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SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024Low back pain affects over 20% of individuals during their lifetime, and in some patients, it may be associated with scar tissue formation after surgery. Small-fiber...
Effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation on normalization of dermal body temperature and pain in a tender scar in the presence of low back pain: An update and case report.
Low back pain affects over 20% of individuals during their lifetime, and in some patients, it may be associated with scar tissue formation after surgery. Small-fiber neuropathy and scar tissue dysfunction can lead to localized pain by affecting signals to the thalamus. Transcutaneous neuromodulation using Tape with Magnetic Particles shows promise in relieving perceived pain, modulating vascularization and the autonomic nervous system, and reducing dermal temperature. In the present case, a 24-year-old woman with L5-S1 disk herniation experienced low back pain and leg pressure. The surgical intervention provided temporary relief, but scar restrictions caused pain recurrence. Tape with Magnetic Particles application initially induced scar hypothermia and pressure tolerance during posteroanterior tests on lumbar spinous processes increased, reducing pain perception for at least 12 h. Transcutaneous neuromodulation with Tape with Magnetic Particles modulated dermal temperature immediately and for 12 h, reducing perceived pain and sustaining improvement thereafter. This highlights the potential of Tape with Magnetic Particles in managing chronic low back pain associated with scar tissue.
PubMed: 38746022
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241249058 -
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and... May 2024Inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPNs) encompass a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders causing length-dependent degeneration of peripheral... (Review)
Review
Inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPNs) encompass a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders causing length-dependent degeneration of peripheral autonomic, motor and/or sensory nerves. Despite gold-standard diagnostic testing for pathogenic variants in over 100 known associated genes, many patients with IPN remain genetically unsolved. Providing patients with a diagnosis is critical for reducing their 'diagnostic odyssey', improving clinical care, and for informed genetic counselling. The last decade of massively parallel sequencing technologies has seen a rapid increase in the number of newly described IPN-associated gene variants contributing to IPN pathogenesis. However, the scarcity of additional families and functional data supporting variants in potential novel genes is prolonging patient diagnostic uncertainty and contributing to the missing heritability of IPNs. We review the last decade of IPN disease gene discovery to highlight novel genes, structural variation and short tandem repeat expansions contributing to IPN pathogenesis. From the lessons learnt, we provide our vision for IPN research as we anticipate the future, providing examples of emerging technologies, resources and tools that we propose that will expedite the genetic diagnosis of unsolved IPN families.
PubMed: 38744462
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2024-333436 -
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the... May 2024Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) increases the risk of severe hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). IAH can be reversed through...
AIMS
Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) increases the risk of severe hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). IAH can be reversed through meticulous avoidance of hypoglycaemia. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) has been proposed as an underlying mechanism contributing to IAH; however, data are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) on IAH reversibility inT1DM.
METHODS
Participants with T1DM and IAH (Gold score ≥4) recruited to the HypoCOMPaSS (24-week 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled) trial were included. All underwent screening for cardiac autonomic function testing at baseline and received comparable education and support aimed at avoiding hypoglycaemia and improving hypoglycaemia awareness. Definite CAN was defined as the presence of ≥2 abnormal cardiac reflex tests. Participants were grouped according to their CAN status, and changes in Gold score were compared.
RESULTS
Eighty-three participants (52 women [62.7%]) were included with mean age (SD) of 48 (12) years and mean HbA1c of 66 (13) mmol/mol (8.2 [3.3] %). The mean duration of T1DM was 29 (13) years. The prevalence of CAN was low with 5/83 (6%) participants having definite autonomic neuropathy with 11 (13%) classified with possible/early neuropathy. All participants, regardless of the autonomic function status, showed a mean improvement in Gold score of ≥1 (mean improvement -1.2 [95% CI -0.8, -1.6]; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
IAH can be improved in people with T1DM, and a long duration of disease, with and without cardiac autonomic dysfunction. These data suggest that CAN is not a prime driver for modulating IAH reversibility.
