Hyperglycaemia is a causal risk factor for upper limb pathologies

BACKGROUND

Diabetes (regardless of type) and obesity are associated with a range of musculoskeletal disorders. The causal mechanisms driving these associations are unknown for many upper limb pathologies. We used genetic techniques to test the causal link between glycemia, obesity and musculoskeletal conditions.

METHODS

In the UK Biobank's unrelated European cohort (N = 379 708) we performed mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses to test for a causal effect of long-term high glycaemia and adiposity on four musculoskeletal pathologies: frozen shoulder, Dupuytren's disease, carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger. We also performed single-gene MR using rare variants in the GCK gene.

RESULTS

Using MR, we found evidence that long-term high glycaemia has a causal role in the aetiology of upper limb conditions. A 10-mmol/mol increase in genetically predicted haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) was associated with frozen shoulder: odds ratio (OR) = 1.50 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-1.88], Dupuytren's disease: OR = 1.17 (95% CI, 1.01-1.35), trigger finger: OR = 1.30 (95% CI, 1.09-1.55) and carpal tunnel syndrome: OR = 1.20 (95% CI, 1.09-1.33). Carriers of GCK mutations have increased odds of frozen shoulder: OR = 7.16 (95% CI, 2.93-17.51) and carpal tunnel syndrome: OR = 2.86 (95% CI, 1.50-5.44) but not Dupuytren's disease or trigger finger. We found evidence that an increase in genetically predicted body mass index (BMI) of 5 kg/m2 was associated with carpal tunnel syndrome: OR = 1.13 (95% CI, 1.10-1.16) and associated negatively with Dupuytren's disease: OR = 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.98), but no evidence of association with frozen shoulder or trigger finger. Trigger finger (OR 1.96 (95% CI, 1.42-2.69) P = 3.6e-05) and carpal tunnel syndrome [OR 1.63 (95% CI, 1.36-1.95) P = 8.5e-08] are associated with genetically predicted unfavourable adiposity increase of one standard deviation of body fat.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study consistently demonstrates a causal role of long-term high glycaemia in the aetiology of upper limb musculoskeletal conditions. Clinicians treating diabetes patients should be aware of these complications in clinic, specifically those managing the care of GCK mutation carriers. Upper limb musculoskeletal conditions should be considered diabetes complications.

Isolated Distal Interphalangeal Joint Flexion Contracture of the Ring Finger due to Dupuytren Disease: A Case Report

Dupuytren disease is a common benign fibromatosis of the palmar and finger fascia caused by pathological cord formation. As both the retrovascular and lateral cords are jointly responsible for the flexion contracture of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, isolated DIP joint contracture caused by Dupuytren disease is rare. We present a 34-year-old right-hand-dominant male patient with a 6-month history of an isolated DIP joint flexion contracture in the right ring finger due to Dupuytren disease. Surgical fasciotomy of the retrovascular cord improved the contracture without adverse events. It is important to pay attention to the anatomical relationships between the pathological cord and neurovascular bundle to avoid neurovascular injury during fasciotomy in patients with Dupuytren disease, especially in isolated DIP joint contracture cases. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Diabetes mellitus-related musculoskeletal disorders: Unveiling the cluster of diseases

The current study ushers in a comprehensive review in clinical research to demonstrate the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) complications in diabetes mellitus and the most relevant clinical aspects. In particular, revealing the early symptoms of the disorders, the pathology lurking behind the complications and their optimal management. In diabetes mellitus, MSK complications are common and are largely due to similar pathogenetic factors responsible for the internal organ complications associated with diabetes leading to chronic low-intensity inflammatory processes. MSK disorders develop by vasculopathy, neuropathy, arthropathy or combinations of the above, which are not specific to diabetes. However, their prevalence is significantly increased in diabetes and contributes to the disability impairing patients' quality of life. Locomotor disease affects approximately 34.4-83.5 % of patients suffering from type-2 diabetes mellitus. Several musculoskeletal abnormalities (cheiroarthropathy, Dupuytren's contracture, trigger finger, ect.) can be diagnosed upon physical examination, although certain symptoms (frozen shoulder, neurogenic arthropathy, septic arthritis, etc.) require differential diagnostic considerations. Early identification regarding characteristic symptoms in the treatment reducing inflammation and pain, followed with increasingly strenuous exercise therapy, aligned with optimal management of carbohydrate metabolism, proves essential in alleviating MSK complications.

