed that Fabry cell lines exhibit altered single neuron encoding properties relative to control. We further observed mitochondrial aggregation at sphingolipid accumulations within Fabry sensory neurites utilizing a click chemistry approach together with mitochondrial dysmorphism compared with healthy control cells. We pioneer pilot insights into the cellular mechanisms contributing to pain, thermal hyposensitivity and denervation in Fabry small fibre neuropathy and pave the way for further mechanistic in vitro studies in Fabry disease and the development of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Grüner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Breyer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Gauss
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Mease
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Erbacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Finke
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Vignolo
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Reinhard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Schneider
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Günther
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Dudek
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Maack
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Klopocki
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erhard Wischmeyer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Würzburg Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Therapy (FAZIT), University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Raasing LRM, Vogels OJM, Datema M, Tannemaat MR, Veltkamp M, Grutters JC. Fully Automatic, Semiautomatic, and Manual Corneal Nerve Fiber Analysis in Patients With Sarcoidosis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 38047722 PMCID: PMC10702781 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.12.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose No guidelines are available on the preferred method for analyzing corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) data. Manual, semiautomatic, and automatic analyzes are all currently in use. The purpose of the present study was threefold. First, we aimed to investigate the different methods for CCM analysis in patients with and without small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Second, to determine the correlation of different methods for measuring corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and nerve fiber area (NFA). Finally, we investigated the added value of automatic NFA analysis. Methods We included 20 healthy controls and 80 patients with sarcoidosis, 31 with established SFN and 49 without SFN. The CNFL was measured using CCMetrics, ACCMetrics, and NeuronJ. NFA was measured with NFA FIJI and ACCMetrics NFA. Results CNFL and NFA could not distinguish sarcoidosis with and without SFN or healthy controls. CCMetrics, NeuronJ, and ACCMetrics CNFL highly correlated. Also, NFA FIJI and ACCMetrics NFA highly correlated. Reproducing a nonlinear formula between CNFL and NFA confirmed the quadratic relation between NFA FIJI and ACCMetrics CNFL. CCMetrics and NeuronJ instead showed a square root relationship and seem to be less comparable owing to differences between automatic and manual techniques. Conclusions ACCMetrics can be used for fully automatic analysis of CCM images to optimize efficiency. However, CNFL and NFA do not seem to have a discriminatory value for SFN in sarcoidosis. Further research is needed to determine the added value and normative values of NFA in CCM analysis. Translational Relevance Our study improves the knowledge about CCM software and pathophysiology of SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette R. M. Raasing
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar J. M. Vogels
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Datema
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R. Tannemaat
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Veltkamp
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan C. Grutters
- ILD Center of Excellence, Department of Pulmonology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
- Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Zhang C, Zhu L, Liang X, Li Y, Sun G, Hu J, Zhang H. Corneal characteristics of Mongolian population with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy in inner Mongolia, China: an assessment using corneal confocal microscopy. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:460. [PMID: 37968622 PMCID: PMC10652475 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify corneal nerve fiber parameters in a Mongolian population with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) by corneal confocal microscopy. METHODS This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 114 participants from Hulunbuir between January 2020 and December 2021. The participants included healthy controls, Mongolian and Han patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Demographic, medical, and laboratory data were collected, and neuropathy was evaluated by confocal corneal microscopy. And compare various parameters between Han and Mongolian were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS The average waist circumference of Mongolian diabetic patients was larger than that of Han diabetic patients (P < 0.05). The mean HbA1c of Mongolian was 9.30 (8.15, 10.30) %, and that of Han was 8.30 (7.20, 9.40) % (P = 0.023). The average values of Corneal Nerve Fiber Density (CNFD), Corneal Nerve Fiber Length (CNFL) and corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) in Mongolian diabetic patients were significantly lower than those in Han diabetic patients (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between CNFL and age was - 0.368. ROC results show that CNBD has a certain diagnostic value for DPN in Mongolian patients with type 2 diabetes and the optimal cut-off point value is 24.99(no./mm2), the sensitivity is 80.0%, and the specificity is 77.8%. CONCLUSION The corneal confocal microscopy could possibly represent a promising adjuvant technique for the early diagnosis and assessment of PDN in Mongolian T2DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hulunbeir People's Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Hulunbeir People's Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Xiuwen Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Hulunbuir Zhong Meng Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hulunbeir People's Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Guotong Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Shouguang Hospital of T.C.M, Weifang, China
| | - Ji Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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Liu C, Lin MTY, Lee IXY, Mehta JS, Liu YC. Impact of corrected refractive power on the corneal denervation and ocular surface in small-incision lenticule extraction and LASIK. J Cataract Refract Surg 2023; 49:1106-1113. [PMID: 37867284 PMCID: PMC10583913 DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of corrected refractive power on the corneal denervation and ocular surface in small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore. DESIGN Prospective study. METHODS 88 eyes undergoing SMILE or LASIK were divided into low-moderate (manifest refractive spherical equivalent [MRSE] <-6.0 diopters [D]) and high myopic (MRSE ≥-6.0 D) groups. In vivo confocal microscopy and clinical assessments were performed preoperatively and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS In SMILE, high myopic treatment presented with significantly greater reduction in the corneal nerve fiber area (CNFA) and nerve fiber fractal dimension (CFracDim) compared with low-moderate myopic treatment (both P < .05). There was a significant and negative correlation between the corrected MRSE and the reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length, CNFA, and CFracDim after SMILE (r = -0.38 to -0.66, all P < .05). In LASIK, a significant correlation between the MRSE and the changes in CNBD, corneal nerve fiber total branch density, CNFA (r = -0.37 to -0.41), and corneal nerve fiber width (r = 0.43) was observed (all P < .05). Compared with SMILE, LASIK had greater reduction in CNBD and CNFA for every diopter increase in the corrected MRSE. High myopic SMILE, compared with low-moderate myopic SMILE, resulted in significantly lower tear break-up time at 1 and 6 months (both P < .05). The changes in CNFA and CFracDim were significantly associated with Schirmer test values (both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative corneal denervation was related to corrected refractive power in both SMILE and LASIK. With the same refractive correction, LASIK led to more prominent corneal denervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- From the Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Lin, Lee, Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Mehta); Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan (Y.-C. Liu)
| | - Molly Tzu-Yu Lin
- From the Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Lin, Lee, Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Mehta); Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan (Y.-C. Liu)
| | - Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
- From the Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Lin, Lee, Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Mehta); Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan (Y.-C. Liu)
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- From the Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Lin, Lee, Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Mehta); Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan (Y.-C. Liu)
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- From the Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Lin, Lee, Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore (C. Liu, Mehta); Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore (Mehta, Y.-C. Liu); Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan (Y.-C. Liu)
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10
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Mok E, Kam KW, Young AL. Corneal nerve changes in herpes zoster ophthalmicus: a prospective longitudinal in vivo confocal microscopy study. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3033-3040. [PMID: 36906697 PMCID: PMC10008015 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02469-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the changes in corneal nerves and corneal sensitivity over a 6-month period in patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) compared with healthy subjects. METHODS This was a prospective longitudinal study on patients with newly diagnosed HZO. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) corneal nerve parameters and corneal sensitivity were measured and compared between eyes with HZO, contralateral eyes and controls at baseline, 2 and 6 months. RESULTS Fifteen subjects with HZO and 15 healthy age and sex matched controls were recruited. HZO eyes revealed a reduction in corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) from baseline to 2 months (9.65 ± 5.75 vs. 5.90 ± 6.87/mm2, p = 0.018), and decreased corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD) at 2 months when compared with control (p = 0.025). However, these differences resolved by 6 months. HZO fellow eyes demonstrated increased corneal nerve fibre area (CNFA), corneal nerve fibre width (CNFW) and corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD) at 2 months compared with baseline (p = 0.025, 0.031, 0.009). There was no change in corneal sensitivity for both HZO affected and HZO fellow eyes from baseline or over time, nor was it different from sensitivity in controls. CONCLUSION Corneal denervation was present at 2 months in HZO eyes, with an observed recovery by 6 months. HZO fellow eyes demonstrated increased corneal nerve parameters at 2 months, which could represent a proliferative response to nerve degeneration. IVCM is useful in monitoring corneal nerve changes, and is more sensitive in detecting nerve alterations than esthesiometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie Mok
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital and Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ka Wai Kam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital and Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Alvin L Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital and Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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11
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Truini A, Aleksovska K, Anderson CC, Attal N, Baron R, Bennett DL, Bouhassira D, Cruccu G, Eisenberg E, Enax-Krumova E, Davis KD, Di Stefano G, Finnerup NB, Garcia-Larrea L, Hanafi I, Haroutounian S, Karlsson P, Rakusa M, Rice ASC, Sachau J, Smith BH, Sommer C, Tölle T, Valls-Solé J, Veluchamy A. Joint European Academy of Neurology-European Pain Federation-Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group of the International Association for the Study of Pain guidelines on neuropathic pain assessment. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2177-2196. [PMID: 37253688 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In these guidelines, we aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of screening questionnaires and diagnostic tests in patients with neuropathic pain (NeP). METHODS We systematically reviewed studies providing information on the sensitivity and specificity of screening questionnaires, and quantitative sensory testing, neurophysiology, skin biopsy, and corneal confocal microscopy. We also analysed how functional neuroimaging, peripheral nerve blocks, and genetic testing might provide useful information in diagnosing NeP. RESULTS Of the screening questionnaires, Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4), I-DN4 (self-administered DN4), and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) received a strong recommendation, and S-LANSS (self-administered LANSS) and PainDETECT weak recommendations for their use in the diagnostic pathway for patients with possible NeP. We devised a strong recommendation for the use of skin biopsy and a weak recommendation for quantitative sensory testing and nociceptive evoked potentials in the NeP diagnosis. Trigeminal reflex testing received a strong recommendation in diagnosing secondary trigeminal neuralgia. Although many studies support the usefulness of corneal confocal microscopy in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy, no study specifically investigated the diagnostic accuracy of this technique in patients with NeP. Functional neuroimaging and peripheral nerve blocks are helpful in disclosing pathophysiology and/or predicting outcomes, but current literature does not support their use for diagnosing NeP. Genetic testing may be considered at specialist centres, in selected cases. CONCLUSIONS These recommendations provide evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for NeP diagnosis. Due to the poor-to-moderate quality of evidence identified by this review, future large-scale, well-designed, multicentre studies assessing the accuracy of diagnostic tests for NeP are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Katina Aleksovska
