Research progress of visualization methods and localization techniques of the cardiac conduction system / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#The cardiac conduction system (CCS) is a set of specialized myocardial pathways that spontaneously generate and conduct impulses transmitting throughout the heart, and causing the coordinated contractions of all parts of the heart. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomical characteristics of the CCS in the heart is the basis of studying cardiac electrophysiology and treating conduction-related diseases. It is also the key of avoiding damage to the CCS during open heart surgery. How to identify and locate the CCS has always been a hot topic in researches. Here, we review the histological imaging methods of the CCS and the specific molecular markers, as well as the exploration for localization and visualization of the CCS. We especially put emphasis on the clinical application prospects and the future development directions of non-destructive imaging technology and real-time localization methods of the CCS that have emerged in recent years.

Reabilitação auditiva com sistemas Baha® transcutâneo e percutâneo / Hearing rehabilitation with Baha® transcutaneous and percutaneous systems

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar longitudinalmente a influência dos limiares tonais auditivos obtidos com as próteses auditivas ancoradas no osso transcutâneas e percutâneas na percepção da fala em indivíduos com malformação de orelha externa e/ou média e Otite Média Crônica. Método Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de seguimento longitudinal de 30 indivíduos usuários unilaterais de sistema Baha® transcutâneo e percutâneo, para coleta de dados secundários dos limiares tonais obtidos por meio da audiometria em campo livre e do limiar de reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e no ruído nas condições: sem a prótese; no momento de ativação; no primeiro mês de uso (pós 1); e no terceiro mês (pós 2). Resultados Houve diferença significante entre os limiares tonais obtidos nas frequências de 3 e 4kHz, com melhores resultados para o percutâneo em todos os momentos de avaliação. Para os dois sistemas, observou-se melhor desempenho no reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e ruído, com diferença significante na ativação (p<0,001), porém manteve-se estável nos demais momentos de avaliação. O sistema percutâneo mostrou melhor benefício no reconhecimento de sentenças no ruído apenas na ativação (p=0,036), quando comparado ao transcutâneo. Conclusão O sistema percutâneo possibilitou melhor audibilidade para as frequências altas; contudo, tal audibilidade não influenciou no reconhecimento de sentenças na situação de silêncio para ambos os sistemas. Para a situação de ruído, melhores respostas foram observadas no sistema percutâneo; porém, a diferença não se manteve no decorrer do tempo.

ABSTRACT Purpose Longitudinally verify the influence of auditory tonal thresholds obtained with transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids on speech perception in individuals with external and/or middle ear malformation and chronic otitis media. Methods Observational, retrospective, longitudinal follow-up study of 30 unilateral users of the transcutaneous and percutaneous Baha® system for the collection of secondary data on pure tone thresholds obtained through free field audiometry and sentence recognition threshold in silence and noise in conditions: without the prosthesis; at the time of activation; in the first month of use (post 1); and in the third month (post 2). Results There was a significant difference between pure tone thresholds obtained at frequencies of 3 and 4kHz with better results for the percutaneous technique at all evaluation moments. For both systems, better performance was observed in sentence recognition in silence and in noise, with a significant difference in activation (p<0.001), but it remained stable during the other evaluation moments. The percutaneous system showed better benefit in recognizing sentences in noise only on activation (p=0.036), when compared to the transcutaneous system. Conclusion The percutaneous system provided better audibility for high frequencies; however, such audibility did not influence sentence recognition in the silent situation for both systems. For the noise situation, better responses were observed in the percutaneous system, however, the difference was not maintained over time.

Feasibility of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - An Ambispective Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce postoperative complications. The feasibility of GDFT in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients under general anesthesia has not yet been demonstrated. We examined whether GDFT could be applied in patients undergoing TAVR in general anesthesia and its impact on outcomes. Methods: Forty consecutive TAVR patients in the prospective intervention group with GDFT were compared to 40 retrospective TAVR patients without GDFT. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, elective TAVR in general anesthesia, no participation in another interventional study. Exclusion criteria were lack of ability to consent study participation, pregnant or nursing patients, emergency procedures, preinterventional decubitus, tissue and/or extremity ischemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease grade IV, atrial fibrillation or other severe heart rhythm disorder, necessity of usage of intra-aortic balloon pump. Stroke volume and stroke volume variation were determined with uncalibrated pulse contour analysis and optimized according to a predefined algorithm using 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch. Results: Stroke volume could be increased by applying GDFT. The intervention group received more colloids and fewer crystalloids than control group. Total volume replacement did not differ. The incidence of overall complications as well as intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were comparable between both groups. GDFT was associated with a reduced incidence of delirium. Duration of anesthesia was shorter in the intervention group. Duration of the interventional procedure did not differ. Conclusion: GDFT in the intervention group was associated with a reduced incidence of postinterventional delirium.