A genome-wide association study identifies 5 loci associated with frozen shoulder and implicates diabetes as a causal risk factor

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that often requires surgery and affects up to 5% of individuals aged 40-60 years. Little is known about the causes of the condition, but diabetes is a strong risk factor. To begin to understand the biological mechanisms involved, we aimed to identify genetic variants associated with frozen shoulder and to use Mendelian randomization to test the causal role of diabetes. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of frozen shoulder in the UK Biobank using data from 10,104 cases identified from inpatient, surgical and primary care codes. We used data from FinnGen for replication and meta-analysis. We used one-sample and two-sample Mendelian randomization approaches to test for a causal association of diabetes with frozen shoulder. We identified five genome-wide significant loci. The most significant locus (lead SNP rs28971325; OR = 1.20, [95% CI: 1.16-1.24], p = 5x10-29) contained WNT7B. This variant was also associated with Dupuytren's disease (OR = 2.31 [2.24, 2.39], p<1x10-300) as were a further two of the frozen shoulder associated variants. The Mendelian randomization results provided evidence that type 1 diabetes is a causal risk factor for frozen shoulder (OR = 1.03 [1.02-1.05], p = 3x10-6). There was no evidence that obesity was causally associated with frozen shoulder, suggesting that diabetes influences risk of the condition through glycemic rather than mechanical effects. We have identified genetic loci associated with frozen shoulder. There is a large overlap with Dupuytren's disease associated loci. Diabetes is a likely causal risk factor. Our results provide evidence of biological mechanisms involved in this common painful condition.

[Distal-type Cervical Spondylolisthesis Muscular Atrophy in a Patient with Dupuytren Contracture: A Case Report]

We report the case of a 71-year-old man with impaired left finger extension. The presence of nodular fibrosing lesions in his palm suggested Dupuytren contracture as the diagnosis. However, detailed neurological examination revealed muscle weakness associated with C7-Th1 lesions, and needle electromyography revealed denervation within the same distribution. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with distal-type cervical spondylolisthesis muscular atrophy complicated with Dupuytren contracture. Due to shared symptoms with impaired finger extension, the other two conditions can be overlooked in patients affected by both diseases. Detailed clinical investigation of nodular fibrosing lesions, muscle weakness at the C7-Th1 level, and needle electromyography findings facilitate differential diagnosis of Dupuytren contracture and distal-type cervical spondylolisthesis. (Received June 24, 2019; Accepted September 17, 2019; Published November 1, 2019).

Bilateral Plantar Fibromatosis

Aim To describe an uncommon clinical finding and raise awareness of its manifestation and associated conditions. Methods This case describes a gentleman with bilateral plantar fibromatosis caused by type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and previous alcohol excess. Results Treatment options include physiotherapy, steroid and collagenase injection therapy. Surgical intervention can be considered for persistently symptomatic or recurrent cases. Discussion In conclusion, plantar fibromatosis is an under-recognised and disabling condition which should prompt intervention and optimisation of co-morbidities.

Association of advanced glycation end products in Dupuytren disease

BACKGROUND

Advanced glycation end products are associated with aging, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. Accumulation of advanced glycation end products can cause various pathological conditions; however, the association of Dupuytren's disease with advanced glycation end products has not been demonstrated yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of Dupuytren's disease with advanced glycation end products.

METHODS

Normal palmar fascia from five patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (control group) and Dupuytren's cords from five patients (Dupuytren's disease group) were harvested. The tissues were stained using an anti-advanced glycation end products antibody, anti-receptor for advanced glycation end products antibody, and an anti-reactive oxygen species modulator 1 antibody. The expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-4 genes was also assessed using real-time PCR. For in vitro analysis, the cells harvested from the control and Dupuytren's disease groups were used. After 3 days of exposure to four types of media (control group, control + advanced glycation end products group, Dupuytren's disease group, Dupuytren's disease + advanced glycation end products group), superoxide detection reagent was detected using a total reactive oxygen species/superoxide detection kit.

RESULTS

Immunostaining of the palmar fasciae of the Dupuytren's disease group showed higher expressions of advanced glycation end products and receptor for advanced glycation end products than that in the control group. The expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase oxidase-1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-4 as well as reactive oxygen species modulator 1, an oxidatively damaged protein, was also higher in the Dupuytren's disease group than in the control group. In an in vitro cell culture, the addition of advanced glycation end products to the Dupuytren's disease-derived cells produced more superoxide free radicals.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the advanced glycation end products receptor for advanced glycation end products interaction produced free radicals via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activation in Dupuytren's disease patients. Further studies are required to confirm these results.

Severe Contracture of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint in Dupuytren’s Disease: Does Capsuloligamentous Release Improve Outcome?