- European Academy of Neurology, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Christopher C Anderson
- Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nadine Attal
- Université Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, Versailles, France
- Inserm U987, Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- Inserm U987, Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Centre d'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Giorgio Cruccu
- Department of Human Neuroscience, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Elon Eisenberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Karen Deborah Davis
- Division of Brain, Imaging, and Behaviour, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Pain Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab-Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, INSERM U1028, CNRS, UMR5292, Université Claude Bernard, Bron, France
- Centre D'évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Neurologique, Lyon, France
| | - Ibrahem Hanafi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simon Haroutounian
- Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Pall Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Pain Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Core Centre for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martin Rakusa
- Division of Neurology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Andrew S C Rice
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Juliane Sachau
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Blair H Smith
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Tölle
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Josep Valls-Solé
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abirami Veluchamy
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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12
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Zemba M, Ionescu MA, Pîrvulescu RA, Dumitrescu OM, Daniel-Constantin B, Radu M, Stamate AC, Istrate S. Biomarkers of ocular allergy and dry eye disease. Rom J Ophthalmol 2023; 67:250-259. [PMID: 37876509 PMCID: PMC10591437 DOI: 10.22336/rjo.2023.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common disorders of the ocular surface are dry eye disease (DED) and ocular allergy (OA). These conditions are frequently coexisting with or without a clinical overlap and can cause a severe impact on the patient's quality of life. Therefore, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between DED and OA because similar changes and manifestations may be present. Atopic patients can also develop DED, which can aggravate their manifestations. Moreover, patients with DED can develop ocular allergies, so these two pathological entities of the ocular surface can be considered as mutual conditions that share the same background. Nowadays, by using different techniques to collect tissue from ocular surfaces, the changes in molecular homeostasis can be detected and this can lead to a precise diagnosis. The article provides an up-to-date review of the various ocular surface biomarkers that have been identified in DED, OA, or both conditions. Abbreviations: DED = dry eye disease, OA = ocular allergy, SS = Sjogren syndrome, TBUT = tear break up time, TFO = tear film osmolarity, AKC = Atopic keratoconjunctivitis, ANXA1 = Annexin 1, ANXA11 = Annexin 11, CALT = Conjunctival associated lymphoid tissue, CCL2/MIP-1 = Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand2/Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, CCL3/MIP-1α = Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3/Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha, CCL4/MIP-1β = Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4/Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta, CCL5/RANTES = Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 /Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted, CCR2 = Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2, CCR5 = Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5, CD3+ = Cluster of differentiation 3 positive, CD4+ = Cluster of differentiation 4 positive, CD8+ = Cluster of differentiation 8 positive, CGRP = Calcitonin-gene-related peptide, CX3CL1 C-X3 = C motif -chemokine ligand 1 /Fractalkine, CXCL8 = Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8, CXCL9 = Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9, CXCL10 = Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10, CXCL11 = Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 11, CXCL12 = Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12, CXCR4 = Chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4, EGF = Epidermal growth factor, HLA-DR = Human leukocyte antigen-D-related, ICAM-1 = Intercellular adhesion molecule 1, IFN-γ = Interferon-gamma, IgG = Immunoglobulin G, IgE = Immunoglobulin E, IL-1 = Interleukin-1, IL-1α = Interleukin-1 alpha, IL-1β = Interleukin-1 beta, CGRP = Calcitonin-Gene-Related Peptide, IL-3 = Interleukin-3, IL-4 = Interleukin-4, IL-6 = Interleukin-6, IL-8 = Interleukin-8, IL-10 = Interleukin-10, IL-17 = Interleukin-17, IL-17A = Interleukin-17A, LPRR3 = Lacrimal proline-rich protein 3, LPRR4 = Lacrimal proline-rich protein 4, MUC5AC = Mucin 5 subtype AC, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming, MUC16 = Mucin 16, OCT = Optical coherence tomography, OGVHD = Ocular graft versus host disease, PAX6 = Paired-box protein 6, VKC = Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, TGF-β = Transforming growth factor β, S100 = proteins Calcium activated signaling proteins, Th1 = T helper 1 cell, Th17 = T helper 17 cell, MGD = Meibomian gland dysfunction, TFOS = Tear film and ocular surface society, SS-KCS = Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, MMP-9 = Matrix metalloproteinase 9, MMP-1 = Matrix metalloproteinase 1, ZAG = Zinc alpha glycoprotein, CBA = Cytometric bead array, MALDI TOF-MS = matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight, SELDI TOF-MS = surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight, IVCM = in vivo confocal microscopy, AS-OCT = anterior segment optical coherence tomography, iTRAQ = Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation, LC-MS = Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, LCN-1 = lipocalin 1, PIP = prolactin induced protein, NGF = Nerve growth factor, PRR4 = proline rich protein 4, VIP = Vasoactive intestinal peptide, ELISA = enzyme linked immunoassay, TNF-α = tumor necrosis factor alpha, PAC = perennial allergic conjunctivitis, SAC = seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, IC = impression cytology, RT-PCR = reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, PCR = polymerase chain reaction, APCs = antigen-presenting cells, NK cells = natural killer cells, HEL = hexanoyl-lysine, 4-HNE = 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, MDA = malondialdehyde.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihail Zemba
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai-Alexandru Ionescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Otilia-Maria Dumitrescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Mădălina Radu
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina-Cristina Stamate
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- ArenaMed Clinic Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sînziana Istrate
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Kolkedi Z, Csutak A, Szalai E. Pre-Ophthalmoscopic Quantitative Biomarkers in Diabetes Mellitus. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:24. [PMID: 36971679 PMCID: PMC10064920 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.3.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess whether retinal microvascular or corneal nerve abnormalities occur earlier in diabetes mellitus (DM) and to identify imaging biomarkers in order to help prevent the subsequent irreversible retinal and corneal complications. Methods The study comprised 35 eyes of 35 healthy volunteers and 52 eyes of 52 patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy were performed in both groups. Corneal sub-basal nerve plexus and vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were evaluated. Results All corneal sub-basal nerve fiber parameters were decreased in patients with DM compared with healthy subjects and the difference was significant for each result except for nerve fiber width (P = 0.586). No significant correlation was obtained between any nerve fiber morphology parameters and disease duration or HbA1C. VD in SCP was significantly decreased in the superior (P < 0.0001), temporal (P = 0.001), and nasal quadrant (P = 0.003) in the diabetes group. In DCP, only superior VD (P = 0.036), decreased significantly in the diabetes group. Ganglion cell layer thickness in the inner ring showed a significantly lower value in patients with DM (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our results implicate a more pronounced and earlier damage to the corneal nerve fibers compared to the retinal microvasculature in patients with DM. Translational Relevance In DM, an earlier and more pronounced damage to the corneal nerve fibers was observed compared to the retinal microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Kolkedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Szalai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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14
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van Dam CJ, van Velzen M, Kramers C, Schellekens A, Olofsen E, Niesters M, Dahan A. Cannabis-opioid interaction in the treatment of fibromyalgia pain: an open-label, proof of concept study with randomization between treatment groups: cannabis, oxycodone or cannabis/oxycodone combination-the SPIRAL study. Trials 2023; 24:64. [PMID: 36707893 PMCID: PMC9880924 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids continue to be widely prescribed for chronic noncancer pain, despite the awareness that opioids provide only short-time pain relief, lead to dose accumulation, have numerous adverse effects, and are difficult to wean. As an alternative, we previously showed advantages of using pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in a population of chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. It remains unknown whether combining an opioid with pharmaceutical-grade cannabis has advantages, such as fewer side effects from lesser opioid consumption in chronic pain. METHODS Trial design: a single-center, randomized, three-arm, open-label, exploratory trial. Trial population: 60 patients with fibromyalgia according to the 2010 definition of the American College of Rheumatologists. INTERVENTION Patients will be randomized to receive up to 4 daily 5 mg oral oxycodone sustained release (SR) tablet, up to 5 times 150 mg inhaled cannabis (Bediol®, containing 6.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 8% cannabidiol), or the combination of both treatments. Treatment is aimed at self-titration with the daily maximum doses given. Treatment will continue for 6 weeks, after which there is a 6-week follow-up period. Main trial endpoint: The number of side effects observed during the course of treatment using a composite adverse effect score that includes the following 10 symptoms: dizziness (when getting up), sleepiness, insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, drug high, hallucinations, and paranoia. Secondary and tertiary endpoints include pain relief and number of oxycodone doses and cannabis inhalations. DISCUSSION The trial is designed to determine whether self-titration of oxycodone and cannabis will reduce side effects in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. TRIAL REGISTRATION {2A AND 2B}: EU trial register 2019-001861-33, URL https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu , on July 17, 2019; World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Research Platform NL7902, URL https://trialsearch.who.int , on July 26, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis Jan van Dam
- Tackling and Preventing The Opioid Epidemic (TAPTOE). consortium, Utrecht, the Netherlands ,grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Monique van Velzen
- Tackling and Preventing The Opioid Epidemic (TAPTOE). consortium, Utrecht, the Netherlands ,grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Kramers
- Tackling and Preventing The Opioid Epidemic (TAPTOE). consortium, Utrecht, the Netherlands ,grid.413327.00000 0004 0444 9008Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Pharmacology‑Toxicology and Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Arnt Schellekens
- Tackling and Preventing The Opioid Epidemic (TAPTOE). consortium, Utrecht, the Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ,grid.5590.90000000122931605Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ,grid.491352.8Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Olofsen
