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Clague MD, Goodman G, Taing C, Stuart L, Orsatti ML, Holbrook J, Delaney J, Mackay B. Hyperdiluted Botulinum Toxin and Intense Pulsed Light Treatment: A Case Series to Illustrate a Novel Protocol for Hypertrophic Scar Reduction. PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC NURSING 2024; 44:116-123. [PMID: 38639968 DOI: 10.1097/psn.0000000000000551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars can have significant and far-reaching effects on patients that range from itching to creating difficulty with mobility, all of which can negatively impact the individual's quality of life. A recent study showed that many patients with recent scars report pain, burning, pruritus, erythema, in combination with psychological difficulties that impact bodily movement, choice of clothing, and participation in leisure activities. Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNTA) and intense pulsed light (IPL) have shown promise in treating such scars. We propose a novel treatment protocol involving a 4-week intervention with hyperdiluted BoNTA injections and supplemental treatment with IPL for erythema, and a 6-month scar scale assessment and photographic documentation that occurs before and 6 months after treatment. We report four cases where using hyperdiluted BoNTA, either alone or in conjunction with IPL, substantially reduced scar size, improved overall scar appearance, and diminished erythema in areas on the face and the breasts. Although this report suggests that a schedule of alternating treatments with BoNTA and IPL may be beneficial in reducing scar size and enhancing appearance, further research is necessary to better understand the most effective dosages, the relationship between BoNTA and IPL, and the optimal management of scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike D Clague
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Greg Goodman
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cindy Taing
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Stuart
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margo-Louise Orsatti
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Holbrook
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Delaney
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bridgina Mackay
- Mike D. Clague, BSc , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Greg Goodman, MD, MBBS, FACD , is at Facecoach, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
- Cindy Taing, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Lauren Stuart, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- Margo-Louise Orsatti, BSN , is at Facelove, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
- John Holbrook, MBBS , is Founder, Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- John Delaney, MBBS (Hons1) , is Founder Fresh Clinics, Lavender Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- Bridgina Mackay, MN, GradCert ICU , is Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rezzonico Jost T, Lozito A, Mangani D, Raimondi A, Klinger F, Morone D, Klinger M, Grassi F, Vinci V. CD304 + adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell abundance in autologous fat grafts highly correlates with improvement of localized pain syndromes. Pain 2024; 165:811-819. [PMID: 37943081 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Surgery, burns or surgery-free accident are leading causes of scars with altered tissue consistency, a reduced degree of motion and pain. Autologous fat grafting can dramatically improve tissue consistency and elasticity but less frequently results in the reduction of pain. Therefore, we analyzed different cell populations present within the adipose tissue to be engrafted and correlated them with the reduction of pain after surgery. Here, we identify a population of CD3 - CD4 - CD304 + cells present in grafted adipose tissue, whose abundance highly correlates with pain improvement shortly after surgery ( r2 = 0.7243****) as well as persistently over time (3 months later: r2 = 0.6277****, 1 year later: r2 = 0.5346***, and 4 years later: r2 = 0.5223***). These cells are characterized by the absence of the hematopoietic marker CD45, whereas they express CD90 and CD34, which characterize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); the concomitant presence of CD10 and CD73 in the plasma membrane supports a function of these cells in pain reduction. We deduce that the enrichment of this adipose tissue-derived MSC subset could enhance the therapeutic properties of adipose grafts and ameliorate localized pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Rezzonico Jost
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Lozito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Davide Mangani
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Raimondi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Experimental Imaging Centre, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Klinger
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Ospedale San Paolo, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Morone
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Marco Klinger
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine BIOMETRA, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery School, University of Milan, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Fabio Grassi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Valeriano Vinci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
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Abd-Elsayed A, Vardhan S, Aggarwal A, Vardhan M, Diwan SA. Mechanisms of Action of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3591. [PMID: 38612402 PMCID: PMC11011701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073591] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) serves as a pivotal site for managing chronic pain through dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S). In recent years, the DRG-S has emerged as an attractive modality in the armamentarium of neuromodulation therapy due to its accessibility and efficacy in alleviating chronic pain refractory to conventional treatments. Despite its therapeutic advantages, the precise mechanisms underlying DRG-S-induced analgesia remain elusive, attributed in part to the diverse sensory neuron population within the DRG and its modulation of both peripheral and central sensory processing pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that DRG-S may alleviate pain by several mechanisms, including the reduction of nociceptive signals at the T-junction of sensory neurons, modulation of pain gating pathways within the dorsal horn, and regulation of neuronal excitability within the DRG itself. However, elucidating the full extent of DRG-S mechanisms necessitates further exploration, particularly regarding its supraspinal effects and its interactions with cognitive and affective networks. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing neurostimulation technologies and improving clinical outcomes of DRG-S for chronic pain management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the DRG anatomy, mechanisms of action of the DRG-S, and its significance in neuromodulation therapy for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Swarnima Vardhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA; (S.V.); (A.A.)