This prospective study assessed whether patients with severe proximal interphalangeal joint contracture (≥60°) due to Dupuytren’s disease which persisted after fasciectomy alone benefited from an additional capsuloligamentous release. Forty-three patients with 43 severely contracted proximal interphalangeal joints underwent operative correction followed by a standardized postoperative rehabilitation programme. All were followed for 6 months. In 11 patients correction of the proximal interphalangeal joint to 20° could not be achieved by fasciectomy alone, and an additional capsuloligamentous release was performed which effectively corrected all their residual flexion contractures. There were no statistically significant differences between the capsulotomy and the non-capsulotomy group with respect to the residual proximal interphalangeal joint contracture at the end of surgery, or at their last follow-up examination.

[Metabolism of collagen in patients with Dupuitren's contracture]

Results of investigation of collagen metabolism in Dupuitren's contracture (DC) were summarized. The patients were operated for calculous cholecystitis and DC stages II - III. The changes revealed witnessed about more expressed degradation of collagen and affection of the elastin components of connective tissue. On background of the pathological process progress in palmar aponeurosis in patients, suffering DC, a content of oxyproline have enhanced trustworthy in urine and reduced in tissue of a changed palmar aponeurosis.

[Assessment of functional activity of phagocytic system in patients suffered from Dupuytren's contracture with hepatic fibrosis]

Dupuytren's contracture--a pathology that should not be seen as an isolated lesion tendon-aponeurotic structures of the palmar surface of the hand, but as a disease that requires careful research and a comprehensive, differentiated approach to treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate the functional activity of the phagocytic system of Dupuytren's contracture patients with chronic hepatitis and liver fibrosis in liquidators of the CHNPP accident consequences. The resulting study 188 patients aged 45-65 years showed the correlation of the data of the functional activity of phagocytic system with degree of liver fibrosis, thus objectively assess the patient's condition and make the appropriate correction in the diagnostic criteria as well as in medical and rehabilitative programs.

[Morphological changes in hepatic tissues in patients, suffering Dupuytren's contracture and chronic hepatitis]

The results of morphological investigation of hepatic tissues in 98 patients, suffering contracture of Dupuytren, chronic hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis stages I, II i III, were adduced. The patients were operated on for calculous cholecystitis. The attempt to organize the groups with certain morphological changes, depending on the hepatic pathological process persistence (up to 5 yrs, from 5 to 10 yrs, over 10 yrs) have appeared nonfair. The changes revealed are too different and characteristic not only for the examined patients.

[Morphological criteria of the operative tactics substantiation in Dupuytren's contracture in patients with chronic hepatitis]

The results of morphological investigations of the palms tissues in the patients, suffering Dupuytren's contracture (DC) and in whom chronic hepatitis was diagnosed, are adduced. The patients were divided on three groups, depending on the hepatic fibrosis grade present. Determination of morphological changes in various stages in patients, suffering hepatic fibrosis stage one and lasting up to 5 years, witnesses the possibility of the DC recurrence and its severity enhancement. The authors stress the necessity of morphological investigations conduction with the objective to determine the hepatic fibrosis grade while surgical intervention planning.

Risk factors in Dupuytren's diathesis: is recurrence after surgery predictable?

In order to investigate the prognostic value of possible risk factors for Dupuytren's diathesis, clinical parameters on disease presentation in an operated group of patients were compared with self-reported recurrence after a minimum 2 years follow-up. In order of significance, the following factors were found to be significantly correlated with disease recurrence : age of onset under 50 years (p = 0.01), bilateral disease (p = 0.01), Ledderhose disease (p = 0.01), first ray involvement (p = 0.02), multiple ray involvement (more than 2 digits, p = 0.02), ectopic fibromatosis (p = 0.02), family occurrence (p = 0.04) and male gender (p = 0.05). No correlation of self-reported disease recurrence was seen with diabetes, frozen shoulder syndrome or epilepsy. An insight in the significance of the influence of specific risk factors on recurrence rates, helps in creating a clearer representation of Dupuytren's diathesis. This will help the surgeon to more accurately inform the patient and possibly to reconsider and adjust the choice in treatment options.

[Plantar fibromatosis (Ledderhose's disease)]

The authors describe the concomitant presence of plantar fibromatosis and Dupuytren's disease in a 33-year-old man. A lesion located under the sesamoid bones of the first metatarsophalangeal joint on the right showed an aggressive tendency (rapid growth, pain, impossibility to put weight on the medial side of the foot). Another lesion located proximal to the first one was smaller and painless. Neither plain radiography nor computed tomography showed any structural changes of the skeleton. Contrast-enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging revealed two lesions on the sole of the foot. Since a concurrence of plantar fibromatosis and malignant tumour could not be ruled out, an excision of both lesions and the adjacent plantar aponeurosis was made for biopsy examination. The operative procedure was carried out from two incisions.The intra-operative findings included proliferative growth and bleeding in the lesion located under the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and delimited growth without noticeable bleeding in the other lesion. Based on histological examination, the diagnosis of plantar fibromatosis was made for both lesions.The differential diagnosis and therapy of plantar fibromatosis is discussed.