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Niesters
- Tackling and Preventing The Opioid Epidemic (TAPTOE). consortium, Utrecht, the Netherlands ,grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Albert Dahan
- Tackling and Preventing The Opioid Epidemic (TAPTOE). consortium, Utrecht, the Netherlands ,grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands ,PainLess Foundation, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Zhang Z, Lu S, Jiang Y, Sun S. Assessing the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus by in vivo confocal microscopy in patients with blepharoptosis. Ann Med 2022; 54:227-234. [PMID: 35014936 PMCID: PMC8757600 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.2024246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess in vivo confocal microscopy features of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus in patients with congenital or aponeurogenic blepharoptosis using a fully automated software (ACCMetrics). PATIENTS AND METHODS This prospective study included 33 patients with blepharoptosis and 17 normal controls. The corneal sub-basal nerve plexus was assessed using in vivo confocal microscopy, and the ocular surface status was evaluated by tear break-up times. RESULTS The mean age of 33 patients with blepharoptosis and 17 normal controls were 38.77 ± 22.81 years and 48.35 ± 17.15 years, respectively. The mean duration of blepharoptosis was 16.42 ± 15.60 years. In 13 patients with unilateral blepharoptosis, there was no significant difference between affected eyes and contralateral eyes (all ps > .05), except for wider corneal nerve fibre width (CNFW) in affected eyes (0.024 ± 0.001 versus 0.023 ± 0.001 mm/mm2, p = .021). In 20 patients with bilateral blepharoptosis, there was no significant difference between the eyes. No significant difference was detected between 19 cases with congenital blepharoptosis and 14 cases with aponeurogenic blepharoptosis. When compared with normal controls, eyes with both unilateral and bilateral blepharoptosis had significantly wider CNFW. But from the point of aetiology, only eyes with congenital blepharoptosis presented with wider CNFW (p = .001), rather than the eyes with aponeurogenic blepharoptosis (p = .093). Besides, four young patients with congenital blepharoptosis revealed very sparse sub-basal nerve plexus. CONCLUSIONS These data suggested that corneal confocal microscopy demonstrated no significant changes in patients with blepharoptosis as compared with normal controls, except for relatively wider CNFW in congenital affected eyes. However, in some children and young adults with congenital blepharoptosis, the density of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus was evidently decreased, which needs to be cautioned when ones with congenital blepharoptosis want to take corneal surgeries or wear contact lens.Key messagesWhen compared with normal controls, no significant effect was found in the influence of blepharoptosis on the most of corneal nerve parameters, except for corneal nerve fibre width (CNFW) in the group of congenital blepharoptosis.The age of onset of blepharoptosis may influence corneal nerve fibres, so timely surgical treatment of congenital blepharoptosis is not only conducive to the development of normal vision, but also beneficial to the reduction of corneal nerve lesions to some extent.We noted that some young blepharoptosis patients revealed sparse corneal nerve, which should be taken precaution when ones with congenital blepharoptosis who want to take corneal surgeries or wear contact lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shui Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunjia Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
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16
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Judson MA. The treatment of sarcoidosis: translating the European respiratory guidelines into clinical practice. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2022; 28:451-460. [PMID: 35838355 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recently, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) developed new international guidelines for the treatment of sarcoidosis. This manuscript attempts to distill the ERS Sarcoidosis Treatment Guidelines to a manageable format that can be easily used by practitioners. RECENT FINDINGS The ERS Sarcoidosis Treatment Guidelines addressed the treatment of pulmonary, skin, cardiac, neurologic, and sarcoidosis-associated fatigue. Therapeutic drug dosing and treatment algorithms for these conditions were also addressed. Glucocorticoids were the initial recommended treatment for these conditions except for sarcoidosis-associated fatigue where a pulmonary exercise program or a neurostimulant was initially suggested. Because of the risk of glucocorticoid side-effects, the Guidelines recommended early consideration of glucocorticoid-sparing therapy including certain antimetabolites and two specific tumor necrosis alpha antagonists: infliximab and adalimumab. SUMMARY The ERS Sarcoidosis Treatment Guidelines used a rigorous GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) methodology to update treatment recommendations for this condition. This manuscript summarizes the Guideline findings in practical terms for clinicians. Suggested algorithms and treatment dosing recommendations are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Judson
- Professor of Medicine; Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Department of Medicine Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
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17
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Cosmo E, Midena G, Frizziero L, Bruno M, Cecere M, Midena E. Corneal Confocal Microscopy as a Quantitative Imaging Biomarker of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:5130. [PMID: 36079060 PMCID: PMC9457345 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DPN), particularly chronic sensorimotor DPN, represents one of the most frequent complications of diabetes, affecting 50% of diabetic patients and causing an enormous financial burden. Whilst diagnostic methods exist to detect and monitor this condition, they have significant limitations, mainly due to their high subjectivity, invasiveness, and non-repeatability. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is an in vivo, non-invasive, and reproducible diagnostic technique for the study of all corneal layers including the sub-basal nerve plexus, which represents part of the peripheral nervous system. We reviewed the current literature on the use of CCM as an instrument in the assessment of diabetic patients, particularly focusing on its role in the study of sub-basal nerve plexus alterations as a marker of DPN. CCM has been demonstrated to be a valid in vivo tool to detect early sub-basal nerve plexus damage in adult and pediatric diabetic patients, correlating with the severity of DPN. Despite its great potential, CCM has still limited application in daily clinical practice, and more efforts still need to be made to allow the dissemination of this technique among doctors taking care of diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luisa Frizziero
- Department of Neuroscience-Ophthalmology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Edoardo Midena
- IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience-Ophthalmology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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18
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Bari A, Ravindra AP, Sinha R. Isolated corneal perineural amyloidosis: a unique presentation of lattice corneal dystrophy. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e250222. [PMID: 36007968 PMCID: PMC9422804 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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19
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Corneal toxicity associated with belantamab mafodotin is not restricted to the epithelium: neuropathy studied with confocal microscopy. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 242:116-124. [PMID: 35752319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate epithelial and neuronal changes in patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma (RRMM) before/during belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) treatment using confocal microscopy. DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS RRMM patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing and slit-lamp examination/photography, followed by corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to evaluate the epithelium and subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) to measure corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), -branch density (CNBD), and -fiber length (CNFL) before and during belamaf treatment. RESULTS In 14 eyes of 7 patients (4 female, 68±10 years) with complete follow-up (4±2 months), the median BCVA dropped from 20/25 (20/25-20/20) to 20/40 (20/200-20/32) in the worse eye at the end of follow-up. Microcystic epithelial changes and ocular surface disease were demonstrated biomicroscopically. CCM showed "grape-like" hyperreflective spots in the central basal epithelium that changed to polymorphous-structured cysts in the superficial epithelium, with no pathology detected at the(peri-)limbal structures. The baseline, normal SNP morphology with a mean CNFD, CNBD, and CNFL of 20.25±7.06/mm2, 19.49±12.34/mm2, and 11.8±3.74mm/mm2 respectively, showed severe fiber fragmentation during follow-up, and an observed complete loss of the SNP at the end of follow-up in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to illustrate neurotoxic effects of belamaf on the human cornea.
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20
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Performance Analysis of Conventional Machine Learning Algorithms for Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy Severity Classification Using Nerve Conduction Studies. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:9690940. [PMID: 35510061 PMCID: PMC9061035 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9690940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a major form of complication that arises in long-term diabetic patients. Even though the application of machine learning (ML) in disease diagnosis is very common and well-established in the field of research, its application in DSPN diagnosis using nerve conduction studies (NCS), is very limited in the existing literature. Method In this study, the NCS data were collected from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and its follow-up Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) clinical trials. The NCS variables are median motor velocity (m/sec), median motor amplitude (mV), median motor F-wave (msec), median sensory velocity (m/sec), median sensory amplitude (μV), Peroneal Motor Velocity (m/sec), peroneal motor amplitude (mv), peroneal motor F-wave (msec), sural sensory velocity (m/sec), and sural sensory amplitude (μV). Three different feature ranking techniques were used to analyze the performance of eight different conventional classifiers. Results The ensemble classifier outperformed other classifiers for the NCS data ranked when all the NCS features were used and provided an accuracy of 93.40%, sensitivity of 91.77%, and specificity of 98.44%. The random forest model exhibited the second-best performance using all the ten features with an accuracy of 93.26%, sensitivity of 91.95%, and specificity of 98.95%. Both ensemble and random forest showed the kappa value 0.82, which indicates that the models are in good agreement with the data and the variables used and are accurate to identify DSPN using these ML models. Conclusion This study suggests that the ensemble classifier using all the ten NCS variables can predict the DSPN severity which can enhance the management of DSPN patients.
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21
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Al-Bazz DY, Nelson AJ, Burgess J, Petropoulos IN, Nizza J, Marshall A, Brown E, Cuthbertson DJ, Marshall AG, Malik RA, Alam U. Is Nerve Electrophysiology a Robust Primary Endpoint in Clinical Trials of Treatments for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy? Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:731. [PMID: 35328284 PMCID: PMC8947384 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is an established primary endpoint of disease-modifying therapies in DPN and clinical trials have been powered with an assumed decline of 0.5 m/s/year. This paper sought to establish the time-dependent change in NCV associated with a placebo, compared to that observed in the active intervention group. A literature search identified twenty-one double-blind, randomised controlled trials in DPN of ≥1 year duration conducted between 1971 and 2021. We evaluated changes in neurophysiology, with a focus on peroneal motor and sural sensory NCV and amplitude in the placebo and treatment groups. There was significant variability in the change and direction of change (reduction/increase) in NCV in the placebo arm, as well as variability influenced by the anatomical site of neurophysiological measurement within a given clinical trial. A critical re-evaluation of efficacy trials should consider placebo-adjusted effects and present the placebo-subtracted change in NCV rather than assume a universal annual decline of 0.5 m/s/year. Importantly, endpoints such as corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) have demonstrated early nerve repair, whilst symptoms and NCV have not changed, and should thus be considered as a viable alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Y. Al-Bazz
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Andrew J. Nelson
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Jamie Burgess
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Ioannis N. Petropoulos
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; (I.N.P.); (R.A.M.)