F-waves persistence in peripheral sensory syndromes / Persistência das ondas-F nas síndromes sensitivas periféricas

Abstract Background The distinction between sensory neuronopathies (SN), which is by definition purely sensory, and sensory polyneuropathies (SP) and sensory multineuropathies (SM) is important for etiologic investigation and prognosis estimation. However, this task is often challenging in clinical practice. We hypothesize that F-wave assessment might be helpful, since it is able to detect subtle signs of motor involvement, which are found in SP and SM, but not in SN. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine whether F-waves are useful to distinguish SN from SP and SM. Methods We selected 21 patients with SP (12 diabetes mellitus, 4 transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy, 4 others), 22 with SM (22 leprosy), and 26 with SN (13 immune-mediated, 10 idiopathic, 3 others) according to clinical-electrophysiological-etiological criteria. For every subject, we collected data on height and performed 20 supramaximal distal stimuli in median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves, bilaterally, to record F-waves. Latencies (minimum and mean) and persistences were compared across groups using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results All groups were age, gender, and height-matched. Overall, there were no significant between-group differences regarding F-wave latencies. In contrast, F-wave persistence was able to stratify the groups. Peroneal F-wave persistence was higher, bilaterally, in the SN group compared to SM and SP (p < 0.05). In addition, F-waves persistence of the ulnar and tibial nerves was also helpful to separate SN from SP (p < 0.05). Conclusion F-wave persistence of the peroneal nerves might be an additional and useful diagnostic tool to differentiate peripheral sensory syndromes.

Resumo Antecedentes A distinção entre neuronopatias sensitivas (SN) e polineuropatias sensitivas (SP) e multineuropatias sensitivas (SM) é importante para a investigação etiológica e para o prognóstico. Contudo, esta tarefa é desafiadora na prática clínica. Hipotetizou-se que a avaliação das ondas-F pode ser útil, por ser capaz de detectar envolvimento motor nas SP e SM, mas não nas SN. Objetivo Determinar se as ondas-F podem ajudar a distinguir entre SN, SP e SM. Métodos Selecionou-se 21 pacientes com SP (12 diabetes mellitus, 4 ATTR-FAP e 4 com outras neuropatias), 22 com SM (22 hanseníases) e 26 com SN (13 imunomediadas, 10 idiopáticas e 3 com outras neuronopatias), de acordo com critérios clínicos, etiológicos e eletrofisiológicos. Para cada indivíduo, foi aferida a altura e foram aplicados 20 estímulos distais supramáximos nos nervos mediano, ulnar, fibular e tibial, bilateralmente, para registrar as ondas-F. Uma comparação foi feita, por grupo, das latências (mínimas e médias) e persistências pelos testes Kruskal-Wallis e Bonferroni. Valores de p < 0.05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Todos os grupos foram pareados por idade, sexo e altura. Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos quanto às latências das ondas-F. A persistência da onda-F foi capaz de estratificar os grupos, sendo as dos nervos fibulares bilateralmente maiores no grupo SN que nos grupos SM e SP (p < 0.05). Adicionalmente, a persistência das ondas-F dos nervos ulnares e tibiais também foi útil para distinguir SN de SP (p < 0.05). Conclusão A persistência das ondas-F dos nervos fibulares pode ser uma ferramenta adicional e útil para diferenciar síndromes sensitivas periféricas.