A survey of clinical manifestations and risk factors in women with Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's disease is very common, with a prevalence of up to 40% in the Scandinavian population. Although many epidemiological surveys have been conducted, little is known about its aetiology. Multiple risk factors in Dupuytren's disease have been identified. About 80% of the affected patients are male. Even though recent data suggest similar outcome after surgical treatment in the female patient, recurrence after surgery is more frequent. To assess Dupuytren's disease in women, a record analysis and a survey of risk factors was conducted in 130 female patients surgically treated at our institution between 1988 and 2005. With a response rate of 52%, 65 women were included (6 patients were confirmed dead). The mean age of onset of the disease was 50 years and 6 months. After a mean follow-up of 7 years and 7 months (2y1m to 21y9m), recurrent disease after surgery was reported in 42%. Bilateral disease was present in 54%, unilateral in 26% right and 20% left hands. The fifth finger was involved in 77%, the 4th finger in 48% and the 1st ray in 14%. Ectopic lesions were seen in 19%, with a positive family history in 55%. Only one patient had a confirmed alcohol abuse; 22% were smokers. There were 32% manual workers. Shoulder pain was present in 54% of the patients, with confirmed diagnosis of frozen shoulder syndrome in 45%. High cholesterol was diagnosed in 39% and only 6% had diabetes. Epilepsy was seen in 5%. High disease recurrence and factors related to an aggressive course of the disease are present in female patients with Dupuytren's contracture, with a high family history occurrence, bilateral disease and associated Ledderhose disease. Several known risk factors were present: high cholesterol, smoking and manual work. Frozen shoulder showed a very high prevalence in women with Dupuytren's disease.

Dupuytren's disease involving the wrist

There is a well-established association with ectopic fibrosis in Dupuytren's disease, but involvement of the wrist is rare. To our knowledge there have been only 5 cases reported in the literature. The authors present a patient with Dupuytren's disease involving only the proximal palm and wrist who presented with functional limitation and a rapid clinical progression.

Dorsal Dupuytren's disease causing a swan-neck deformity

A previously undescribed lesion of Dupuytren's disease is presented. An oblique cord coursed parallel to the oblique retinacular ligament of Landsmeer, but inserted proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint, tethering the central slip and radial lateral band across the intervening transverse retinacular ligament. Contraction of this cord caused a rigid swan-neck deformity. Excision of the cord resulted in complete resolution of the deformity and a full range of motion in the affected digit.

Hand surgery in organ transplant patients

PURPOSE

This study presents a series of organ transplant patients who developed problems that affected their upper extremities, related to the organ transplant operation itself, to the patient's underlying systemic disease, to long-term immunosuppression, or to subsequent hand injury after the organ transplant surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 40 organ transplant patients with upper extremity problems at 3 major organ transplant centers was performed.

RESULTS

Six general problems were identified that affected the hand and upper extremity in these transplant patients: inflammatory conditions (16), nerve compression syndromes (18), infections (6), neoplasms (6), vascular problems (4), and trauma (14). Thirty-eight patients had 72 separate hand procedures. No problems were encountered with postoperative infections, and skin and bony healing occurred uneventfully.

CONCLUSIONS

Organ transplant patients are prone to developing atypical infections, skin malignancies, ischemia, and various nerve compression syndromes that affect the hand. These patients with upper-extremity problems should be treated in a manner similar to any patient without prior organ transplant.

[Induratio penis plastica]

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the benefit of radiotherapy with fast electrons in induratio penis plastica (IPP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Within 7 years we treated 58 patients with manifested clinically induratio penis plastica. We applied single dose of 3 Gy 2-3 times weekly and a maximum dose of 24-30 Gy. Follow-up was 2 years and included documentation of subjective discomforts (induration, deviation and painful erection).

RESULTS

Induration (27.6%) and deviation (24.1%) of the erected penis are little improved, but in two-third of patients (65%) with painful erection defined relief could be obtained. It could also be shown that patients with short history of symptoms had best chances for a successful treatment. Side effects were not seen.

CONCLUSION

In our experience radiotherapy is not suitable for all stages of IPP. Only patients in the early stages of IPP-especially the ones who suffer from painful erection-should be considered suitable for treatment with ionising radiation.