| | - Jael Nizza
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Anne Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Emily Brown
- Obesity and Endocrinology Research Group, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (E.B.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Daniel J. Cuthbertson
- Obesity and Endocrinology Research Group, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (E.B.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Andrew G. Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; (I.N.P.); (R.A.M.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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22
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Newlin Lew K, Arnold T, Cantelmo C, Jacque F, Posada-Quintero H, Luthra P, Chon KH. Diabetes Distal Peripheral Neuropathy: Subtypes and Diagnostic and Screening Technologies. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2022; 16:295-320. [PMID: 34994241 PMCID: PMC8861801 DOI: 10.1177/19322968211035375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) is the most prevalent form of neuropathy in industrialized countries, substantially increasing risk for morbidity and pre-mature mortality. DSPN may manifest with small-fiber disease, large-fiber disease, or a combination of both. This review summarizes: (1) DSPN subtypes (small- and large-fiber disease) with attention to clinical signs and patient symptoms; and (2) technological diagnosis and screening for large- and small-fiber disease with inclusion of a comprehensive literature review of published studies from 2015-present (N = 66). Review findings, informed by the most up-to-date research, advance critical understanding of DSPN large- and small-fiber screening technologies, including those designed for point-of-care use in primary care and endocrinology practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Newlin Lew
- School of Nursing, University of
Connecticut (UConn), Storrs, CT, USA
- Kelley Newlin Lew, School of Nursing,
University of Connecticut (UConn), 231 Glenbrook Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Tracey Arnold
- School of Nursing, University of
Connecticut (UConn), Storrs, CT, USA
| | | | - Francky Jacque
- Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern
Connecticut, New London, CT, USA
| | - Hugo Posada-Quintero
- Biomedical Engineering Department,
University of Connecticut (UConn), Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Pooja Luthra
- Division of Endocrinology and
Metabolism, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Ki H. Chon
- Biomedical Engineering Department,
University of Connecticut (UConn), Storrs, CT, USA
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23
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Cañadas P, García-Gonzalez M, Cañones-Zafra R, Teus MA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy Findings in Neuro Lyme Disease: A Case Report. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:343. [PMID: 35204434 PMCID: PMC8870814 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro Lyme disease is caused by several bacteriae of the Borreliaceae family, such as Borrelia Miyamotoi. In late stages of illness, patients with Lyme disease may develop chronic neurologic symptoms such as cognitive disturbances or small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Confocal microscopy is a non-invasive method designed to evaluate the human cornea in vivo. Thus, all the corneal layers, including the cells and the sub-basal nerve plexus, can be easily visualized and analyzed. This is the first report of the morphology of small-fiber peripheral neuropathy analyzed by confocal microscopy in a patient diagnosed of neuro Lyme disease. The decrease in the number of unmyelinated sub-basal nerve fibers with abundant presence of dendritic cells (DC) in comparison with healthy corneas strongly supports the diagnosis of small fiber peripheral neuropathy in a case of neuroborreliosis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Cañadas
- Department of Optometry and Vision, School of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat García-Gonzalez
- Clínica Novovisión, P.° de la Castellana, 54, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (R.C.-Z.); (M.A.T.)
- Clínica Rementería, Calle Almagro, 36, 28010 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Cañones-Zafra
- Clínica Novovisión, P.° de la Castellana, 54, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (R.C.-Z.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Miguel A. Teus
- Clínica Novovisión, P.° de la Castellana, 54, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (R.C.-Z.); (M.A.T.)
- Hospital Universitario “Príncipe de Asturias”, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
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24
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Gad H, Petropoulos IN, Khan A, Ponirakis G, MacDonald R, Alam U, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Diabetes Investig 2022; 13:134-147. [PMID: 34351711 PMCID: PMC8756328 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique that identifies corneal nerve fiber damage. Small studies suggest that CCM could be used to assess patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). AIM To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the diagnostic utility of CCM for sub-clinical DPN (DPN- ) and established DPN (DPN+ ). DATA SOURCES Databases (PubMed, Embase, Central, ProQuest) were searched for studies using CCM in patients with diabetes up to April 2020. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they reported on at least one CCM parameter in patients with diabetes. DATA EXTRACTION Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), and inferior whorl length (IWL) were compared between patients with diabetes with and without DPN and controls. Meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan V.5.3. DATA SYNTHESIS Thirty-eight studies including ~4,000 participants were included in this meta-analysis. There were significant reductions in CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, and IWL in DPN- vs controls (P < 0.00001), DPN+ vs controls (P < 0.00001), and DPN+ vs DPN- (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis shows that CCM detects small nerve fiber loss in subclinical and clinical DPN and concludes that CCM has good diagnostic utility in DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Gad
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarDohaQatar
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarDohaQatar
| | | | | | - Uazman Alam
- Diabetes and Neuropathy ResearchDepartment of Eye and Vision Sciences and Pain Research InstituteInstitute of Ageing and Chronic DiseaseUniversity of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
- Department of Diabetes and EndocrinologyRoyal Liverpool and Broadgreen University NHS Hospital TrustLiverpoolUK
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and GastroenterologyUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarDohaQatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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25
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Verdugo RJ, Matamala JM, Inui K, Kakigi R, Valls-Solé J, Hansson P, Bernhard Nilsen K, Lombardi R, Lauria G, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA, Treede RD, Baumgärtner U, Jara PA, Campero M. Review of techniques useful for the assessment of sensory small fiber neuropathies: Report from an IFCN expert group. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 136:13-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Corneal Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Small Fiber Neuropathy: Faster, Easier, and More Efficient Than Skin Biopsy? PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2021; 29:1-8. [PMID: 35366285 PMCID: PMC8954271 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain may affect 30–50% of the world’s population and an important cause is small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Recent research suggests that autoimmune diseases may be one of the most common causes of small nerve fiber damage. There is low awareness of SFN among patients and clinicians and it is difficult to diagnose as routine electrophysiological methods only detect large fiber abnormalities, and specialized small fiber tests, like skin biopsy and quantitative sensory testing, are not routinely available. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid, non-invasive, reproducible method for quantifying small nerve fiber degeneration and regeneration, and could be an important tool for diagnosing SFN. This review considers the advantages and disadvantages of CCM and highlights the evolution of this technique from a research tool to a diagnostic test for small fiber damage, which can be a valuable contribution to the study and management of autoimmune disease.
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27
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Melani AS, Simona A, Armati M, d’Alessandro M, Bargagli E. A Comprehensive Review of Sarcoidosis Diagnosis and Monitoring for the Pulmonologist. Pulm Ther 2021; 7:309-324. [PMID: 34091831 PMCID: PMC8589876 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-021-00161-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with heterogenous clinical manifestations. Here we review the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and propose a clinically feasible diagnostic work-up and monitoring protocol. As sarcoidosis is a systemic disease, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for best outcomes. However, since the lungs are frequently involved, the pulmonologist is often the referral physician for diagnosis and management. When sarcoidosis is suspected, diagnosis needs to be confirmed and organ involvement/impairment assessed. This process is also required to establish whether the patient is likely to benefit from treatment, as many cases of sarcoidosis are self-limited and remit spontaneously. Whether or not treatment is started, effective regular follow-up is necessary to monitor changes in the disease, including extension, progression, remissions, flare-ups, and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S. Melani
- UOS Pneumologia/UTIP, Dip. Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche E Neuroscienze, Policlinico Le Scotte Viale Bracci, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Albano Simona
- UOS Pneumologia/UTIP, Dip. Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche E Neuroscienze, Policlinico Le Scotte Viale Bracci, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Martina Armati
- UOC Malattie Respiratorie, Dip. Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche E Neuroscienze Università Di Siena Policlinico “Le Scotte”, Siena, Italy
| | - Miriana d’Alessandro
- UOC Malattie Respiratorie, Dip. Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche E Neuroscienze Università Di Siena Policlinico “Le Scotte”, Siena, Italy
- UOC Malattie Respiratorie, Immunoallergology, Rare Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplant Laboratory, Dip. Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche E Neuroscienze Università Di Siena Policlinico “Le Scotte”, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- UOC Malattie Respiratorie, Dip. Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche E Neuroscienze Università Di Siena Policlinico “Le Scotte”, Siena, Italy
- UOC Malattie Respiratorie, Immunoallergology, Rare Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplant Laboratory, Dip. Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche E Neuroscienze Università Di Siena Policlinico “Le Scotte”, Siena, Italy
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28
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Ponirakis G, Abdul‐Ghani MA, Jayyousi A, Zirie MA, Al‐Mohannadi S, Almuhannadi H, Petropoulos IN, Khan A, Gad H, Migahid O, Megahed A, Qazi M, AlMarri F, Al‐Khayat F, Mahfoud Z, DeFronzo R, Malik RA. Insulin resistance limits corneal nerve regeneration in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing intensive glycemic control. J Diabetes Investig 2021; 12:2002-2009. [PMID: 34002953 PMCID: PMC8565403 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION This study aimed to investigate whether insulin resistance (IR) in individuals with type 2 diabetes undergoing intensive glycemic control determines the extent of improvement in neuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was an exploratory substudy of an open-label, randomized controlled trial of individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes treated with exenatide and pioglitazone or insulin to achieve a glycated hemoglobin <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol). Baseline IR was defined using homeostasis model assessment of IR, and change in neuropathy was assessed using corneal confocal microscopy. RESULTS A total of 38 individuals with type 2 diabetes aged 50.2 ± 8.5 years with (n = 25, 66%) and without (n = 13, 34%) IR were studied. There was a significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin (P < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.0001), total cholesterol (P < 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein (P = 0.05), and an increase in bodyweight (P < 0.0001) with treatment. Individuals with homeostasis model assessment of IR <1.9 showed a significant increase in corneal nerve fiber density (P ≤ 0.01), length (P ≤ 0.01) and branch density (P ≤ 0.01), whereas individuals with homeostasis model assessment of IR ≥1.9 showed no change. IR was negatively associated with change in corneal nerve fiber density after adjusting for change in bodyweight (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Nerve regeneration might be limited in individuals with type 2 diabetes and IR undergoing treatment with pioglitazone plus exenatide or insulin to improve glycemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Ponirakis
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Muhammad A Abdul‐Ghani
- National Diabetes CenterHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
- Division of DiabetesUniversity of Texas Health Science CenterSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Amin Jayyousi
- National Diabetes CenterHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Mahmoud A Zirie
- National Diabetes CenterHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Salma Al‐Mohannadi
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | - Hamad Almuhannadi
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | - Osama Migahid
- National Diabetes CenterHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
- Division of DiabetesUniversity of Texas Health Science CenterSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Ayman Megahed
- National Diabetes CenterHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Murtaza Qazi
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | - Fatema AlMarri
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | - Fatima Al‐Khayat
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | - Ziyad Mahfoud
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
| | - Ralph DeFronzo
- Division of DiabetesUniversity of Texas Health Science CenterSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine in QatarQatar FoundationEducation City, DohaQatar
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
- National Diabetes CenterHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular ScienceUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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29
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Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown cause with heterogenous clinical manifestations and variable course. Spontaneous remissions occur in some patients while others have progressive disease impacting survival, organ function, and quality of life. Four high-risk sarcoidosis phenotypes associated with chronic inflammation have recently been identified as high-priority areas for research. These include treatment-refractory pulmonary disease, cardiac sarcoidosis, neurosarcoidosis and multiorgan sarcoidosis. Significant gaps currently exist in understanding of these high-risk manifestations of sarcoidosis, including their natural history, diagnostic criteria, biomarkers, and the treatment strategy such as the ideal agent, optimal dose and treatment duration. The use of registries with well-phenotyped patients is a critical first step to study high-risk sarcoidosis manifestations systematically. We review the diagnostic and treatment approach to high-risk sarcoidosis manifestations. Appropriately identifying these disease sub-groups will help enroll well-phenotyped patients in sarcoidosis registries and clinical trials, a necessary step to narrow existing gaps in understanding of this enigmatic disease.