PubMed: 38741266
DOI: 10.1111/dme.15340 -
Cureus Apr 2024Introduction This study aimed to evaluate hemodynamic changes using heart rate variability (HRV) measurements in diabetic and nondiabetic patients who will undergo...
Introduction This study aimed to evaluate hemodynamic changes using heart rate variability (HRV) measurements in diabetic and nondiabetic patients who will undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to provide our preoperative measurements to guide us for better perioperative anesthesia management. Materials and methods The study included 143 patients aged 40 years and older who would undergo elective laparoscopic surgery, did not have any comorbidities other than diabetes mellitus (DM) type II, and were in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I-III risk group. Patients were divided into two groups: the control group (n = 77) and the DM group (n = 66). The preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level was measured. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and hemodynamic parameters such as systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and HRV parameters were measured preoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was administered at 10-12 mmHg. Results Even though SAP, DAP, MAP, and HR decreased with induction, they increased with insufflation, and an overall decrease was seen at the postoperative 24th hour for all parameters. When the groups were evaluated, no difference was observed except that the DAP was significantly lower in the DM group (p = 0.029) at insufflation and the HR was higher in the DM group at induction, and the difference was significant (p = 0.001). Preoperative HRV parameters were significantly lower in the DM group. According to the HRV parameters, although a decrease was observed after induction and insufflation, conversely, an increase was observed postoperatively. When the postoperative and preoperative values were compared, the standard deviation of the NN (R-R) intervals (SDNN), SDNN index, high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), and LF/HF parameters were found to be significantly lower in the DM group than in the control group. Conclusion Diabetic patients are more sensitive to increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in laparoscopic surgery, and the effects on cardiac autonomic functions can be determined by HRV measurements without clinically reflecting on hemodynamic data. Additionally, in diabetic patients with preoperative LF and/or HF values less than 100, we believe that careful follow-up in terms of autonomic neuropathy complications and anesthesia management should be done more meticulously in these patients.
PubMed: 38725775
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57890 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders May 2024Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality by disrupting cardiac innervation....
BACKGROUND
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality by disrupting cardiac innervation. Recent evidence suggests that CAN may manifest even before the onset of DM, with prediabetes and metabolic syndrome potentially serving as precursors. This study aims to identify genetic markers associated with CAN development in the Kazakh population by investigating the SNPs of specific genes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A case-control study involved 82 patients with CAN (cases) and 100 patients without CAN (controls). A total of 182 individuals of Kazakh nationality were enrolled from a hospital affiliated with the RSE "Medical Center Hospital of the President's Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan". 7 SNPs of genes FTO, PPARG, SNCA, XRCC1, FLACC1/CASP8 were studied. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square methods, calculation of odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and logistic regression in SPSS 26.0.
RESULTS
Among the SNCA gene polymorphisms, rs2737029 was significantly associated with CAN, almost doubling the risk of CAN (OR 2.03(1.09-3.77), p = 0.03). However, no statistically significant association with CAN was detected with the rs2736990 of the SNCA gene (OR 1.00 CI (0.63-1.59), p = 0.99). rs12149832 of the FTO gene increased the risk of CAN threefold (OR 3.22(1.04-9.95), p = 0.04), while rs1801282 of the PPARG gene and rs13016963 of the FLACC1 gene increased the risk twofold (OR 2.56(1.19-5.49), p = 0.02) and (OR 2.34(1.00-5.46), p = 0.05) respectively. rs1108775 and rs1799782 of the XRCC1 gene were associated with reduced chances of developing CAN both before and after adjustment (OR 0.24, CI (0.09-0.68), p = 0.007, and OR 0.43, CI (0.22-0.84), p = 0.02, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The study suggests that rs2737029 (SNCA gene), rs12149832 (FTO gene), rs1801282 (PPARG gene), and rs13016963 (FLACC1 gene) may be predisposing factors for CAN development. Additionally, SNPs rs1108775 and rs1799782 (XRCC1 gene) may confer resistance to CAN. Only one polymorphism rs2736990 of the SNCA gene was not associated with CAN.