Functional benefit of Dupuytren's surgery

The results of surgery for Dupuytren's disease were prospectively assessed to see if there is a correlation between hand function, the degree of deformity and the post-operative result. A total of 42 patients were followed-up for 6 months. The mean flexion deformity was 81 degrees pre-operatively and 32 degrees post-operatively. The mean Sollerman score improved from 71 (out of 80) pre-operatively to 77 post-operatively. There was a significant correlation between the degree of deformity and the Sollerman score, and also between the improvement in deformity after surgery, and the Sollerman score. We conclude that hand function is worsened by increasing deformity in Dupuytren's disease and improved by correction of the deformity.

[ Usefulness of laboratory investigations for the diagnosis of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. ]

The authors report a clinical case of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans in a 65 year old diabetic woman. The characteristic cutaneous lesion restricted to the dorsal aspect of the left hand has been evolved since two years, together with a progressive development of a typical Dupuytren disease. This yielded a contracture of the last 3 phalanges of the same left hand. Confirmatory techniques included the histology of the skin, the reactivity of specific-IgG antibodies showing high avidity and Western blot. Of this, the immunodominant antigens which were extracted from 3 genospecies of Borrelia sensu lato i.e. Bb sensu stricto, Bb garinii, Bb afzelii were compatible with past infection. Apart from the diabetic status which may have predisposed the patient to the development of Dupuytren disease, the authors question about the potential role of Borrelia burgdorferi in the occurrence of this associated disease.

Bone spurs: mechanism of production of different shapes based on observations in Dupuytren's diathesis

Bone spur formation on the shaft of the middle phalanx of the little finger was an incidental finding during surgical treatment of five cases of Dupuytren's contracture. The presence of such spurs in Dupuytren's contracture is not adequately explained in the literature. In areas of high tensile stress, such as the attachments of fascia and fibrous cords, bone remodels to reduce stress concentration and to make the stress transfer from one tissue to the other as smooth as possible. It cannot be regarded as the same process that is seen in heterotopic calcification in other sites in the body, and should be regarded instead as a physiological bone response to tensile stresses rather than a change intimately coupled with Dupuytren's disease.

Dupuytren's contracture and sarcoma

In order to study possible connections between Dupuytren's contracture and sarcoma we analysed the records of 18 patients who developed sarcoma 5 years or more after surgery for Dupuytren's contracture. We found an increased frequency of fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma, but these patients did not differ from the other patients in the study group. Our analysis suggests that neither smoking, diabetes nor cancer syndromes can explain why patients with Dupuytren's contracture have a higher incidence of sarcoma.

Increased total mortality and cancer mortality in men with Dupuytren's disease: a 15-year follow-up study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mortality rate and causes of death of individuals with Dupuytren's disease. In 1981/82, as part of The Reykjavík Study, a general health survey, 1297 males were examined for clinical signs of Dupuytren's disease. Based on the clinical evaluation the participants were classified into three groups: (1) those with no signs of Dupuytren's disease were referred to as the reference cohort; (2) those with palpable nodules in the palmar fascia were classified as having stage 1; and (3) those who had contracted fingers or had been operated on due to contractures were classified as having stage 2 of Dupuytren's disease. In 1997, after a 15- year follow-up period, the mortality rate and causes of death were investigated in relation to the clinical findings from 1981/82. Information about causes of death were obtained from the National Icelandic Death Registry and the Icelandic Cancer Registry. During the follow-up period, 21.5% (225/1048) of the reference cohort were deceased compared to 29.9% (55/184) of those with stage 1 and 47.7% (31/65) of those with stage 2 of Dupuytren's disease. When adjusted for age, smoking habits and other possible confounders, individuals with stage 2 of the disease showed increased total mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.4]. Cancer deaths were increased (HR = 1.9; CI 1.0-3.6). In contrast, participants with stage 1 of Dupuytren's disease did not show increased mortality. A moderate but non-significant increase in cancer incidence was observed among individuals with stage 2 of Dupuytren's disease (HR = 1.5; 95% CI 0.9-2.4, P = 0.15). The study showed increased total mortality of individuals with Dupuytren's disease stage 2, where 42% of the excess in mortality could be attributed to cancer deaths.

Palmar segmental aponeurectomy for Dupuytren's disease with metacarpophalangeal flexion contracture

Eighty palmar segmental aponeurectomies were performed between 1993 and 1999 for well-localized palmar cords with metacarpophalangeal flexion contracture. A retrospective patient review with a minimum follow-up of 1-year demonstrated a 6% rate of recurrent metacarpophalangeal flexion and two minor complications. Segmental aponeurectomy rather than limited fasciectomy is recommended for this type of disease.