Método rápido para determinar el eje cardíaco con D1 y D3 / Fast method to determine the cardiac axis with D1 and D3

El eje cardíaco representa el promedio de la dirección del proceso de activación eléctrica de las células cardíacas, es uno de los parámetros que debe determinarse en la correcta lectura e interpretación del electrocardiograma y es útil no solo como criterio diagnóstico de cardiopatías, sino también como marcador de pronóstico y mortalidad de otras enfermedades. Con el paso de los años han surgido nuevas fórmulas que permiten calcular con mayor exactitud su valor. El método que utiliza D1 y aVF es uno de los más populares, sin embargo, presenta dos puntos no medibles. El primero es entre 0 y -30 grados, y el segundo entre los valores de 90 y 110 grados. Aunque existen propuestas con algoritmos que utilizan otras derivaciones, se exploró un método alternativo con D1 y D3 basados en la fórmula algebraica de la tangente inversa y método matemático para el cálculo exacto del eje cardíaco. Se destaca este como una propuesta de método rápido que mantiene la confiabilidad de la fórmula algebraica para determinar si el eje cardíaco se encuentra dentro de los rangos normales (-30 a 110 grados)

The cardiac axis represents the average of the direction of the electrical activation process of the cardiac cells. It is one of the parameters determined in the correct reading and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. Also, not only is it useful as a diagnostic criterion for heart disease but also as a marker of prognosis and mortality in other diseases. Over the years, new formulas have emerged that allow its value to be calculated more accurately. The method using D1 and aVF is one of the most popular. However, it has two unmeasurable points. The first is between 0 and -30 degrees, and the second is between the values of 90 and 110 degrees. Although there are proposals with algorithms that use other leads, an alternative method was explored with D1 and D3 based on the algebraic formula of the inverse tangent and mathematical method for the exact calculation of the cardiac axis. A quick method is proposed that maintains the reliability of the algebraic formula to determine if the cardiac axis is within the normal ranges (-30 to 110 degrees)

Nerve conduction study in young children suffering from cerebral palsy

Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor impairment syndrome leading to disorders of movement and posture. Screening of electrophysiological parameters Hoffman reflex (H-reflex and nerve conduction velocities) becomes a necessary for the early detection and management of the disease. The study aimed to assess the various electrophysiological parameters of nerve conduction velocity in CP and age-matched normal children. Matrials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was performed between children suffering from CP and healthy control. A total of 27 children of 12–24 months of age of either sex were examined. Among them, six children were normal (with age match), seven were diagnosed with spastic CP and remaining 14 children were diagnosed with hypotonic CP The electrophysiological parameters were recorded in the right lower limb (posterior tibial nerve-soleus muscle) of all children. Results: In electrophysiological parameters, H-reflex latency in secs values was significantly decreased in all CP children. The maximum amplitudes of reflexly excitable motor neurons (Hmax) (mV) and Hmax/maximum amplitude of motor response ratio in the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle were significantly increased in spastic CPas compared to control. H-reflex conduction velocity (HRCV) was significantly higher than motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) in hypotonic CP children. Conclusion: The electrophysiological parameters were altered in spastic CP children. The electrophysiological parameters in hypotonic CP were within range, indicating they did not suppress the neuronal motor pool. However, HRCV was significantly more than MNCV in hypotonic CP, suggesting some myelination process defect/white matter injury in motor neurons. We concluded that the electrophysiological parameters of the nerve conduction study are a reliable test for the assessment of tone of muscles in children. Thus, it may help in the early initiation of the treatment and therapies in CP children.

Sural nerve conduction: Amplitude and distal latency of sensory nerve action potential

Background: The sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) is an important factor in the electro diagnostic evaluation of a patient with suspected peripheral neuropathy. Sural nerve is the most frequently studied nerve in the electrophysiology. For proper diagnosis sural sensory conduction abnormalities, a reference data are required for each electrophysiology laboratory. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out normative reference data of amplitude and distal latency (DL) of sural SNAP for Northern Kerala population. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as cross-sectional and observational study and analysis of values was done using SPSS version 16. A total of 250 healthy subjects of age 15–50 from Northern Kerala participated in the study which included equal number of males and females. Results: Normative reference data for sensory amplitude and DL were derived in the present study. Sensory amplitude was more and DL was found to be less in female population, indicating faster nerve conduction in female. Conclusion: The reference data derived here can be utilized to detect any abnormality sural nerve sensory conduction. The gender effect on sural nerve sensory conduction parameters can be attributed to the height difference, as nerve conduction velocity is inversely proportional to height.

