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Nailfold capillaroscopy in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and critical appraisal.Autoimmunity Reviews Apr 2018Nailfold capillaroscopy is an easy, non-invasive technique to assess microvascular involvement in rheumatic diseases. Multiple studies describe capillaroscopic changes... (Review)
Review
Nailfold capillaroscopy is an easy, non-invasive technique to assess microvascular involvement in rheumatic diseases. Multiple studies describe capillaroscopic changes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including a wide range of non-specific findings. On behalf of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) study group on microcirculation in rheumatic diseases, a systematic review was done to obtain all original research studies (in English) in which SLE patients had capillaroscopy. Forty such studies are identified. This article firstly provides a résumé of the results of these studies according to capillaroscopic parameters (density, dimensions, morphology, haemorrhages), semi-quantitative assessment and qualitative assessment of capillaroscopy in SLE patients. Secondly, the correlations between capillaroscopic parameters in SLE patients and clinical and laboratory parameters (including auto-immune parameters) are outlined. The following capillaroscopic parameters are found to be significantly more prevalent in SLE patients compared to healthy controls: tortuous capillaries, abnormal morphology and haemorrhages. Hairpin-shaped capillaries are significantly less prevalent than in healthy persons. The semi-quantitatively determined nailfold capillaroscopic score (NFC score) in SLE patients is also higher than in healthy controls. Several correlations between clinical and laboratory parameters and capillaroscopic parameters are identified in the review. Disease activity is correlated with NFC score in seven studies, with abnormal morphology (i.e. "meandering") in one study and with haemorrhages in one study. Frequent attacks of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and gangrene are significantly correlated with dilated capillaries. In two studies a possible correlation between anti-SSA antibodies and lower density of capillaries is withheld. About other immune parameters conflicting results are found. In one study a significant negative correlation is found between 24-hour proteinuria and abnormal morphology (i.e. "meandering"). For the first time, an overview of the nailfold capillaroscopic changes that have been described in SLE and their correlations with clinical and laboratory findings is given. Further large-scale research on the identification of capillaroscopic changes in SLE and their correlations with standardised clinical and laboratory parameters, is ongoing at the EULAR study group on microcirculation in rheumatic diseases.
Topics: Capillaries; Female; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Male; Microscopic Angioscopy; Nails
PubMed: 29427827
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.11.025 -
Shock (Augusta, Ga.) Oct 2023Objective: The objective of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of the advantages and potential research directions concerning the utilization of terlipressin...
Objective: The objective of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of the advantages and potential research directions concerning the utilization of terlipressin (TP) in combination with norepinephrine (NE) for the management of septic shock. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five major electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE, using the Boolean method. The search encompassed articles published until May 22, 2023. Randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of TP combined with NE in the treatment of patients with septic shock were considered for inclusion. Results: A total of seven trials met the inclusion criteria. The combination therapy of TP and NE exhibited potential benefits in the treatment of adult patients suffering from septic shock. Furthermore, the concurrent administration of TP with NE demonstrated improvements in cardiac output and central venous pressure. However, it is important to acknowledge the presence of certain risks and potential adverse events, including an elevated risk of peripheral ischemia. Conclusions: The available evidence supports the notion that early combination therapy involving NE and TP holds promise in terms of reducing the required dosage of NE, enhancing renal perfusion, and improving microcirculation in patients diagnosed with septic shock.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Norepinephrine; Terlipressin; Shock, Septic; Lypressin; Combined Modality Therapy; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 37548701
DOI: 10.1097/SHK.0000000000002204 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Mar 2022To systematically evaluate the literature investigating the relationship between cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the foot of adults with diabetes-related Charcot... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
To systematically evaluate the literature investigating the relationship between cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the foot of adults with diabetes-related Charcot neuroarthropathy compared to a non-Charcot adult control group.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted to June 2021 using the biomedical databases EBSCO Megafile Ultimate, Cochrane Library and EMBASE. Original research conducting comparative investigation of cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the foot of adults with diabetes and any pattern of acute or chronic Charcot neuroarthropathy and any non-Charcot adult control groups were included. A modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used for quality appraisal. Cutaneous microvascular reactivity in diabetes-related Charcot neuroarthropathy data were synthesised and meta-analysis conducted where possible.