- Advanced Spine on Park Avenue, New York, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Abhinav Aggarwal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA; (S.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Madhurima Vardhan
- Argonne Leadership Computing Facility, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA;
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Meng F, Wu Q, Zheng C, Fu Q, Zhou G, Ding H, Xu X, Chen M. The Comparison of Efficacy and Safety Between General and Topical Anesthesia on Micro-Plasma Radiofrequency Treatment for Hypertrophic Scar: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2024; 48:451-460. [PMID: 37884619 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03706-3] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While micro-plasma radiofrequency (MPR) treatment has a significant impact on hypertrophic scars, patients often require anesthesia to alleviate substantial discomfort. Currently, patients with similar degrees of scarring may choose surface anesthesia or general anesthesia based on their personal preferences. Nevertheless, the effectiveness and safety of different anesthesia modalities remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness and safety of both general and surface anesthesia in MPR treatment for hypertrophic scars. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 101 patients diagnosed with hypertrophic scars who underwent MPR with different anesthesia methods. The primary measures of efficacy included the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores assessed before the first treatment and six months after the final treatment. Pain relief was evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Safety was assessed by comparing the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. RESULTS Patients in the general anesthesia group showed a significant difference in scar pigmentation 6 months after the treatment and lower pain level than those in the surface anesthesia group in the treatment of MPR. The difference in safety was not statistically significant. After adjusting for confounding factors and propensity score matching, the outcome of VSS and VAS scores was stable. CONCLUSION General anesthesia, as opposed to surface anesthesia, appears to enhance both the effectiveness and safety of MPR while reducing postoperative pain in the treatment of hypertrophic scars. For patients with heightened pain sensitivity, general anesthesia may be the preferred treatment option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanting Meng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Forth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 10048, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Forth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 10048, China
| | - Can Zheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Forth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 10048, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Forth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 10048, China
| | - Guiwen Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Forth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 10048, China
| | - Hongfan Ding
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Forth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 10048, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 69 Yongding Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Minliang Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Forth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 10048, China.
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Chmielewska D, Malá J, Opala-Berdzik A, Nocuń M, Dolibog P, Dolibog PT, Stania M, Kuszewski M, Kobesova A. Acupuncture and dry needling for physical therapy of scar: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:14. [PMID: 38167051 PMCID: PMC10759514 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04301-4] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a continuing interest in finding effective methods for scar treatment. Dry needling is gaining popularity in physiotherapy and is defined by Western medicine as a type of acupuncture. The terms acupuncture and dry needling have been used interchangeably so we have focused on the efficacy of dry needling or acupuncture in scar treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to determine the usefulness of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. In our search process, we used the terms 'acupuncture,' 'needling,' or 'dry needling' to identify all relevant scientific papers. We have focused on the practical aspects of local management of different scar types with dry needling or acupuncture. SEARCH STRATEGY The search strategy included different combinations of the following keywords: 'scar', 'keloid', 'dry needling', 'needling', 'acupuncture', 'treatment', 'physical therapy'. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (PubMed, EBSCOHost and Ovid), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant publications from inception through October 2023. INCLUSION CRITERIA The studies that investigated the effectiveness of dry needling or acupuncture for scar treatment were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS The main extraction data items were: the needling technique; needle: diameter, length; needling locations; manual needling manipulation; number of sessions; settings; outcomes and results. RESULTS As a result of a comprehensive search, 11 manuscripts were included in the systematic review, of which eight were case reports, two were randomized trials and one study concerned case series. Two case reports scored 2-4 out of 8 points on the JBI checklist, five studies scored 5-7, and one study scored 8 points. The methodological quality of the two clinical trials was rated as good or fair on the PEDro scale. The case series study scored 7 of 10 points on the JBI checklist. A meta-analysis was not possible as only two randomized trials, eight case reports, and one case series were eligible for review; also, scar assessment scales and pain severity scales were highly heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS The studies differed regarding the delivery of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. Differences included treatment frequency, duration, number of treatments, selection of needle insertion sites, number of needles used, angle of needle placement, and use of manual needling manipulation. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION INPLASY no. 202310058.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Chmielewska
- Electromyography and Pelvic Floor Muscles Laboratory, Department of Physical Medicine, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72 street, Katowice, 40-065, Poland.