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Yavuz Saricay L, Bayraktutar BN, Kenyon BM, Hamrah P. Concurrent ocular pain in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:143-151. [PMID: 34411735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To illustrate that ocular pain may occur in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) that typically are thought to lack symptoms of discomfort, and that aa subset of these patients may also present with neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). METHOD Retrospective Case series of 7 stage 1 NK patients who presented with concurrent ocular pain, as confirmed by clinical examination, proparacaine challenge test, and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM). Records were assessed for results of ocular surface disease index (OSDI), pain on visual analog scale (VAS), ocular pain assessment survey (OPAS), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, and IVCM findings. IVCM findings were compared to that of 20 healthy reference controls. RESULTS Mean age of patients was 63.7 ± 11.6 (range 44-76) years and 56.9 ± 8.6 (range 42-74) years in reference controls (p = 0.11). At presentation, ocular discomfort was 8.0 ± 1.3 (range 7-10) on VAS and mean OSDI scores were 72.26 ± 6.81 (range 62.50-79.54). Mean BCVA was 20/40, and mean CFS scores were 3.43 ± 0.79 (range 2-4) on the Oxford scale. IVCM analysis showed significant decrease in mean total, main and branch nerve densities in ranges consistent with NK as compared to normal controls (p < 0.001 for all), increased dendritiform cell density in three patients (p < 0.001), and the presence of microneuromas in six of the patients. CONCLUSION Patients with NK are thought to present with hypoesthesia. However, nerve damage and inflammation, which play a role in the development of NK may result in the development of chronic ocular pain, such as NCP, resulting in potential underdiagnosis of either disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Yavuz Saricay
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts Medical Center School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Betul N Bayraktutar
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts Medical Center School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Brendan M Kenyon
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Program in Neuroscience, School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts Medical Center School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Program in Neuroscience, School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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In vivo corneal confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography on eyes of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obese participants without diabetes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259:3339-3350. [PMID: 34283292 PMCID: PMC8523500 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05251-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSES To examine corneal nerve and retinal nerve characteristics of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with obese participants without diabetes to discover potential nerve vulnerabilities. METHODS All participants underwent a complete medical examination including a physical examination and blood sample tests. The ophthalmologic examination included best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, Schirmer test, tear film breakup time, slit-lamp examination, dilated fundus photography, in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS The study cohort consisted of 83 eyes of 83 individuals: a group of 44 participants with T2DM, and a control group of 39 obese participants with no history of diabetes. Comparing measurements on the two groups, participants with T2DM had lower values with statistical significance for retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) nasal superior thickness (p = 0.010) and three corneal nerve (CN) parameters: fiber length (p = 0.025), total branch density (p = 0.013), and fiber area (p = 0.009). There was a borderline significant difference in CN fiber width (p = 0.051) and RNFL nasal inferior thickness (p = 0.056). No other significant differences were observed in the IVCCM and OCT parameters. No statistically significant correlation was found between CN and RNFL parameters. CONCLUSIONS Progression from a pre-diabetic obese state to a T2DM condition might entail a loss or diminishment of certain corneal nerve fibers or retinal nerve fibers, but not necessarily a loss of both corneal and retinal nerve fibers simultaneously. Using IVCCM and OCT together enables monitoring of both corneal and retinal health of the eye.
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Middleton SJ, Barry AM, Comini M, Li Y, Ray PR, Shiers S, Themistocleous AC, Uhelski ML, Yang X, Dougherty PM, Price TJ, Bennett DL. Studying human nociceptors: from fundamentals to clinic. Brain 2021; 144:1312-1335. [PMID: 34128530 PMCID: PMC8219361 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain affects one in five of the general population and is the third most important cause of disability-adjusted life-years globally. Unfortunately, treatment remains inadequate due to poor efficacy and tolerability. There has been a failure in translating promising preclinical drug targets into clinic use. This reflects challenges across the whole drug development pathway, from preclinical models to trial design. Nociceptors remain an attractive therapeutic target: their sensitization makes an important contribution to many chronic pain states, they are located outside the blood-brain barrier, and they are relatively specific. The past decade has seen significant advances in the techniques available to study human nociceptors, including: the use of corneal confocal microscopy and biopsy samples to observe nociceptor morphology, the culture of human nociceptors (either from surgical or post-mortem tissue or using human induced pluripotent stem cell derived nociceptors), the application of high throughput technologies such as transcriptomics, the in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological characterization through microneurography, and the correlation with pain percepts provided by quantitative sensory testing. Genome editing in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived nociceptors enables the interrogation of the causal role of genes in the regulation of nociceptor function. Both human and rodent nociceptors are more heterogeneous at a molecular level than previously appreciated, and while we find that there are broad similarities between human and rodent nociceptors there are also important differences involving ion channel function, expression, and cellular excitability. These technological advances have emphasized the maladaptive plastic changes occurring in human nociceptors following injury that contribute to chronic pain. Studying human nociceptors has revealed new therapeutic targets for the suppression of chronic pain and enhanced repair. Cellular models of human nociceptors have enabled the screening of small molecule and gene therapy approaches on nociceptor function, and in some cases have enabled correlation with clinical outcomes. Undoubtedly, challenges remain. Many of these techniques are difficult to implement at scale, current induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocols do not generate the full diversity of nociceptor populations, and we still have a relatively poor understanding of inter-individual variation in nociceptors due to factors such as age, sex, or ethnicity. We hope our ability to directly investigate human nociceptors will not only aid our understanding of the fundamental neurobiology underlying acute and chronic pain but also help bridge the translational gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Middleton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Allison M Barry
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Maddalena Comini
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pradipta R Ray
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Andreas C Themistocleous
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.,Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Megan L Uhelski
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xun Yang
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Theodore J Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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ERS clinical practice guidelines on treatment of sarcoidosis. Eur Respir J 2021; 58:13993003.04079-2020. [PMID: 34140301 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04079-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major reasons to treat sarcoidosis are to lower the morbidity and mortality risk or to improve quality of life (QoL). The indication for treatment varies depending on which manifestation is the cause of symptoms: lungs, heart, brain, skin, or other manifestations. While glucocorticoids (GC) remain the first choice for initial treatment of symptomatic disease, prolonged use is associated with significant toxicity. GC-sparing alternatives are available. The presented treatment guideline aims to provide guidance to physicians treating the very heterogenous sarcoidosis manifestations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A European Respiratory Society Task Force (TF) committee composed of clinicians, methodologists, and patients with experience in sarcoidosis developed recommendations based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) methodology. The committee developed eight PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) questions and these were used to make specific evidence-based recommendations. RESULTS The TF committee delivered twelve recommendations for seven PICOs. These included treatment of pulmonary, cutaneous, cardiac, and neurologic disease as well as fatigue. One PICO question regarding small fiber neuropathy had insufficient evidence to support a recommendation. In addition to the recommendations, the committee provided information on how they use alternative treatments, when there was insufficient evidence to support a recommendation. CONCLUSIONS There are many treatments available to treat sarcoidosis. Given the diverse nature of the disease, treatment decisions require an assessment of organ involvement, risk for significant morbidity, and impact on QoL of the disease and treatment. MESSAGE An evidence based guideline for treatment of sarcoidosis is presented. The panel used the GRADE approach and specific recommendations are made. A major factor in treating patients is the risk of loss of organ function or impairment of quality of life.