A study on the effect of duration of Type 2 diabetes mellitus on nerve conduction velocity and amplitude

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus and a common cause of foot ulcers and non-traumatic lower limb amputations. The duration of diabetes increases the likelihood of developing DPN, and many individuals have subclinical neuropathy without any symptoms. Electrophysiological assessment of nerve conduction is a simple, objective, and easily reproducible technique to detect DPN and to assess its progression with diabetes duration. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to determine the effect of Type 2 diabetes duration on nerve conduction velocity and amplitude. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients with Type 2 diabetes were chosen for the study. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 with diabetes duration <7 years, and Group 2 with diabetes duration more than 7 years. The nerve conduction study is done using RMS EMG Medicare systems in the right median nerve (motor component) in both groups of subjects. Results: There was a significant reduction (P = 0.05) in both nerve conduction velocity (48.53 ± 4.95 m/s) and amplitude (3.33 ± 1.15 mv) in diabetic patients with diabetes duration >7 years when compared with nerve conduction velocity (51.69 ± 4.64 m/s) and amplitude (4.05 ± 0.92 mv) in diabetic patients with diabetes duration <7 years. Conclusion: With increase in duration of diabetes, there is a reduction in a nerve conduction velocity and amplitude.

Relationship of the T-wave Tpeak-Tend interval with conduction system disorders in arterial hypertension / Relación del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T con trastornos del sistema de conducción en hipertensión arterial

Abstract Purpose: The Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave has emerged as a new electrocardiographic marker of increased transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization. We aimed to determine the presence of cardiac conduction system disorders in patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who have altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave. Methods: The 67 patients with SAH were divided into two groups. Those with prolonged (≥ 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 21 (31%) patients were in the study group. Those with normal (< 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 46 (69%) patients were in the control group. Alteration of ventricular repolarization manifested as a prolongation of the Tpeak-Tend interval was detected by computerized electrocardiographic analysis tools. Results: The median value of QRS complex duration was significantly wider in the study group as compared to the control group (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater incidence of left anterior hemiblock in the study group (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). The median value of the QTc interval was significantly greater in the study group (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). There was a significantly greater incidence of patients with prolonged QTc interval in the study group (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). The median value of the Tpeak-Tend interval was significantly greater in the study group (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), as well as, the Tpeak-Tend/QTc ratio in the study group (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significantly greater ventricular repolarization disorders and abnormalities of the cardiac conduction system in SAH patients who possess altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave.

Resumen Objetivo: El intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T es un marcador electrocardiográfico de la dispersión transmural aumentada de la repolarización ventricular. Investigamos la presencia de trastornos del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con hipertensión arterial sistémica (HA) que poseen alterado el intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T. Métodos: Los 67 pacientes con HA fueron divididos en dos grupos. Aquellos con intervalos de Tpico-Tfinal prolongados (≥ 77 ms), 21 (31%) pacientes (grupo de estudio). Aquellos con intervalos normales (< 77 ms) Tpico-Tfinal, 46 (69%) pacientes (grupo control). Los intervalos Tpico-Tfinal fueron medidos por herramientas de análisis electrocardiográfico computarizado. Resultados: El valor mediano de la duración del complejo QRS fue significativamente más amplio en el grupo de estudio (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de hemibloqueo anterior izquierdo en el grupo de estudio (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). El valor mediano del intervalo QTc fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de pacientes con intervalo QTc prolongado en el grupo de estudio (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). El valor mediano del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), así como el cociente Tpico-Tfinal/QTc (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). Conclusión: Existe una alteración de la repolarización ventricular significativamente mayor y anomalías del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con HA que poseen alteración del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T.