Topics: Humans; Male; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Middle Aged; Female; Case-Control Studies; Kazakhstan; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Risk Factors; PPAR gamma; Aged; Phenotype; Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO; Risk Assessment; Genetic Association Studies; X-ray Repair Cross Complementing Protein 1; Heart Diseases; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Adult; Diabetic Neuropathies; Autonomic Nervous System; Genetic Markers; alpha-Synuclein
PubMed: 38724937
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03912-0 -
BMC Gastroenterology May 2024A growing body of research indicates that poor functional status before chemotherapy may be correlated with the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy...
BACKGROUND
A growing body of research indicates that poor functional status before chemotherapy may be correlated with the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) after the neurotoxic treatment. However, little is known about the associations between pre-chemotherapy physical function and CIPN in patients with pancreatic cancer.
PURPOSE
To identify the predictors of CIPN in relation to pre-chemotherapy physical function in patients with pancreatic cancer.
METHODS
This secondary analysis included data from patients with pancreatic cancer who participated in a longitudinal research study at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan. Four physical function tests (i.e., grip strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG), 2-minute step test (2MST), and Romberg test) and two questionnaires (The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 [EORTC QLQ-C30] and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Module [CIPN20]) were assessed at baseline (i.e., before first chemotherapy session) and 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-month follow-up. Multiple linear regression with adjustment for confounding factors was used to assess the associations between the four functional tests at baseline and the CIPN20 total score and individual subscale scores (sensory, motor, and autonomic) at 6-month follow-up.
RESULTS
Data from a total of 209 pancreatic cancer patients (mean age: 64.4 years, 54.5% male) were analyzed. The findings showed that the severity of CIPN at 6-month follow-up was significantly associated with the baseline TUG completion time (β = 0.684, p = 0.003). The TUG completion time was also positively correlated with the 6-month CIPN sensory and autonomic subscales. In addition, a baseline positive Romberg test (β = 0.525, p = 0.009) was a significant predictor of the severity of motor neuropathy at 6-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
The TUG completion time and positive Romberg test before chemotherapy may be predictive factors of the CIPN severity 6 months after the commencement of chemotherapy. Accordingly, the incorporation of TUG and Romberg tests into the clinical assessment protocol emerges as imperative for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy regimens.
Topics: Humans; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Antineoplastic Agents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Quality of Life; Hand Strength; Taiwan; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38711006
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03227-6 -
Journal of Pediatric Urology Apr 2024It is increasingly significant that adults with diabetes experience lower urinary tract symptoms, however, there has been limited research in younger individuals with...
BACKGROUND
It is increasingly significant that adults with diabetes experience lower urinary tract symptoms, however, there has been limited research in younger individuals with type 1 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate bladder function using non-invasive urodynamics as a potential indicator of autonomic neuropathy in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. This involved examining the association between urinary flow disturbances, reported symptoms, and results from other autonomic tests.
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional study enrolling 49 adolescents with type 1 diabetes and 18 control subjects. All participants underwent uroflowmetry and ultrasound scanning, completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS)-31 questionnaire, and were instructed to record their morning urine volume and voiding frequencies and report them back. Cardiovascular reflex tests (CARTs) and the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) were performed.
RESULTS
The main results are shown in the Summary figure.