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Petropoulos IN, Ponirakis G, Ferdousi M, Azmi S, Kalteniece A, Khan A, Gad H, Bashir B, Marshall A, Boulton AJM, Soran H, Malik RA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Biomarker for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Clin Ther 2021; 43:1457-1475. [PMID: 33965237 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diagnosing early diabetic peripheral neuropathy remains a challenge due to deficiencies in currently advocated end points. The cornea is densely innervated with small sensory fibers, which are structurally and functionally comparable to intraepidermal nerve fibers. Corneal confocal microscopy is a method for rapid, noninvasive scanning of the living cornea with high resolution and magnification. METHODS This narrative review presents the framework for the development of biomarkers and the literature on the use and adoption of corneal confocal microscopy as an objective, diagnostic biomarker in experimental and clinical studies of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar based on the terms "corneal confocal microscopy," "diabetic neuropathy," "corneal sensitivity," and "clinical trials." FINDINGS A substantial body of evidence underpins the thesis that corneal nerve loss predicts incident neuropathy and progresses with the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Corneal confocal microscopy also identifies early corneal nerve regeneration, strongly arguing for its inclusion as a surrogate end point in clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies. IMPLICATIONS There are sufficient diagnostic and prospective validation studies to fulfill the US Food and Drug Administration criteria for a biomarker to support the inclusion of corneal confocal microscopy as a primary end point in clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies in diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adnan Khan
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bilal Bashir
- Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Clinical Neurophysiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J M Boulton
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Haque F, Bin Ibne Reaz M, Chowdhury MEH, Srivastava G, Hamid Md Ali S, Bakar AAA, Bhuiyan MAS. Performance Analysis of Conventional Machine Learning Algorithms for Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy Severity Classification. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11050801. [PMID: 33925190 PMCID: PMC8146253 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DSPN), a major form of diabetic neuropathy, is a complication that arises in long-term diabetic patients. Even though the application of machine learning (ML) in disease diagnosis is a very common and well-established field of research, its application in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) diagnosis using composite scoring techniques like Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrumentation (MNSI), is very limited in the existing literature. Method: In this study, the MNSI data were collected from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) clinical trials. Two different datasets with different MNSI variable combinations based on the results from the eXtreme Gradient Boosting feature ranking technique were used to analyze the performance of eight different conventional ML algorithms. Results: The random forest (RF) classifier outperformed other ML models for both datasets. However, all ML models showed almost perfect reliability based on Kappa statistics and a high correlation between the predicted output and actual class of the EDIC patients when all six MNSI variables were considered as inputs. Conclusions: This study suggests that the RF algorithm-based classifier using all MNSI variables can help to predict the DSPN severity which will help to enhance the medical facilities for diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmida Haque
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (F.H.); (M.B.I.R.); (S.H.M.A.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | - Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (F.H.); (M.B.I.R.); (S.H.M.A.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | | | - Geetika Srivastava
- Department of Physics and Electronics, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya 224001, India;
| | - Sawal Hamid Md Ali
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (F.H.); (M.B.I.R.); (S.H.M.A.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | - Ahmad Ashrif A. Bakar
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (F.H.); (M.B.I.R.); (S.H.M.A.); (A.A.A.B.)
| | - Mohammad Arif Sobhan Bhuiyan
- Department Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Bandar Sunsuria, Sepang 43900, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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The Relationship between Corneal Nerve Morphology and Inflammatory Mediators and Neuropeptides in Healthy Individuals. Optom Vis Sci 2021; 97:145-153. [PMID: 32168236 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE This study set out to explore the relationship between the ocular surface immune and nervous systems by exploring corneal nerve structure and the presence of inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides in the tear film. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the association between corneal nerve morphology and tear film inflammatory mediators and a neuropeptide in healthy individuals. METHODS Flush tears were collected from both eyes of 21 healthy participants aged 39.7 ± 9.9 years (10 females, 11 males) and analyzed for substance P, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 6. In vivo central corneal confocal microscopy was performed on the right eye, and eight images were captured. Variables measured were corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density, fiber total branch density, corneal nerve fiber area, corneal nerve fiber width (CNFW), and corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrac). For each eye, the average across the images and the maximum and minimum values were determined for each variable. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to test for associations. RESULTS Substance P correlated with CNFrac (max) (r = -0.48, P = .03) and CNFW (min) (r = -0.52, P = .02). TIMP-1 correlated with CNFD (average) (r = -0.53, P = .03), CNFL (average) (r = -0.49, P = .05), CNFrac (max) (r = -0.49, P = .05), and CNFD (min) (r = -0.55, P = .02). Interleukin 6 correlated with CNFW (average) (r = -0.49, P = .05), the standard deviation of CNFL (r = -0.51, P = .04), CNFL (max) (r = -0.50, P = .04), CNFrac (max) (r = -0.50, P = .04), and CNFW (min) (r = -0.55, P = .02). Tumor necrosis factor α, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and its ratio with TIMP-1 did not correlate with any corneal nerve parameters. CONCLUSIONS Both inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides correlated with measures of corneal nerve morphology, supporting the link between the inflammatory and nervous systems.
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Abstract
A biomarker is a "characteristic that is measured as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or responses to an exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions." Recently, calls for biomarkers for ocular surface diseases have increased, and advancements in imaging technologies have aided in allowing imaging biomarkers to serve as a potential solution for this need. This review focuses on the state of imaging biomarkers for ocular surface diseases, specifically non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus measurement and corneal epithelial thickness with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), meibomian gland morphology with infrared meibography and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), ocular redness with grading scales, and cellular corneal immune cells and nerve assessment by IVCM. Extensive literature review was performed for analytical and clinical validation that currently exists for potential imaging biomarkers. Our summary suggests that the reported analytical and clinical validation state for potential imaging biomarkers is broad, with some having good to excellent intra- and intergrader agreement to date. Examples of these include NIBUT for dry eye disease, ocular redness grading scales, and detection of corneal immune cells by IVCM for grading and monitoring inflammation. Further examples are nerve assessment by IVCM for monitoring severity of diabetes mellitus and neurotrophic keratitis, and corneal epithelial thickness assessment with anterior segment OCT for the diagnosis of early keratoconus. However, additional analytical validation for these biomarkers is required before clinical application as a biomarker.
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Chiang JCB, Goldstein D, Trinh T, Au K, Mizrahi D, Muhlmann M, Crowe P, O'Neill S, Edwards K, Park SB, Krishnan AV, Markoulli M. A Cross-Sectional Study of Sub-Basal Corneal Nerve Reduction Following Neurotoxic Chemotherapy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:24. [PMID: 33510963 PMCID: PMC7804570 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sub-basal corneal nerves have been shown to change during neurotoxic chemotherapy treatment. This cross-sectional study investigated corneal nerve morphology in patients who have completed neurotoxic chemotherapy well after treatment cessation and its association with peripheral nerve function. Methods Central corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and inferior whorl length (IWL), average nerve fiber length (ANFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) and corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and nerve fiber area (CNFA) were examined using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy in patients with cancer who had completed treatment with either paclitaxel or oxaliplatin between 3 and 24 months prior to assessment in comparison with 2 separate groups of healthy controls. Neurological assessments were conducted including clinician- and patient-reported outcomes, and neurological grading scales. Results Both paclitaxel- (n = 40) and oxaliplatin-treated (n = 30) groups had reduced IWL and ANFL compared to the respective healthy control groups (n = 15 in each group) (paclitaxel: IWL = P = 0.02, ANFL = P = 0.009; and oxaliplatin: IWL = P = 0.008, ANFL P = 0.02). CNFL and CNFD reduction were observed only in the paclitaxel-treated group compared with healthy controls (P = 0.008 and P = 0.02, respectively), whereas CNFA was reduced in the oxaliplatin-treated group (P = 0.04). IWL reduction correlated with worse fine hand dexterity in chemotherapy-treated patients (r = −0.33, P = 0.007). Conclusions There is evidence of corneal nerve loss in patients with cancer who have been treated with paclitaxel and oxaliplatin well after treatment cessation associated with worse upper limb function. Translational Relevance Sub-basal corneal nerve reduction is evident even after cessation of neurotoxic treatment. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy may be useful in the monitoring of nerve function in patients receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Goldstein
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Terry Trinh
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kimberley Au
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Mizrahi
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Muhlmann
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip Crowe
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Siobhan O'Neill
- Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katie Edwards
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susanna B Park
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Ando A, Miyamoto M, Saito N, Kotani K, Kamiya H, Ishibashi S, Tavakoli M. Small Fibre Neuropathy Is Associated With Impaired Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:653277. [PMID: 33935969 PMCID: PMC8079951 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.653277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and endothelial dysfunction are prevalent complications of diabetes mellitus. Currently, there are two non-invasive markers for endothelial dysfunction: flow-mediated dilation and reactive hyperaemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). However, the relationship between diabetic small fibre neuropathy and macroangiopathy remains obscure thus far. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) has emerged as a new diagnostic modality to assess DPN, especially of small fibre. To clarify the relationship between diabetic small fibre neuropathy and vascular dysfunction, we aimed to determine the functions of peripheral nerves and blood vessels through clinical tests such as nerve conduction study, coefficient of variation in the R-R interval, CCM, and RH-PAT in 82 patients with type 2 diabetes. Forty healthy control subjects were also included to study corneal nerve parameters. Correlational and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between neuropathy indices and markers for vascular functions. The results revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower values for most variables of CCM than healthy control subjects. RH-PAT solely remained as an explanatory variable significant in multiple regression analysis for several CCM parameters and vice versa. Other vascular markers had no significant multiple regression with any CCM parameters. In conclusion, endothelial dysfunction as revealed by impaired RH-PAT was significantly associated with CCM parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. This association may indicate that small fibre neuropathy results from impaired endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. CCM parameters may be considered surrogate markers of autonomic nerve damage, which is related to diabetic endothelial dysfunction. This study is the first to report the relationship between corneal nerve parameter as small fibre neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and RH-PAT as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ando
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nishio Hospital, Nishio, Japan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
- *Correspondence: Akihiko Ando,
| | - Michiaki Miyamoto
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aiseikai Clinic for Internal Medicine and Gynecology, Kuki, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Naoko Saito
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kotani
- Division of Community and Family Medicine, Centre for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hideki Kamiya
- Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Shun Ishibashi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Mitra Tavakoli
- Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre, NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Carmichael J, Fadavi H, Ishibashi F, Shore AC, Tavakoli M. Advances in Screening, Early Diagnosis and Accurate Staging of Diabetic Neuropathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:671257. [PMID: 34122344 PMCID: PMC8188984 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.671257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is among the most distressing and costly of all the chronic complications of diabetes and is a cause of significant disability and poor quality of life. This incurs a significant burden on health care costs and society, especially as these young people enter their peak working and earning capacity at the time when diabetes-related complications most often first occur. DPN is often asymptomatic during the early stages; however, once symptoms and overt deficits have developed, it cannot be reversed. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to prevent the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. The diagnosis of DPN, the determination of the global prevalence, and incidence rates of DPN remain challenging. The opinions vary about the effectiveness of the expansion of screenings to enable early diagnosis and treatment initiation before disease onset and progression. Although research has evolved over the years, DPN still represents an enormous burden for clinicians and health systems worldwide due to its difficult diagnosis, high costs related to treatment, and the multidisciplinary approach required for effective management. Therefore, there is an unmet need for reliable surrogate biomarkers to monitor the onset and progression of early neuropathic changes in DPN and facilitate drug discovery. In this review paper, the aim was to assess the currently available tests for DPN's sensitivity and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Carmichael
- Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Exeter Clinical Research Facility, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Fadavi
- Peripheral Neuropathy Group, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fukashi Ishibashi
- Internal Medicine, Ishibashi Medical and Diabetes Centre, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Angela C Shore
- Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Exeter Clinical Research Facility, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Mitra Tavakoli
- Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Exeter Clinical Research Facility, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Bitirgen G, Akpinar Z, Uca AU, Ozkagnici A, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA. Progressive Loss of Corneal and Retinal Nerve Fibers in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A 2-Year Follow-up Study. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:37. [PMID: 33384891 PMCID: PMC7757607 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.13.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine longitudinal alterations in corneal nerve fiber morphology, dendritic cell (DC) density, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness over 2 years in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods Thirty-one consecutive patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) underwent assessment of the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS), corneal confocal microscopy to quantify corneal subbasal nerve morphology and DC density, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography to quantify RNFL thickness at baseline and after 2 years. Results There was a significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber area (CNFA) (P = 0.003), nerve fiber width (CNFW) (P = 0.005), and RNFL thickness (P = 0.004) with an increase in EDSS (P = 0.01) over 2 years. The change in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) correlated with the change in EDSS (ρ = -0.468; P = 0.008), MSSS (ρ = -0.442; P = 0.01), DC density (ρ = -0.550; P = 0.001), and RNFL (ρ = 0.472; P = 0.007). The change in corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) correlated with the change in EDSS (ρ = -0.445; P = 0.01) and MSSS (ρ = -0.490; P = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in CNFL (P < 0.001), CNFA (P = 0.02), CNFW (P = 0.04), corneal total branch density (P = 0.01), and RNFL thickness (P = 0.02) and a significant increase in DC density (P = 0.04) in patients with worsening EDSS (n = 15). Conclusions Corneal confocal microscopy can be used to detect progressive corneal nerve fiber loss that relates to a progression of disability in patients with RRMS. Translational Relevance Corneal confocal microscopy acts as a sensitive imaging biomarker for progressive nerve degeneration in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Zehra Akpinar
- Department of Neurology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ali Ulvi Uca
- Department of Neurology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ozkagnici
- Department of Ophthalmology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Jiao H, Lim AS, Fazio Coles TE, McQuade RM, Furness JB, Chinnery HR. The effect of high-fat diet-induced metabolic disturbance on corneal neuroimmune features. Exp Eye Res 2020; 201:108298. [PMID: 33069696 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The highly innervated cornea is susceptible to nerve loss secondary to systemic diseases such as diabetes and metabolic disturbances caused by high-fat diet. In this study, we characterize the effect of high-fat diet on the mouse corneal neuroimmune phenotype, including changes to corneal nerve density and resident immune cells, alongside the clinical assessment of corneal thickness and endothelial cell density. METHODS Male C57Bl6/J mice, aged 10 weeks, were fed a high-fat diet (60 kcal% fat, 5.2 kcal/g) or control diet (10 kcal%, 3.8 kcal/g) for 16 weeks. At the study endpoint, metabolic parameters (HbA1c, weight, fasting glucose, body fat) were measured to confirm metabolic disturbance. Clinical imaging of the anterior segment was performed using optical coherence tomography to measure the corneal epithelial and stromal thickness. Corneal sensory nerves were visualized using flatmount immunostaining and confocal microscopy. The topographical distribution and density of sensory nerves (BIII-tubulin+), intraepithelial CD45+ and MHC- II+ cells, stromal macrophages (IBA1+CD206+) and endothelial cells (ZO-1+) were analysed using FIJI. RESULTS High-fat diet mice had significantly higher blood HbA1c, higher body weight, a higher percentage of body fat and elevated fasting glucose compared to the control diet mice. Corneal epithelial and stromal thickness was similar in both groups. The sum length of the basal nerve plexus was lower in the central and peripheral cornea of mice fed a high-fat diet. In contrast, the sum length of superficial nerve terminals was similar between groups. Epithelial immune cell density was two-fold higher in the central corneas of high-fat diet mice compared to control diet mice. IBA1+CD206+ macrophage density was similar in the anterior stroma of both groups but was significantly higher in the posterior stroma of the peripheral cornea in the high-fat diet mice compared to controls. The percentage of nerve-associated MHC-II+ cells in the epithelium and stroma was higher in HFD mice compared to controls. Endothelial cell density was similar in the corneas of high-fat diet mice compared to controls. CONCLUSION Together with corneal neuropathy, corneal immune cells in mice fed a high-fat diet were differentially affected depending on their topographical distribution and location within cornea, and appeared in closer proximity to epithelial and stromal nerves, suggesting a local neuroimmune disruption induced by systemic metabolic disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihan Jiao
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alicia Sl Lim
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Therese E Fazio Coles
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel M McQuade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne University, Sunshine, Victoria, Australia
| | - John B Furness
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Wang M, Zhang C, Zuo A, Li L, Chen L, Hou X. Diagnostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy in type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 12:574-582. [PMID: 32745370 PMCID: PMC8015829 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction The early pathological changes of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are mainly small nerve fiber injuries. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is an easy, rapid, non‐invasive and repeatable technique to detect the damage of small nerve fibers. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of CCM in DPN and other chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods A total of 220 individuals (48 normal healthy control participants and 172 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus) were included in the study. All participants were assessed and scored for neurological symptoms and neurological deficits, quantitative sensory test, neuroelectrophysiological test, and CCM. Results Corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve fiber length and corneal nerve branch density were significantly reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with normal healthy control subjects (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the DPN group, corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density and corneal nerve fiber length were significantly lower than for patients without DPN (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cut‐off values were 24.68, 39 and 15.315, respectively, in which corneal nerve fiber density and corneal nerve fiber length had moderate sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion This study provides more support for the clinical use of CCM to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus‐related complications, especially DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijian Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of School of Biological & Chemical Engineering, Qingdao Technical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Anju Zuo
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinguo Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
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Petropoulos IN, Al-Mohammedi A, Chen X, Ferdousi M, Ponirakis G, Kemp H, Chopra R, Hau S, Schargus M, Vollert J, Sturm D, Bharani T, Kleinschnitz C, Stettner M, Peto T, Maier C, Rice ASC, Malik RA. The Utility of Corneal Nerve Fractal Dimension Analysis in Peripheral Neuropathies of Different Etiology. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:43. [PMID: 32934893 PMCID: PMC7463182 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.9.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Quantification of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) images has shown a significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) in a range of peripheral neuropathies. We assessed whether corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD) analysis, a novel metric to quantify the topological complexity of corneal subbasal nerves, can differentiate peripheral neuropathies of different etiology. Methods Ninety patients with peripheral neuropathy, including 29 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), 34 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 13 with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), 14 with human immunodeficiency virus-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN), and 20 healthy controls (HCs), underwent CCM for estimation of corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), CNFL, corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), CNFrD, and CNFrD adjusted for CNFL (ACNFrD). Results In patients with DPN, CIDP, CIPN, or HIV-SN compared to HCs, CNFD (P = 0.004-0.0001) and CNFL (P = 0.05-0.0001) were significantly lower, with a further significant reduction among subgroups. CNFrD was significantly lower in patients with CIDP compared to HCs and patients with HIV-SN (P = 0.02-0.0009) and in patients with DPN compared to HCs and patients with HIV-SN, CIPN, or CIDP (P = 0.001-0.0001). ACNFrD was lower in patients with CIPN, CIDP, or DPN compared to HCs (P = 0.03-0.0001) and in patients with DPN compared to those with HIV-SN, CIPN, or CIDP (P = 0.01-0.005). Conclusions CNFrD can detect a distinct pattern of corneal nerve loss in patients with DPN or CIDP compared to those with CIPN or HIV-SN and controls. Translational Relevance Various peripheral neuropathies are characterized by a comparable degree of corneal nerve loss. Assessment of corneal nerve topology by CNFrD could be useful in differentiating neuropathies based on the pattern of loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xin Chen
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Harriet Kemp
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Reena Chopra
- NIHR Moorfields Clinical Research Facility, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Scott Hau
- NIHR Moorfields Clinical Research Facility, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marc Schargus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Division of Neurophysiology, Center of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Sturm
- BG Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Department of Neurology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tina Bharani
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Tunde Peto
- Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Christoph Maier
- BG Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Department of Pain Medicine, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrew S C Rice
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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Abstract
As sarcoidosis may involve any organ, sarcoidosis patients should be evaluated for occult disease. Screening for some organ involvement may not be warranted if it is unlikely to cause symptoms, organ dysfunction, or affect clinical outcome. Even organ involvement that affects clinical outcome does not necessarily require screening if early detection fails to change the patient's quality of life or prognosis. On the other hand, early detection of some forms of sarcoidosis may improve outcomes and survival. This manuscript describes the approach to screening sarcoidosis patients for previously undetected disease. Screening for sarcoidosis should commence with a meticulous medical history and physical examination. Many sarcoidosis patients present with physical signs or symptoms of sarcoidosis that have not been recognized as manifestations of the disease. Detection of sarcoidosis in these instances depends on the clinician's familiarity with the varied clinical presentations of sarcoidosis. In addition, sarcoidosis patients may present with symptoms or signs that are not related to specific organ involvement that have been described as parasarcoidosis syndromes. It is conjectured that parasarcoidosis syndromes result from systemic release of inflammatory mediators from the sarcoidosis granuloma. Certain forms of sarcoidosis may cause permanent and serious problems that can be prevented if they are detected early in the course of their disease. These include (1) ocular involvement that may lead to permanent vision impairment; (2) vitamin D dysregulation that may lead to hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, and permanent kidney injury; and (3) cardiac sarcoidosis that may lead to a cardiomyopathy, ventricular arrhythmias, heart block, and sudden death. Screening for these forms of organ involvement requires detailed screening approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Judson
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
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Zdebik N, Zdebik A, Bogusławska J, Przeździecka-Dołyk J, Turno-Kręcicka A. Fibromyalgia syndrome and the eye-A review. Surv Ophthalmol 2020; 66:132-137. [PMID: 32512032 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread pain syndrome of unclear etiology characterized by fatigue, sleeping problems, cognitive disorders, somatic complaints, and severe pain in parts of the body at the time of physical activity, with no laboratory findings specific to the disease or diagnostic tests. Fibromyalgia can be associated with ocular symptoms (foreign body sensation, irritation) and visual disturbances (blurred vision), coexisting with dry eye syndrome and reduced corneal sensitivity. Cases of scleritis, including the necrotizing form, accompanying fibromyalgia have been reported. Changes in the eye may contribute to the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia. Research shows the choroid to be significantly thinner in patients with fibromyalgia, revealing changes in optic disc perfusion and a decreased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. There are also thin corneal stromal nerves with diminished sub-basal plexus nerve density. Pathological changes and functional abnormalities of small nerve fibers are observed in patients with fibromyalgia. Corneal confocal bio-microscopy is a new noninvasive method to evaluate small nerve fiber morphology, serving as an alternative for skin biopsies, and reveals new possibilities in diagnostics and finding innovative therapies for this disease. Fibromyalgia remains a challenge for ophthalmologists, and further studies are required to evaluate ocular involvement. It may be that future diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia will contain ophthalmic examination modalities. Observed ocular changes and their pathomechanisms may constitute new targets for therapy to improve the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Zdebik
- University of Wrocław, Clinic of Ophthalmology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Alexander Zdebik
- Carl-Thiem-Klinikum, Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Cottbus, Germany.