RESULTS
The search strategy identified 1,684 articles, with seven eligible for inclusion. Included studies used various methodologies and equipment to assess cutaneous microvascular reactivity in 553 participants (162 with Charcot neuroarthropathy). Cutaneous microvascular reactivity in Charcot neuroarthropathy groups was impaired compared to uncomplicated diabetes groups. Meta-analysis investigating the difference in response to thermal hyperaemia demonstrated a significant difference in cutaneous microvascular reactivity between Charcot neuroarthropathy and peripheral neuropathy with a large, pooled effect size (SMD 1.46 95% CI: 0.89-2.02) and low heterogeneity (I = 4%, T = 0.01) indicating that the cutaneous microvascular response is more impaired in peripheral neuropathy than in Charcot neuroarthropathy.
CONCLUSIONS
Charcot neuroarthropathy is associated with greater cutaneous microvascular reactivity in the periphery relative to diabetes cohorts with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy alone. It is unknown if this occurs prior to, or as a result of, Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Topics: Adult; Arthropathy, Neurogenic; Diabetic Neuropathies; Foot; Humans; Skin
PubMed: 35232466
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-022-00522-x -
Autoimmunity Reviews Jun 2022We conducted a systematic review, on behalf of the EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases (EULAR SG MC/RD), to investigate the value of nailfold... (Review)
Review
Standardised interpretation of capillaroscopy in autoimmune idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A structured review on behalf of the EULAR study group on microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review, on behalf of the EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases (EULAR SG MC/RD), to investigate the value of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM).
METHODS
Three electronic databases were systematically searched to find all relevant manuscripts reporting NVC outcomes in IIM patients. Articles were assessed based on study design, population, NVC methodology and description of NVC results. To allow comparison between the articles, all NVC results were interpreted according to standardised capillaroscopic terminology, as previously consented by the EULAR SG MC/RD and the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) Group on Capillaroscopy.
RESULTS
Of the 653 identified records; five were retained after critical appraisal on title, abstract and manuscript level. A marked difference in NVC was observed between (juvenile) dermatomyositis [(j)DM] versus polymyositis, healthy controls and systemic sclerosis patients. In addition, reduced capillary density and scleroderma pattern seem to be associated with active disease in (j)DM, while immunosuppressive treatment appears to reduce NVC abnormalities.
CONCLUSION
This is the first systematic review investigating NVC in IIM, interpreting the results according to an international consented standardised manner, as proposed by the EULAR SG MC/RD and SCTC Group on Capillaroscopy. We can conclude that NVC presents a promising asset in the diagnosis of (j)DM. Moreover, NVC could be a biomarker for organ involvement and follow-up. Large multicentre prospective standardised studies are further needed to definitely describe associations with clinical and laboratory parameters in the different IIM subtypes.
Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; Capillaries; Dermatomyositis; Humans; Microcirculation; Microscopic Angioscopy; Myositis; Nails; Prospective Studies; Rheumatic Diseases; Scleroderma, Localized; Scleroderma, Systemic
PubMed: 35421608
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103087 -
Neurosurgical Review Aug 2022Cavernous sinus haemangiomas (CSHs) are rare malformations of the microcirculation arising from the cavernous sinus. A systematic review and pooled data analysis of the... (Review)
Review
Cavernous sinus haemangiomas (CSHs) are rare malformations of the microcirculation arising from the cavernous sinus. A systematic review and pooled data analysis of the associated clinical features, diagnostic modalities, management, and outcomes for CSHs was done. In total, 68 articles (338 cases) were eligible for analysis based on our selection criteria. The primary outcome measures were the occurrence of (i) and (ii) symptom resolution/improvement. Categorical outcome variables were assessed by binary logistic regression at 5% significance level. With headaches (39.9%) and diplopia (36.5%) as the most common presenting symptoms reported, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was the most commonly used diagnostic modality and was the most definitive pre-treatment imaging modality for diagnosing CSH with a sensitivity of 89.5%. The majority of CSHs were managed with radiosurgery (47.9% of cases), 37.9% by surgical resection alone, and 14.2% by a combination of both. Compared to patients that were treated with surgical resection only, those treated solely with radiosurgery had a 100% decrease in the odds of developing post-treatment complications (adjusted OR: 0.00, 95% CI: 0.00-0.002, p < 0.001), with a 5.03 times greater odds of symptom resolution/improvement (adjusted OR: 5.03, 95% CI: 1.89-13.4, p = 0.001). Patients that underwent combined therapy had a 79% reduction in risk of developing post-treatment complications (adjusted OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06-0.68, p = 0.01), with no statistically significant difference in the odds of symptom resolution/improvement, compared to those that had surgery only. In conclusion, radiosurgery offered the best outcomes with regards to symptom resolution/improvement and post-treatment complications in patients with CSH.
Topics: Cavernous Sinus; Hemangioma; Hemangioma, Cavernous; Humans; Radiosurgery; Skull Base; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35462612
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-022-01796-2 -
Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994) Apr 2019GLP-1 and GLP-2 are gut-derived hormones used in the treatment of diabetes type-2 and short bowel syndrome, respectively. GLP-1 attenuates insulin resistance and GLP-2...
GLP-1 and GLP-2 are gut-derived hormones used in the treatment of diabetes type-2 and short bowel syndrome, respectively. GLP-1 attenuates insulin resistance and GLP-2 reduces enterocyte apoptosis and enhances crypt cell proliferation in the small intestine. In addition, both hormones have vasoactive effects and may be useful in situations with impaired microcirculation. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the potential effects of GLP-1 and GLP-2 on microcirculation. A systematic search was performed independently by two authors in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Of 1111 screened papers, 20 studies were included in this review: 16 studies in animals, three in humans, and one in humans and rats. The studies were few and heterogeneous and had a high risk of bias. However, it seems that GLP-1 regulates the pancreatic, skeletal, and cardiac muscle flow, indicating a role in the glucose homeostasis, while GLP-2 acts primarily in the regulation of the microcirculation of the mid-intestine. These findings may be useful in gastrointestinal surgery and in situations with impaired microcirculation of the gut.
Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Glucagon-Like Peptide 2; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Microcirculation; Rats
PubMed: 28266749
DOI: 10.1111/micc.12367 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2015Acupuncture produces physiological effects via stimulating acupoints, proximal or distal to the region of effect. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) noninvasively... (Review)
Review
Acupuncture produces physiological effects via stimulating acupoints, proximal or distal to the region of effect. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) noninvasively measures tissue-level hemodynamics in real time. We review the literature investigating the effect of acupuncture on muscular and/or cerebral microcirculation. As the basis, we queried PubMed in June 2014 for articles mentioning both acupuncture and NIRS in title/abstract. The reviewed papers investigated either cerebral (n = 11) or muscular hemodynamics (n = 5) and, based on STRICTA for reporting acupuncture methodology, were overall poor in quality. Acupuncture was found to influence regional oxygen saturation in cerebral and muscular tissue. The cortical response in healthy subjects varied across studies. For subjects with stroke or cerebrovascular dementia, findings suggest that acupuncture may modulate dysfunction in cerebral autoregulation. The muscular response to pressure techniques was more intense than that to needling or laser. Probe proximity could impact measurement sensitivity. No one study simultaneously investigated the direct and remote responses. Research utilizing NIRS to investigate the hemodynamics of acupuncture presently lacks in scope and quality. Improved designs, for example, placebo-controlled, randomized trials, and standardized intervention reporting will raise study quality. Exploiting NIRS in clinical settings, such as stroke, migraine, or other pain conditions, is worthwhile.