DISCUSSION
In this study, urological abnormalities were not significantly more frequent in adolescents with diabetes, however, urological issues were observed. This is supported by previous findings of Szabo et al. who found that adolescents with type 1 diabetes had reduced flow acceleration and time to maximum flow compared to control subjects. In our study, we observed cases with reduced acceleration and prolonged uroflow curves, possibly indicating detrusor underactivity. People with diabetes had a higher risk of nocturia than healthy controls, which our results supported. Some adolescents reported urination twice per night. Based on these findings, it is considered beneficial to ask about urological symptoms annually to determine if more examinations (frequency-volume charts and uroflowmetry) are necessary and/or if any opportunities for treatment optimization exist. However, uroflowmetry has limitations, as bladder filling and emptying is a complex process involving multiple pathways and neurological centers, making it difficult to standardize and evaluate. Another limitation of this study was that our control group was smaller and consisted of fewer males than females, which could affect the results due to differences in anatomy and physiology in the lower urinary tract system.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, adolescents with type 1 diabetes, as well as healthy adolescents, frequently experience urological symptoms. Although urological abnormalities were not significantly more frequent in adolescents with diabetes in this study, the focus on nocturia and risk for bladder dysfunction seems relevant, even in adolescents without any other tests indicating autonomic dysfunction.
PubMed: 38705761
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.04.007 -
Medicine May 2024Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) epitomizes an acute peripheral neuropathy hallmarked by an autoimmune retort directed at the myelin sheath enwrapping peripheral nerves.... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) epitomizes an acute peripheral neuropathy hallmarked by an autoimmune retort directed at the myelin sheath enwrapping peripheral nerves. While it is widely acknowledged that a majority of GBS patients boast a history of antecedent infections, the documentation of postoperative GBS occurrences is progressively mounting. Drawing upon an exhaustive compendium of recent case reports, the disease's inception spans a gamut from within 1 hour to 1.2 years.
PATIENT CONCERNS
At this juncture, we proffer a singular case: an instance involving a 51-year-old gentleman who underwent lumbar spine surgery, only to encounter immediate debilitation of limb and respiratory musculature.
DIAGNOSES
Post elimination of variables linked to anesthetic agents, encephalon, and spinal cord pathologies, a potent suspicion of superacute GBS onset emerged.
INTERVENTIONS
Subsequent to immunoglobulin therapy, plasmapheresis, and adjunctive support, the patient's ultimate demise became manifest.
OUTCOMES
No progress was found to date.
LESSONS
Given GBS's potential to instigate paralysis, respiratory collapse, and autonomic nervous system aberrations, alongside other pernicious sequelae, coupled with the exceptional rarity of the temporal onset in this particular instance, it undeniably proffers an imposing conundrum for anesthetists in the realm of differential diagnosis and therapeutic conduct. During the postoperative convalescence phase under anesthesia, should the patient evince deviant limb musculature vigor and compromised respiratory sinews, the prospect of GBS must not be consigned to oblivion. Precision in diagnosis conjoined with apt therapeutic measures could well be the harbinger of a divergent denouement for the afflicted patient.
Topics: Humans; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Middle Aged; Male; Postoperative Complications; Elective Surgical Procedures; Lumbar Vertebrae
PubMed: 38701319
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037925 -
Heliyon May 2024Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the chronic inflammation and cause of endothelial dysfunction (ED). Heart rate variability...
Lipid profile, inflammatory biomarkers, endothelial dysfunction, and heart rate variability in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. A case-control study among UAE population.
BACKGROUND
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the chronic inflammation and cause of endothelial dysfunction (ED). Heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker of sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous system dysfunction. We investigated the association of lipid profile, inflammatory biomarkers, endothelial dysfunction, and heart rate variability in adolescents with T1DM among UAE population.
METHOD
In this case-control study we recruited 126 adolescents (13-22 years) from Abu Dhabi, UAE (United Arab Emirates). Demographic, anthropometric, blood and urine samples were collected after an overnight fasting. HRV measurements were determined per Task Force recommendations. Independent -test or Mann-Whitney test and Pearson's Chi-squared test were used to compare groups. Adjusted conditional logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants independently associated with T1DM.