| | - Joanna Bogusławska
- Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Clinic of Ophthalmology, Wrocław, Poland
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Modugno RL, Scalora T, Bonaldo A, Lazzarini D, Leonardi A. Corneal Microstructural Changes by Confocal Microscopy in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Patients Treated with Topical Cyclosporine. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 29:1599-1605. [DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1745243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Luigi Modugno
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tania Scalora
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alex Bonaldo
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Lazzarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Leonardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Giannaccare G, Bernabei F, Pellegrini M, Guaraldi F, Turchi F, Torrazza C, Senni C, Scotto R, Sindaco D, Di Cello L, Versura P, Scorcia V, Traverso CE, Vagge A. Bilateral morphometric analysis of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus in patients undergoing unilateral cataract surgery: a preliminary in vivo confocal microscopy study. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 105:174-179. [PMID: 32245849 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-315449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate bilateral morphometric changes of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (CSNP) occurring after unilateral cataract surgery by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images analysed with automated software. METHODS IVCM was performed before (V0) and 1 month after surgery (V1) in both operated eyes (OEs) and unoperated eyes (UEs) of 30 patients. Thirty age and sex-matched subjects acted as controls. Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), corneal nerve total branch density (CTBD), corneal nerve fibre area (CNFA), corneal nerve fibre width, corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD) and dendritic cells density were calculated. RESULTS Mean CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, CTBD, CNFA and CNFrD significantly decreased at V1 versus V0 in both eyes (respectively, 15.35±7.00 vs 21.21±6.56 n/mm2 in OEs and 20.11±6.69 vs 23.20±7.26 in UEs; 13.57±12.16 vs 26.79±16.91 n/mm2 in OEs and 24.28±14.88 vs 29.76±15.25 in UEs; 9.67±3.44 mm/mm2 vs 13.49±3.42 in OEs and 12.53±3.60 vs 14.02±3.82 in UEs; 22.81±18.77 vs 42.25±24.64 n/mm2 in OEs and 38.06±20.52 vs 43.93±22.27 in UEs; 0.0040±0.0021 vs 0.0058±0.0020 mm2/mm2 in OEs and 0.0049±0.0016 vs 0.0057±0.0019 in UEs; 1.418±0.058 vs 1.470±0.037 in OEs and 1.466±0.040 vs 1.477±0.036 in UEs; always p<0.049). CONCLUSION Patients undergoing cataract surgery exhibit bilateral alterations of CSNP. This finding could have broad implications in the setting of sequential cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federico Bernabei
- Ophthalmology Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Pellegrini
- Ophthalmology Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Guaraldi
- Ophthalmology Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Turchi
- Ophthalmology Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Torrazza
- Ophthalmology Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Senni
- Ophthalmology Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Scotto
- Department of Neuroscience Rehabilitation Ophthalmology Genetics and Maternal and Child Health Genova, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniele Sindaco
- Department of Neuroscience Rehabilitation Ophthalmology Genetics and Maternal and Child Health Genova, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Di Cello
- Department of Neuroscience Rehabilitation Ophthalmology Genetics and Maternal and Child Health Genova, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlo E Traverso
- Di.N.O.G, Centro di Ricerca Clinica e Laboratorio per il Glaucoma e la Cornea, Eye Clinic, Genova, Italy
| | - Aldo Vagge
- Department of Neuroscience Rehabilitation Ophthalmology Genetics and Maternal and Child Health Genova, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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Parlanti P, Pal-Ghosh S, Williams A, Tadvalkar G, Popratiloff A, Stepp MA. Axonal debris accumulates in corneal epithelial cells after intraepithelial corneal nerves are damaged: A focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) study. Exp Eye Res 2020; 194:107998. [PMID: 32209319 PMCID: PMC7697722 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The intraepithelial corneal nerves (ICNs) that innervate the corneal epithelium are maintained through interactions with corneal epithelial cells and the extracellular matrix they produce. One to several axons bundle together within the basal cell layer and extend parallel to the ocular surface or branch and extend apically. Here we use 3-dimentional (3D) ultrastructural reconstructions of control and trephine injured mouse corneal epithelium and stroma produced using Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) to determine whether corneal epithelial or immune cells resident in the epithelium remove axonal debris and degrade it in their lysosomes after trephine injury to the cornea. We demonstrate that axonal fragments are internalized in the corneal epithelium and accumulate within electron dense structures consistent with lysosomes 3 h after trephine injury in both epithelial and immune cells located among the basal cells of the trephine injured cornea. Confocal imaging showed fewer CD45+ immune cells within the corneal epithelium after trephine injury compared to controls. The resolution obtained using FIB-SEM also allowed us to show that the presence of sensory axons at the basal aspect of the epithelial basal cells close to the anterior aspect of the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) is associated with a focal reduction in EBM thickness. In addition, we show using FIB-SEM and confocal imaging that superficial trephine injuries that do not penetrate the stroma, damage the integrity of anterior stromal nerves. These studies are the first to look at the mouse cornea following nerve injury using FIB-SEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Parlanti
- GW Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Sonali Pal-Ghosh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Alexa Williams
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Gauri Tadvalkar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Anastas Popratiloff
- GW Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA
| | - Mary Ann Stepp
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, 20052, USA.
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Williams BM, Borroni D, Liu R, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Lim J, Ma B, Romano V, Qi H, Ferdousi M, Petropoulos IN, Ponirakis G, Kaye S, Malik RA, Alam U, Zheng Y. An artificial intelligence-based deep learning algorithm for the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy using corneal confocal microscopy: a development and validation study. Diabetologia 2020; 63:419-430. [PMID: 31720728 PMCID: PMC6946763 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-019-05023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique that identifies peripheral and central neurodegenerative disease. Quantification of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus morphology, however, requires either time-consuming manual annotation or a less-sensitive automated image analysis approach. We aimed to develop and validate an artificial intelligence-based, deep learning algorithm for the quantification of nerve fibre properties relevant to the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy and to compare it with a validated automated analysis program, ACCMetrics. METHODS Our deep learning algorithm, which employs a convolutional neural network with data augmentation, was developed for the automated quantification of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus for the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. The algorithm was trained using a high-end graphics processor unit on 1698 corneal confocal microscopy images; for external validation, it was further tested on 2137 images. The algorithm was developed to identify total nerve fibre length, branch points, tail points, number and length of nerve segments, and fractal numbers. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to determine the AUC for ACCMetrics and our algorithm for the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficients for our algorithm were superior to those for ACCMetrics for total corneal nerve fibre length (0.933 vs 0.825), mean length per segment (0.656 vs 0.325), number of branch points (0.891 vs 0.570), number of tail points (0.623 vs 0.257), number of nerve segments (0.878 vs 0.504) and fractals (0.927 vs 0.758). In addition, our proposed algorithm achieved an AUC of 0.83, specificity of 0.87 and sensitivity of 0.68 for the classification of participants without (n = 90) and with (n = 132) neuropathy (defined by the Toronto criteria). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION These results demonstrated that our deep learning algorithm provides rapid and excellent localisation performance for the quantification of corneal nerve biomarkers. This model has potential for adoption into clinical screening programmes for diabetic neuropathy. DATA AVAILABILITY The publicly shared cornea nerve dataset (dataset 1) is available at http://bioimlab.dei.unipd.it/Corneal%20Nerve%20Tortuosity%20Data%20Set.htm and http://bioimlab.dei.unipd.it/Corneal%20Nerve%20Data%20Set.htm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Data Science Institute, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Davide Borroni
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Rongjun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yitian Zhao
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Industrial Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiong Zhang
- Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lim
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Aintree, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, UK
| | - Baikai Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hong Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Aintree, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Uazman Alam
- Diabetes and Neuropathy Research, Department of Eye and Vision Sciences and Pain Research Institute, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University NHS Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Yalin Zheng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
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