[Percutaneous needle aponeurotomy. Complications and results]

Recently French rheumatologists have repopularized fasciotomy using a percutaneous needle technique. This blind approach has been claimed to be plagued by numerous complications. We reviewed the charts of 211 patients treated consecutively on 261 hands and 311 fingers to assess the rate of postoperative complications. The first 100 patients were evaluated with a mean follow up of 3.2 years to assess the rate of recurrences and extension of the disease. In the whole group the mean age was 65 years and delay between onset and treatment was six years. Rupture of the cords were performed only in the palm in 165 cases, in the palm and finger in 111 and purely at digital level in 35. Complications were scarce without infection or tendon injury but one digital nerve was found injured during the second procedure. Postoperative gain was prominent at metacarpophalangeal joint level (79% versus 65% at interphalangeal level). Reoperation rate was 24%. In the group controlled at 3.2 years follow up, recurrence rate was 58% and disease "activity" 69%. Fifty nine hands need further surgery. The ideal indication for this simple and reliable technique is an elderly patient with a bowing cord and a predominant MP contracture.

[Peyronie's disease and peripheral neuropathies]

The association between Peyronie's disease and diabetes mellitus or Dupuytren's disease is well described in the literature with a certain frequency. Through our 10 patients with Peyronie's disease, when have noticed that only one of them is undergoing diabetes mellitus and no one has Dupuytren's disease. But 7 of them presented clinical and/or electromyographical signs of peripheral neuropathy. So after clinical examination in neurology and urology, we performed measurement of motor conduction velocity of tibial posterior nerves and peroneal nerves, then, we measured sensitive vetocity of sural nerves and dorsal nerve of the penis and we studied the cortical somesthesic evoked potential of the internal hontous nerve and the sympathetic evoked response of the skin. So we hypothesize that peripheral neuropathy with or without autonomic disorders might be an etiological co-factor of Peyronie's disease.

Dupuytren's disease in type I diabetic subjects: investigation of biochemical markers of type III and I collagen

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether biochemical markers of collagen type III and I metabolism show alterations in type I diabetic subjects with Dupuytren's disease (DD) compared to those without DD.

METHODS

DD was assessed in a total of 28 type I diabetic subjects, mean age 43.4 +/- 9.5 (SD) and duration of diabetes 25.2 +/- 9.7 years. Concentrations of aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) in serum and excretion of cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) and deoxypyridinoline crosslinks (DPyr) into urine were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DD was 32% (9 of 28 diabetic subjects). Average serum ICTP was 2.7 +/- 0.8 micrograms/l in subjects without DD and 3.6 +/- 1.2 micrograms/l with DD (p = 0.0276). No significant association between other collagen markers and DD was found. The reference intervals of PIIINP and ICTP were exceeded only in 1 and 2 subjects, respectively, and they both had DD.

CONCLUSION

The degradation of type I collagen might be increased in diabetic subjects with DD. The overall implication was that synthesis or degradation of type III and I collagen in diabetic subjects with DD did not differ enough from those without DD to reflect changes in the biochemical markers of type III and I collagen.

Dupuytren's disease in Marfan's syndrome

We report a case of histologically confirmed Dupuytren's disease of the hand in a young man with Marfan's syndrome.

Comparison of palmar aponeuroses from individuals with diabetes mellitus and Dupuytren's contracture

It is well known that Dupuytren's contracture is often associated with diabetes mellitus. Palmar fascia from individuals with diabetes mellitus and/or Dupuytren's contracture as well as controls were subjected to differential scanning calorimetry, biomechanical and biochemical analysis. The collagen denaturation temperature of the palmar aponeurosis from individuals with diabetes mellitus in the presence (71.0 degrees C) or absence of Dupuytren's contracture (70. 6 degrees C) was increased as compared with controls (68.5 degrees C), while this parameter was significantly reduced (about 3.5 degrees C) in contracture bands of Dupuytren's contracture. Stress relaxation experiments revealed that the viscous fraction was slightly reduced in diabetes mellitus (6.5%) vs. controls (8.3%), whereas in Dupuytren's contracture, irrespective of additional diabetes mellitus, a pronounced increase of this parameter was seen (36.5% vs. 24.5%) in the presence of diabetes mellitus. The time constants were significantly elevated by both disorders, this increase being more pronounced in Dupuytren's contracture. Taken together, these changes can be explained by increased cross-linking in diabetes mellitus, while in Dupuytren's contracture other structural changes, such as increased collagen type III content and loss of fascicular organization, play an additional role besides the finding of reduced cross linking.