Serratus plane block with sedation for patients submitted to axillary dissection: a prospective case series / Bloqueio do plano do músculo serrátil guiado por ultrassonografia associado à sedação venosa como técnica anestésica em cirurgia de linfadenectomia axilar: uma série de casos prospectiva

ABSTRACT Axillary dissection is a standard surgical procedure for stage III skin and soft tissue tumors and is usually performed under general anesthesia. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of performing axillary dissection with Serratus muscle plane block plus intravenous sedation. Fifteen patients undergoing axillary dissection were prospectively recruited. The patients were evaluated during their pre-operative anesthetic appointment, during their procedure, and at post-operative days 1 and 30. The blockade was performed superficial to the Serratus muscle at the level of fourth rib. Sedation was performed using propofol, fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, and S-ketamine. None of the patients required conversion to general anesthesia. Surgeons showed a highly positive response when asked about the anesthetic technique, and most of them found the technique "indistinguishable" from general anesthesia. The median (interquartile range) pain scores at rest over all time frames was 0 (0-0). Furthermore, no patients developed nausea, hemodynamic instability, or any complications associated with the technique. The Serratus plane block associated with intravenous sedation proved feasible for axillary lymphadenectomy, however, further clinical trials should evaluate potential advantages compared to other techniques.

RESUMO A linfadenectomia axilar é um procedimento cirúrgico padrão para tratamento de tumores de pele e partes moles no estádio III e usualmente é realizada sob anestesia geral. A presente serie de casos prospectiva tem por objetivo investigar a viabilidade da realização da linfadenectomia axilar com o uso do bloqueio do plano do músculo serrátil anterior associado a sedação endovenosa. Foram incluídos 15 pacientes no estudo. Os participantes foram recrutados e avaliados durante consulta pré-anestésica ambulatorial, acompanhados durante o dia da cirurgia, no primeiro e no trigésimo dias de pós-operatório. O bloqueio foi realizado anterior ao músculo serrátil anterior ao nível da quarta costela na linha axilar média. A sedação foi realizada com o uso de propofol, fentanil, dexmedetomidina e dextrocetamina. Não houve necessidade de conversão para anestesia geral em nenhum paciente. Os cirurgiões apresentaram resposta altamente positiva quando questionados sobre a técnica anestésica, considerando na maior parte dos casos "indistinguível" da anestesia geral. A mediana (intervalo interquartil) da dor em repouso em todos os momentos avaliados foi 0 (0-0). Além disso, nenhum paciente desenvolveu náuseas, vômitos, instabilidade hemodinâmica ou qualquer complicação relacionada à técnica empregada. O bloqueio do plano do músculo Serrátil anterior associado a sedação venosa se mostrou viável para execução de linfadenectomia axilar, entretanto ensaios clínicos adicionais são necessários para avaliar potenciais vantagens em comparação com outras técnicas.

Evaluation of alprostadil combined with different doses of mouse nerve growth factor in diabetic peripheral neuropathy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the application of alprostadil combined with different doses of mouse nerve growth factor in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and its effect on motor and sensory nerve conduction and inflammatory factors.Methods:One hundred and fiftypatients with DPN treated in Beihai People′s Hospital from June 2018 to March 2020 were randomly divided into low-dose group and high-dose group, with 75 cases in each group. On the basis of routine treatment, the low-dose group was given alprostadil + mouse nerve growth factor 18 μg/time, once a day. The high-dose group was given alprostadil+mouse nerve growth factor 30 μg/time, once a day, both two groups were treated for 3 weeks. The curative effect, motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and inflammatory index tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) and cost-effectiveness analysis, adverse reactions between the two groups were compared.Results:There was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the low dose group and the high dose group ( P>0.05). After 1 and 3 weeks of treatment, the levels ofmotor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP and WBC in the two groups has no significant differences ( P>0.05). The cost of each unit effect in the low-dose group was 43.11 Yuan, and the cost of each unit effect in the high-dose group was 57.58 Yuan. The high-dose group was higher than that in the low-dose group, and the high-dose group paid 572.56 Yuan more than the low-dose group for each additional unit effect. There was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Alprostadil combined with 18 μg mouse nerve growth factor in the treatment of DPN has a similar improvement effect on clinical symptoms, motor and sensory nerve conduction and inflammatory factors, and has advantages in cost-effectiveness.