| | - Jitka Malá
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University in Prague, José Martího 31, Prague 6, 162 52, Czech Republic
| | - Agnieszka Opala-Berdzik
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Diseases, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72 street, Katowice, 40-065, Poland
| | - Magdalena Nocuń
- Students Scientific Association "IMPULSE" of the Institute of Electromyography and Pelvic Floor Muscles Laboratory, Department of Physical Medicine, Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72 street, Katowice, 40-065, Poland
| | - Patrycja Dolibog
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 street, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Paweł T Dolibog
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Jordana 19 street, Zabrze, 41-808, Poland
| | - Magdalena Stania
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72 street, Katowice, 40-065, Poland
| | - Michał Kuszewski
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72 street, Katowice, 40-065, Poland
| | - Alena Kobesova
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol in Prague, V Úvalu 84, Prague 5, 150 06, Czech Republic
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Zhou X, Iida H, Li Y, Ota A, Zhuo L, Nobuhara R, Terajima Y, Naiki M, Reddi AH, Kimata K, Ushida T. Neurotropin ® ameliorates chronic pain associated with scar formation in a mouse model: A gene expression analysis of the inflammatory response. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241245420. [PMID: 38511285 PMCID: PMC11080750 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241245420] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Scar formation after trauma and surgery involves an inflammatory response and can lead to the development of chronic pain. Neurotropin® (NTP) is a nonprotein extract of inflamed skin of rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus. It has been widely used for the treatment of chronic pain. However, the in vivo effects of NTP on painful scar formation have not been determined. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of NTP on the inflammatory response, we evaluated gene expression in the scar tissues and dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) of mice administered NTP and control mice. Methods and results: Mice injected with saline or NTP were used as controls; other mice were subjected to surgery on the left hind paw to induce painful scar formation, and then injected with saline or NTP. Hind paw pain was evaluated by measuring the threshold for mechanical stimulation using the von Frey test. The paw withdrawal threshold gradually returned to pre-operative levels over 4 weeks post-operation; NTP-treated mice showed a significantly shortened recovery time of approximately 3 weeks, suggesting that NTP exerted an analgesic effect in this mouse model. Total RNA was extracted from the scarred hind paw tissues and DRGs were collected 1 week post-operation for a microarray analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the expression of some gene sets related to inflammatory responses was activated or inhibited following surgery and NTP administration. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis results for several genes were consistent with the microarray results. Conclusion: The administration of NTP to the hind paws of mice with painful scar formation following surgery diminished nociceptive pain and reduced the inflammatory response. NTP inhibited the expression of some genes involved in the response to surgery-induced inflammation. Therefore, NTP is a potential therapeutic option for painful scar associated with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhou
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iida
- Department Rehabilitation Center, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yuqiang Li
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention, Ministry of Education, School of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Akinobu Ota
- Department Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
- Department of Food and Nutritional Environment, College of Human Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Lisheng Zhuo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Reiko Nobuhara
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yuki Terajima
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Naiki
- Institute of Bio-Active Science, Nippon Zoki Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Project Researcher), Osaka, Japan
| | - A Hari Reddi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Tissue Regeneration and Repair, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Koji Kimata
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ushida
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