Shoulder adhesive capsulitis and shoulder range of motion in type II diabetes mellitus: association with diabetic complications

This study was done to examine the association between shoulder adhesive capsulitis and chronic diabetic complications and diseases closely related to diabetes in Akdeniz University Hospital. Shoulder adhesive capsulitis were evaluated in 297 consecutive type II diabetic patients attending an outpatient diabetic clinic. Shoulder adhesive capsulitis was detected in 86 patients (29%). There was a significant association between shoulder adhesive capsulitis and limited joint mobility (p = 0.006), shoulder adhesive capsulitis and Dupuytren's disease (p = 0.003). Odds ratios (OR) for carpal tunnel syndrome, limited joint mobility, and Dupuytren's disease with shoulder adhesive capsulitis were respectively 1.4, 2.1, and 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), respectively, 0.7-2.9, 1.2-3.69, and 1.3-4.4]. Also, shoulder adhesive capsulitis was associated with the age of patients (p = 0.000) and the duration of diabetes (p = 0.03). When other associations between shoulder adhesive capsulitis and diabetic complications were compared, it was associated with retinopathy [p = 0.014, OR = 2.2 (95% CI 1.1-4.2)], but there was no association with neuropathy or macroproteinuria. On the other hand, the degrees of passive abduction, internal rotation, external rotation motions of shoulder joints in the all patients were correlated with age of patients, duration of diabetes, neuropathy, and the other hands' problems (Dupuytren's disease, limited joint mobility) (p<0.05). The presence of shoulder adhesive capsulitis may indicate presence of organ involvement.

Epidemiology of Dupuytren's disease

Studying the epidemiology of Dupuytren's disease allows the identification of populations at risk and may point to inferences regarding etiology. Data suggest the highest prevalence of the disease occurs in people of northern European stock. However, the disease does occur in nearly all populations examined. Dupuytren's disease occurs more frequently in men than women and becomes symptomatic approximately 10 years earlier in the lives of men than in women. Dupuytren's disease has been associated with a number of other diseases including seizure disorders, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, and cigarette smoking. There is conflicting evidence as to whether manual labor or HIV seropositivity increases the prevalence of the disorder.

[Results of surgical treatment for Dupuytren contracture]

Early and late results of surgical treatment for Dupuytren contracture within 53 hands in 47 patients aged 19-72 (mean 58) are presented. Early results depended on magnitude of deformity and late ones (3-7 years after surgery) depended on recurrence of the contracture. In patients who had rheumatoid arthritis or the results were slightly worse; pathological changes within the hand were to blame and not the recurrence of contracture itself. No difference in histopathology of this condition was observed between rheumatoid arthritis-group- and ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Peyronie's disease is associated with Paget's disease of bone

Peyronie's disease is an idiopathic disorder in which an inflammatory fibrosis occurs in the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa which causes the erect penis to become deformed. Peyronie's disease has a prevalence of 1% in men over age 50 years. Paget's disease of bone is a chronic skeletal disease with areas of increased bone turnover leading to pain, deformity, and in some cases arthritis. Because of a high rate of Peyronie's disease in subjects in a Paget's disease industry-sponsored drug trial, we asked whether there was an association between Peyronie's disease and Paget's disease of bone. We evaluated 61 men with Paget's disease attending our clinic for metabolic bone disease in a tertiary referral hospital, reviewed hospital records of all men discharged from our three hospitals with the diagnosis of Peyronie's disease, and mailed a validated questionnaire about shape of the erect penis to 1500 male members of the Paget Foundation. In the clinic population of men with Paget's disease of bone, 51 of 61 (83.6%) reported having normal erections; 10 patients (16.4%) were impotent. Sixteen of the 51 men (31.4%) had developed a bend or deformity in their erect penis which was confirmed by a urologist's examination to be Peyronie's disease. When the men with Paget's disease with and without Peyronie's disease were compared, there was no difference in their ages, years with Paget's disease, or serum alkaline phosphatase level. Upon medical record review, 1 patient of 262 (0.4%) with Peyronie's disease was found to have Paget's disease of bone. The men with Paget's disease returned their questionnaires for a response rate of 44.8% and reported Peyronie's disease with a prevalence of 14.5%. We suggest that Peyronie's disease is associated with Paget's disease of bone. Furthermore, we suggest that Peyronie's disease may be a previously unrecognized complication of Paget's disease of bone.