Correlating nerve conduction studies with cross-sectional area measured using ultrasound in patients with neuromuscular disease / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To determine whether there is a correlation between the cross-sectional area (CSA) and the parameters as measured on nerve conduction studies.Methods:Twenty-one patients with neuromuscular diseases in Beijing Tiantan Hospital from March 3, 2022 to May 4, 2023 underwent ultrasound measurement of the CSA of the median nerves and ulnar nerves at the wrist, elbow and the upper arm, followed by nerve conduction studies (NCS). A linear regression model was performed to compare NCS and CSA.Results:A total of 180 sets of motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and CSA at the different sites including 102 sets of median nerve and 78 sets of ulnar nerve, 220 sets of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude and CSA at the different sites including 104 sets of median nerve and 116 sets of ulnar nerve, 60 sets of sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) and CSA and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude and CSA at the wrist including 32 sets of median nerve and 28 sets of ulnar nerve were recorded. The linear correlation between MCV and CSA was statistically significant both in median nerve ( r2=0.10,adjusted r2=0.09, P=0.001) and in ulnar nerve ( r2=0.18,adjusted r2=0.17, P<0.001).When CSA>10 mm 2, the linear correlation between CMAP amplitude and CSA was statistically significant both in median nerve ( r2=0.09,adjusted r2=0.08, P=0.024) and ulnar nerve ( r2=0.19,adjusted r2=0.17, P=0.004). The correlation between CMAP and CSA was not statistically significant when CSA≤10 mm 2. And the correlations between SCV and CSA and between SNAP and CSA were not statistically significant. Conclusions:CSA can better show the characteristics of changes in motor nerve conduction especially in motor conduction velocity. It is suggested that its application prospect in demyelinating peripheral neuropathy with motor nerve damage may be more extensive.

The neurophysiological evaluation in 60 patients with Kennedy disease / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To study the neurophysiological features of Kennedy disease (KD) and to figure out the function of the nervous system.Methods:Subjects were recruited from the outpatient and the ward of Peking University Third Hospital from November 2010 to November 2022. Sixty patients with KD (29 patients with KD alone, 31 KD cases with the complication of diabetes mellitus) and 60 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) were included in this study. Electrophysiological tests were performed in all subjects, including electromyogram, nerve conduction study, somaosensory evoked potential (SEP), contact heat evoked potential (CHEP) and triple stimulation technique (TST). Student′s t-tests were conducted to compare differences intra or inter groups of nerve conduction velocity and action potential of nerve conduction study, latency and interphase of SEP, initial peak latency of CHEP and other parameters. Results:Compared with the normative value, the amplitude of the sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) declined by 30%-80% in KD patients [median nerve (0.7±0.4) μV, ulnar nerve (0.8±0.3) μV, sural nerve (1.8±0.1) μV], the amplitude of the median and ulnar nerves was lower than the sural nerves ( t=2.43, P=0.010; t=2.40, P=0.010). The conduction time of peripheral segments of SEP and CHEP was prolonged by 115%-130%, while that of the central segments was prolonged by 104%-115% in SEP. TST test/TST control declined by 40%-60% in 17 patients with KD. The amplitude of SNAP declined by 30%-50% in patients with DPN [median nerve (2.9±0.5) μV, ulnar nerve (2.6±0.6) μV, sural nerve (1.6±0.2) μV], the amplitude of the sural nerves was lower than the median and ulnar nerves ( t=2.52, P=0.006; t=2.47, P=0.007). The conduction time of peripheral segments of SEP and CHEP was prolonged by 75%-112%, while that of the central segments was normal in both SEP and CHEP in DPN patients. Compared with DPN patients, the upper limb SNAP amplitude was lower in KD patients with the complication of diabetes mellitus [median nerve (0.7±0.3) μV, t=3.18, P=0.001; ulnar nerve (0.8±0.4) μV, t=3.20, P=0.001]. Conclusions:Sensory nerve is involved in patients with KD, including the large fiber and the small one. The central segments was abnormal in the deep sensory pathway, and the pyramid tract may be involved besides the anterior horn cell.