PubMed: 26221180
DOI: 10.1155/2015/839470 -
HPB : the Official Journal of the... Aug 2016Post-operative pancreatic fistula has been well defined. However the underlying aetiology remains poorly understood. The aim of this review was to investigate whether... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Post-operative pancreatic fistula has been well defined. However the underlying aetiology remains poorly understood. The aim of this review was to investigate whether the underlying aetiology for a proportion of patients suffering from post-operative pancreatic fistula was due to post-operative pancreatitis.
METHOD
A systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines. The date range was from 2005 to 2016. The search strategy included the terms: post-operative pancreatitis, pathophysiology, post-operative pancreatic fistula, pancreaticoduodenectomy, ischaemic pancreatitis, microcirculation and pancreatitis, serum and drain amylase and lipase. The data was summarised without quantitative or qualitative analysis.
RESULTS
There exists significant physiological, biochemical, clinical and histological evidence in the literature that a proportion of post-operative pancreatic fistula is due to post-operative pancreatitis. A new definition of post-operative pancreatitis based on the presence of biochemical evidence for pancreatic inflammation (urinary trypsinogen-2 >50 ug/L or serum amylase/lipase > upper limit of normal) between post-operative days 0-2. Predicted severity is based on C-reactive protein with a cut-off of 180 mg/L at post-operative day 2. The proposed grading of severity is in line with previous work by international study group of pancreatic surgery.
CONCLUSION
Post-operative pancreatitis should be recognised as a separate pancreatic specific complication following pancreatic resection. Improved recognition may allow better understanding of potential methods of prevention, treatment and prediction of severity.
Topics: Biomarkers; Biopsy; C-Reactive Protein; Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Fistula; Pancreatitis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27485058
DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2016.05.006 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs, including VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D and PLGF) have important roles in the development and function of the peripheral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs, including VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D and PLGF) have important roles in the development and function of the peripheral nervous system. Studies have confirmed that VEGFs, especially VEGF-A (so called VEGF) may be associated with the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) process. However, different studies have shown inconsistent levels of VEGFs in DPN patients. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between cycling levels of VEGFs and DPN.
METHODS
This study searched 7 databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, WanFang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM), to find the target researches. The random effects model was used to calculate the overall effect.
RESULTS
14 studies with 1983 participants were included, among which 13 studies were about VEGF and 1 was VEGF-B, so only the effects of VEGF were pooled. The result showed that there were obviously increased VEGF levels in DPN patients compared with diabetic patients without DPN (SMD:2.12[1.34, 2.90], <0.00001) and healthy people (SMD:3.50[2.24, 4.75], <0.00001). In addition, increased circulating VEGF levels were not associated with an increased risk of DPN (OR:1.02[0.99, 1.05], <0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Compared with healthy people and diabetic patients without DPN, VEGF content in the peripheral blood of DPN patients is increased, but current evidence does not support the correlation between VEGF levels and the risk of DPN. This suggests that VEGF may play a role in the pathogenesis and repairment of DPN.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Neuropathies; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B
PubMed: 37251664
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1169405 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Nov 2017Lower limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 20% of population over 65 years. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has recently emerged as a novel, safe, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lower limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 20% of population over 65 years. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has recently emerged as a novel, safe, and effective treatment option. This review aims to assess the mechanism of action by which ESWT improves symptoms in patients with PAD.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Any article investigating the mechanism of action of ESWT in PAD was considered for inclusion.
RESULTS
The systematic review of the current literature yielded 8 relevant articles reporting studies on animal models of hind limb ischemia or on patients with PAD. These articles described the effects of ESWT on angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, vasculogenesis, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, lower limb micro/macrocirculation, and atherosclerosis.
CONCLUSION
ESWT increases the expression of angiogenic, arteriogenic, and vasculogenic factors, reduces vessel wall stenosis, and improves limb perfusion. However, most of the evidence is based on animal studies. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanism of action of ESWT in PAD patients.
Topics: Arteries; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; Humans; Lower Extremity; Microcirculation; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Recovery of Function; Regional Blood Flow; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28688873
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2017.06.133