Dupuytren's disease: association with chronic diabetic complications

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of Dupuytren's disease and its association with the clinical characteristics in subjects with type I (insulin dependent) and II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. To examine the association between Dupuytren's disease and chronic diabetic complications.

METHODS

We studied 297 patients with type I [age (mean +/- SD) 33.2 +/- 10.0 yrs] and 139 with type II diabetes [age 61.3 +/- 12.3 yrs]. We investigated the presence of Dupuytren's disease, limited joint mobility, and the following complications: retinopathy, micro- and macroalbuminuria, and somatic peripheral symmetrical polyneuropathy (neuropathy).

RESULTS

The prevalence of Dupuytren's disease was 14% in type II patients; prevalence was the same in both sexes. Dupuytren's was associated with age and duration of diabetes in type I patients (p < 0.001). Its presence was significantly related to retinopathy, neuropathy, limited joint mobility, and shoulder capsulitis in type I and to macroalbuminuria in type II patients, by chi-squared test. However, all these associations, except to macroalbuminuria in type II subjects, disappeared when the confounding effect of age and duration of diabetes was controlled by logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of Dupuytren's was the same in type I and II subjects although type I subjects were younger. No sex difference of the prevalence of Dupuytren's was seen in patients with diabetes. The disease was associated with macroalbuminuria in type II subjects independent of time related variables. Other associations between Dupuytren's disease and diabetic complications were explained by time related variables in type I and in type II subjects.

Aggressive polyfibromatosis: a 10 year follow-up

Polyfibromatosis syndrome is a condition characterized by the occurrence of several cutaneous fibrotic conditions including Dupuytren's contracture and keloid formation. A 10 year follow-up of a patient with an aggressive type of polyfibromatosis associated with erosive arthropathy is presented. The underlying pathogenesis and management of this uncommon condition is discussed.

Dupuytren's disease in the feet causing flexion contractures in the toes

Plantar fibromatosis is a recognised form of Dupuytren's disease. Two cases are presented in which there were flexion contractures of the toes in the involved feet. This is an extremely rare form of this plantar affliction.

The pathology of frozen shoulder. A Dupuytren-like disease

Of 935 consecutive patients referred with shoulder pain, 50 fitted the criteria for primary frozen shoulder. Twelve patients who failed to improve after conservative treatment and manipulation had excision of the coracohumeral ligament and the rotator interval of the capsule. The specimens were examined histologically, using special stains for collagen. Immunocytochemistry was performed with monoclonal antibodies against leucocyte common antigen (LCA, CD45) and a macrophage/synovial antigen (PGMI, CD68) to assess the inflammatory component, and vimentin and smooth-muscle actin to evaluate fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Our histological and immunocytochemical findings show that the pathological process is active fibroblastic proliferation, accompanied by some transformation to a smooth muscle phenotype (myofibroblasts). The fibroblasts lay down collagen which appears as a thick nodular band or fleshy mass. These appearances are very similar to those in Dupuytren's disease of the hand, with no inflammation and no synovial involvement. The contracture acts as a check-rein against external rotation, causing loss of both active and passive movement.

Increased prevalence of soft tissue hand lesions in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: various entities and associated significance

Sixty Type 1 (insulin dependent) and sixty Type 2 (non insulin dependent) diabetic patients attending a diabetology unit were examined in search of limited joint mobility, Dupuytren's disease, flexor tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, in comparison with two populations of 60 non diabetic controls matched for sex and age with the Type 1 and the Type 2 diabetic patients. Microangiopathic and neuropathic complications, glycaemic control, blood pressure and tobacco consumption were simultaneously assessed in 39 of the 60 type 1 and in all the type 2 diabetic patients. The prevalence of the various soft tissue hand lesions was higher in both diabetic populations (respectively Type 1 and Type 2) than in their control populations: Limited joint mobility: 33.3 and 26.7% vs 5.0 and 8.3% (both p < 0.01); Dupuytren's disease: 35.0 and 30.0% vs 6.7 and 10.0% (both p < 0.01); flexor tenosynovitis: 23.3 and 16.7% vs 0.0 and 3.3% (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05); carpal tunnel syndrome: 26.7 and 15.0% vs 3.3 and 5% (p < 0.01 and NS). The prevalence of limited joint mobility in Type 1 diabetes was independently associated with increasing age (p < 0.05) and to lower extent with increasing duration of diabetes (p = 0.05), whereas the prevalence of Dupuytren's disease only correlated with increasing age in both types of diabetes (p < 0.05). In Type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of flexor tenosynovitis also increased independently with age (p < 0.05), and the prevalence of limited joint mobility increased in the opposite way to the body mass index after adjustment on age, duration of diabetes and sex (p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)