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Fishman MA, Chitneni A, Abd-Elsayed A, Grodofsky S, Scherer AM, Schetzner B, Klusek M, Popielarski SR, Meloni S, Falowski S, Kim P, Slavin KV, Silberstein SD. Drug-Free Noninvasive Thermal Nerve Block: Validation of Sham Devices. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1718. [PMID: 38137166 PMCID: PMC10741966 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Headache is a leading cause of disability and suffering. One major challenge in developing device treatments is demonstrating their efficacy given devices' often-high placebo rate. This paper reviews the importance of validating sham devices as part of finalizing the design for larger-scale prospective randomized controlled trials in patients with chronic headache as well as the results of a prospective, single-blind trial to validate two potential sham noninvasive thermal nerve block devices. Study participants were trained to self-administer thermal nerve block treatment using sham devices in an office visit. Two different sham systems with different temperature profiles were assessed. Devices were offered for patients to use daily at-home for one week to assess the durability of sham placebo effects before participants were given active treatment in a second office visit followed by another optional week of self-administered active treatment at-home use. Sham treatments reduced pain scores by an average of 31% from 6.0 ± 2.3 to 4.3 ± 3.3, including two participants who fell asleep during the in-office treatment and woke up with no pain, but whose pain recurred after returning home during at-home use of the sham system. In-office active treatments reduced pain scores by 52% from 6.7 ± 2.1 to 3.3 ± 2.9 with sustained pain relief during optional at-home use. Successful blinding for the study was confirmed with an ideal Bang's Blinding Index of 0 and an ideal James' Blinding Index of 1. Both the sham and active treatments were viewed by participants as highly credible, and credibility increased from the beginning to end of sham treatments on average.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Fishman
- Center for Pain Control PC, Lancaster, PA 19610, USA; (M.A.F.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Ahish Chitneni
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital—Columbia and Cornell, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA;
| | | | - Ashley M. Scherer
- Center for Pain Control PC, Lancaster, PA 19610, USA; (M.A.F.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Brendan Schetzner
- Department of Anesthesiology, St Elizabeths Medical Center, Brighton, MA 02135, USA;
| | - Malvina Klusek
- Peconic Bay Medical Center/Northwell Health, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | | | - Stephen Meloni
- Thermaquil, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 19610, USA; (S.R.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Steven Falowski
- Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster, Lancaster, PA 19610, USA;
| | - Philip Kim
- Center for Interventional Pain Spine, LLC, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA;
| | - Konstantin V. Slavin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
- Neurology Service, Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Huber M, Larsson C, Lehmann J, Strigård K, Lindam A, Tunón K. Sonographic postpartum anal sphincter defects and the association with pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2023; 102:1290-1297. [PMID: 37350333 PMCID: PMC10540925 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14606] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia are both important entities of postpartum pelvic pain, often concomitant and associated with perineal tears during vaginal delivery. The association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia has not been fully established. We aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum anal sphincter defects using three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) and evaluate their association with symptoms of pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective cohort study followed 239 primiparas from birth to 12 months post delivery. Anal sphincters were assessed with 3D-EAUS 3 months postpartum, and self-reported pelvic floor function data were obtained using a web-based questionnaire distributed 1 year after delivery. Descriptive statistics were compared between the patients with and without sonographic defects, and the association between sonographic sphincter defects and outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS At 3 months postpartum, 48/239 (20%) patients had anal sphincter defects on 3D-EAUS, of which 43 (18%) were not clinically diagnosed with obstetric anal sphincter injury at the time of delivery. Patients with sonographic defects had higher fetal weight than those without defects, and a perineum <2 cm before the suture was a risk factor for defects (odds ratio [OR], 6.9). Patients with sonographic defects had a higher frequency of dyspareunia (OR, 2.4), and pelvic floor pain (OR, 2.3) than those without defects. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest an association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia. A perineal height <2 cm, measured by bidigital palpation immediately postdelivery, was a risk factor for sonographic anal sphincter defect. We suggest offering pelvic floor sonography around 3 months postpartum to high- risk women to optimize diagnosis and treatment of perineal tears and include perineum <2 cm prior to primary repair as a proposed indication for postpartum follow-up sonography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Huber
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Charlotta Larsson
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative SciencesUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Jan‐P Lehmann
- Department of SurgeryÖstersund HospitalÖstersundSweden
| | - Karin Strigård
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative SciencesUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Anna Lindam
