Skin necrosis after filler-associated vascular compromise: successful treatment with topical epidermal growth factor

Use of the high-dose pulsed hyaluronidase protocol in the management of impending skin necrosis associated with hyaluronic acid fillers: a systematic review

Impending skin necrosis resulting from inadvertent intravascular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can lead to tissue loss and significant scarring. In recent years, management trends have shifted from multimodal approaches to the sole use of high doses of hyaluronidase. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of the high-dose pulsed hyaluronidase management protocol in preventing skin necrosis and possible subsequent scarring. An online search of the bibliographic databases PubMed and Embase yielded 3039 articles. A total of 72 studies reporting 186 cases were found to be eligible for inclusion. The selection and evaluation process was done according to the PRISMA criteria. Included studies were assessed using the JBI and STROBE critical appraisal tools. The analysis of treatment outcomes was done according to the timing of treatment initiation and the type of intervention used. This review found that an immediate intervention using the high-dose pulsed hyaluronidase management protocol provided predictable and satisfactory outcomes. Initiating the protocol within 24 h of filler injection halted the progression of necrosis and prevented permanent sequelae. The conclusions are limited by the lack of a high level of evidence, since the only available sources of data are case reports and case series.

The clinical spectrum of periorbital vascular complications after facial injection

BACKGROUND

Serious complications due to periorbital vascular occlusion can occur after facial injections, including skin necrosis, ophthalmoplegia, blepharoptosis, and visual loss. Visual loss after facial filler injection is particularly rare, but it is known to have a poor prognosis despite treatment.

AIMS

This study aimed to describe the prognosis and various clinical features of periorbital vascular complications after facial injection of cosmetic filler or local anesthetic.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included 10 consecutive patients who presented with occluded periorbital vessels after facial injection.

RESULTS

Nine patients were injected with cosmetic facial fillers: seven with hyaluronic acid, one with collagen, and one with poly-Llactic acid. The other patient was injected with lidocaine mixed with epinephrine. Injection sites included the glabella (n = 5), nasal dorsum (n = 4), and temporal fossa (n = 1). Presumed arteries affected included the central (n = 2) or branch (n = 3) retinal artery, ophthalmic artery (n = 4), and angular artery (n = 1). Nine patients (90%) had purpura and blisters, and eight patients (80%) had ophthalmoplegia at presentation, but all of them recovered within 3 months. Six patients (60%) were blind at the last follow-up, and five of them had occlusion of the central retinal artery or ophthalmic artery. There was a patient with sequelae of phthisis bulbi, which was cosmetically managed with retrobulbar filler injections.

CONCLUSION

Facial injections can cause periorbital arterial occlusion, and the clinical features are diverse according to the site and extent of vascular occlusion and injection materials. Visual prognosis was associated with the site of vascular occlusion and initial visual acuity. Other common complications, such as skin lesions, blepharoptosis, and limited extraocular movement, can fully resolve only with supportive treatments in most cases.

Scorpion Venom Active Polypeptide May Be a New External Drug of Diabetic Ulcer

Background

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) is recognized medicine of therapy in ulcer. However, its efficacy has been challenged. We compared scorpion venom active polypeptide and EGF of therapeutic effects in diabetic ulcer.

Methods

The scorpion venom active polypeptide is made into gel. Fourteen diabetic SD rats were randomly divided into scorpion peptide gel group (SPG group) and EGF group. Before treatment, the rat model of diabetic ulcer was created. The levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in the wound tissue were measured at different time points during the treatment, secretions of wound were collected for bacterial culture, and the wound healing was recorded.

Results

Wound healing was faster in SPG group compared to EGF group (3 weeks versus 5 weeks, t-test, p = 0.032). The levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were not statistically different when the wounds were formed but showed significant differences from the 2nd to the 5th week between two groups. The infection rate was higher in the EGF group (42.86% versus 0, Chi-square test, p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Scorpion venom active polypeptide shortens wound healing with a stronger anti-inflammation and antibacterial effect and may be a new and effective topical drug for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.