RESULTS
The mean ages in control (n = 47) and patient (n = 79) groups were 17.5 ± 4.6 and 18.6 ± 4.8 years, respectively. A family history of diabetes and waist and hip circumferences significantly differed between the groups (p = 0.030 and 0.010). The patients with T1DM exhibited significantly higher levels of atherogenic markers than control. Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers such as levels of sICAM-1 (p < 0.001), adiponectin (p < 0.001) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p < 0.001) were significantly different in the control group compared with those in the T1DM group. There was a significant difference in SDNN intervals, NN50, pNN50, and SD1/SD2 among the two groups. In adjusted analysis, total cholesterol (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.78, 95 % CI:1.37-5.64; p = 0.005), LDL (2.66, 95%CI:1.19-5.92; p = 0.017), and triglycerides (5.51, 95%CI:1.57-19.41; p = 0.008) were significantly associated with developing T1DM. The HRV indicators were significantly associated with decrease odds of T1DM after controlling for SBP, BMI, and family history of DM.
CONCLUSION
In this study, adolescents with T1DM showed a significant association with lipid profile, ED, and HRV compared with controls. Thus, an early attention to diabetes control is required to reduce the risk of cardiac autonomic neuropathy leading to various cardiovascular diseases.
PubMed: 38694062
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29623 -
Cureus Mar 2024Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a disorder affecting the autonomic nerves that regulate the cardiovascular system, leading to irregular heart rate and blood...
INTRODUCTION
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a disorder affecting the autonomic nerves that regulate the cardiovascular system, leading to irregular heart rate and blood pressure control. It is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus but can also result from other conditions such as autoimmune disorders, chronic kidney disease, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. Screening for CAN is essential, particularly in individuals with poor glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, or complications. Early identification of CAN is vital for timely intervention to prevent or manage cardiovascular complications effectively. Regular screening helps detect CAN before symptoms emerge, enabling early intervention to slow or halt its progression. This study examined the relationship between sudomotor function and cardiovascular reflex tests.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study conducted between June 2019 and June 2020. The study included 271 subjects aged 18 years and above who provided informed consent, were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and were overweight or obese. Exclusion criteria encompassed patients with other types of diabetes, pregnant women, those with recent neoplasm diagnoses, stroke sequelae, history of myocardial infarction, or pelvic limb amputations. The assessment of cardiac autonomic neuropathy involved conducting an electrocardiogram and evaluating the QTc interval in the morning before taking medication. Additionally, cardiovascular reflex tests (CART) were conducted, including assessments of heart rate variability during deep breathing, the Valsalva maneuver, and changes in orthostatic position. Simultaneously, the diagnosis of CAN was assessed by performing a sweat test using a Sudoscan assessment (Impeto Medical, Moulineaux, France). Results: More than half of the participants (52%, n=143) were female. Significant differences in statistical measures were noted between females and males regarding age, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, A1c level, total cholesterol, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin levels. Within the CAN-diagnosed group (CAN+), 40.92% were classified as mild cases (n=90), 47.27% as moderate cases (n=104), and 11.81% as severe cases (n=26). Among the CAN+ group, 54% (n=119) were women. Electrochemical skin conductance was lower in the CAN+ group than the CAN- group in hands (67.34±15.51 μS versus 72.38±12.12 μS, p=0.008) and feet (73.37±13.38 μS versus 82.84 ±10.29 μS, p<0.001). The Sudoscan-CAN score significantly correlated with Ewing scores (r= 0.522, p<0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, the Sudoscan-CAN score remained significantly associated with age, high BMI, long-standing diabetes, and Ewing score.
CONCLUSIONS
Sudoscan demonstrates potential in identifying patients with an increased risk of CAN. Its integration into clinical practice can improve patient outcomes through early detection, risk stratification, and personalized treatment approaches. Its non-invasive, portable, and user-friendly features render it suitable for utilization in outreach programs or resource-constrained settings as part of screening efforts designed to pinpoint high-risk individuals for additional assessment.
PubMed: 38686272
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57226