- Unit of Research, Education and Development, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Östersund HospitalUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Katarina Tunón
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and GynecologyUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
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Kennedy DL, Chism-Balangue T, Furniss D. Reporting of scar outcomes in the hand and wrist; a state-of-the-art literature review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:249. [PMID: 37004025 PMCID: PMC10064537 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06296-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this literature review was to synthesise and report current practice in evaluation and reporting of scar outcomes in hand and wrist clinical research. METHODS A systematic search from inception to 2022 was conducted using three electronic databases. English language randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies reporting standardised scar outcome measures and/or scar symptoms, appearance, impairment, function, or mental health outcomes in patients with hand and wrist scars were included. Two independent reviewers determined study eligibility and performed data extraction of a priori identified scar outcome domains. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and identification of discordance in taxonomy. RESULTS Fifty-nine studies were included. Elective surgery cohorts were the most frequently included clinical population (n = 28; 47%) followed by burns (n = 16; 27%). Six different standardised scar outcome measures were reported by 25% of studies however only 7% of studies utilised a patient-reported measure. Scar symptoms were the most frequently reported outcome domain (81%); but taxonomy was incongruous, constructs lacked working definitions required for generalisability and outcome measurement was variable and unreported. Nineteen different measures of scar appearance and structure were reported by 30 (51%) of studies however only nine (23%) were patient-reported. Seven different hand function PROMs were reported by 25 (43%) studies. Person-centred domains including scar acceptability (12%), mental health impact (5%), and social participation (4%) were rarely reported. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights that evaluation and reporting of hand and wrist scar outcomes is not standardised, assessment methods and measures are under-reported and there is discordance in taxonomy. Evaluation is not person-centred, rather it is dependent on clinician assessment. Domains including scar acceptability, mental health, and social participation are rarely addressed. A stakeholder consensus derived hand and wrist scar core outcome measurement set will promote standardisation and underpin improvements in clinical research quality, transparency, and rigour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna L Kennedy
- Therapy Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK.
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Dominic Furniss
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, Botnar Research Centre, Oxford, UK
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Furferi R, Governi L, Pinzauti E, Profili A, Puggelli L, Volpe Y. A computational method for the investigation of burn scars topology based on 3D optical scan. Comput Biol Med 2022; 149:105945. [PMID: 35994934 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105945] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Burn scar treatment is a difficult subject to address since the improper therapy can have a significant impact on people's quality of life. The evaluation of medical therapy over time should be based on objective measurement of the severity of burn scars and their progression. Unfortunately, most clinical assessments of scars are still reliant on physicians' subjective exams of patients. A profitable method to overcome the limitations of subjective assessment could be to leverage 3D scanning technologies. These could be used to retrieve the surface topology of burns. Accordingly, the goal of this study is to provide an objective approach for analysing the surface topology of burn scars using 3D scanning and roughness-based evaluation. In particular, two types of ISO-compliant profile and surface filters (Gaussian and Wavelet) derived from the analysis of roughness in the mechanical sector are implemented to discriminate form from roughness of scars. Once retrieved, the roughness surface is processed to derive a set of statistical parameters describing the scar surface topology. Three case studies were used to derive these parameters (a synthetic surface, an ostrich-skin surface and a set of scars). After the surface's roughness was determined, a comparison between healthy and unhealthy skin could be established. The devised methods prove their effectiveness in correctly retrieving the main surface characteristics of a burn scar. Therefore, by using the proposed method it will be possible to evaluate the effectiveness of medical therapy by comparing the healthy and scarred skin of a single subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Furferi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Italy.
| | - Lapo Governi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Profili
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Puggelli
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Yary Volpe
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Italy
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