Clinical analysis of chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning / 中国职业医学

Objective: To analyze clinical features and electroneuromyography (ENMG) results of chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning cases. Methods: A total of 344 patients diagnosed with chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning based on GBZ 4-2002 Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational Chronic Carbon Disulfide Poisoning were selected as study subjects from 2006 to 2019 using the retrospective study method. Their clinical data was collected and analyzed. Results: The main symptoms of the study subjects were dizziness, headache, insomnia, dreaming, memory impairment, numbness and weakness in the distal extremities. Positive signs mainly included symmetrical glove and stocking distribution like sensory disorders in the distal extremities, and the weakening or absent Achilles tendon reflex and knee reflex. The incidence of symptoms and signs increased with the length of service (all P<0.01). The incidence of fundus and venous changes in patients was 41.3%, which increased with the length of service (P<0.01). ENMG examination showed varying degrees of abnormalities in the peripheral motor and/or sensory nerves in all patients, with a higher incidence of motor nerve abnormalities than sensory nerve abnormalities (21.1% vs 3.7%, P<0.01). The incidence of motor nerve abnormality was higher on the right side than the left side (23.7% vs 18.5%, P<0.01). The incidences of motor nerve abnormalities from high to low in the order were median nerve, common peroneal nerve, ulnar nerve and posterior tibial nerve (34.9% vs 27.9% vs 16.6% vs 5.1%, P<0.01). The incidences of sensory nerve abnormalities from high to low in the order were median nerve, ulnar nerve and sural nerve (5.2% vs 5.1% vs 0.7%, P<0.01). The incidences of left ulnar nerve, right ulnar nerve and right median nerve were higher in male patients than in female patients (15.2% vs 5.3%, 24.0% vs 11.7%, 44.8% vs 28.7%, all P<0.05), while the incidences of the left and right common peroneal nerve in lower extremity motor nerve were lower in male patients than in female patients (18.4% vs 52.1%, 21.2% vs 46.8%, all P<0.01). Conclusion: Chronic mild occupational carbon disulfide poisoning was mainly manifested as multiple peripheral nerve injury. ENMG results showed that the distal motor nerve conduction abnormalities were more sensitive than the sensory nerve conduction abnormalities, with a higher degree of impairment in the upper limb than the lower limb, and more impairment in the right side than the left side.

Repercusiones cardíacas en pacientes con pectus excavatum: puesta al día. Segunda parte / Cardiac repercussions in patients with pectus excavatum: update. Part two / Repercussões cardíacas em pacientes com pectus excavatum: atualização. Parte dois

El pectus excavatum (PEX) es una deformación de la pared torácica que obedece a una alteración de los cartílagos costales con el consiguiente hundimiento del esternón. Históricamente, se clasificaba como un defecto únicamente estético o cosmético, sin embargo, en los últimos años se han desarrollado nuevos métodos de estudio para la valoración de las repercusiones de esta patología. Existe cada vez más bibliografía que demuestra importantes repercusiones funcionales. Se realizó una puesta al día de las repercusiones cardíacas de la patología y un análisis de los artículos más relevantes de los últimos años. La evidencia actual permite afirmar que existe una afectación cardíaca por compresión esternal en la mayoría de los pacientes con PEX. Las afectaciones incluyen alteraciones anatomofuncionales (trastornos del ritmo, disminución del llenado ventricular), del volumen sistólico, aumento de la presión de la aurícula derecha, valvulopatías, compresión del ventrículo derecho, derrame pericárdico, entre otras. Todo lo cual permite concluir que el PEX puede presentar importantes alteraciones cardíacas que deben ser tenidas en cuenta a la hora de valorar los pacientes con esta patología.

Pectus excavatum (PEX) is a deformation of the chest wall caused by an alteration of the costal cartilages with the consequent collapse of the sternum. Historically, it had been classified as a solely aesthetic or cosmetic defect, however, in recent years new study methods have been developed to assess the repercussions of this pathology, with increasing bibliography showing important functional consequences. We updated the cardiac pathological repercussions and analyzed the most relevant articles of recent years. The current evidence suggests that there is cardiac involvement due to sternal compression in most patients with PEX. These affectations include anatomical functional alterations: rhythm disorders, decreased ventricular filling, decreased stroke volume, increased right atrial pressure, valve disease, right ventricular compression, pericardial effusion, among others. All of which enables us to conclude that PEX can present important cardiac alterations that must be taken into account when assessing patients with this pathology.

Pectus excavatum (PEX) é uma deformação da parede torácica decorrente de uma alteração das cartilagens costais com consequente colapso do esterno. Historicamente, foi classificado como um defeito exclusivamente estético ou cosmético, porém, nos últimos anos, novos métodos de estudo foram desenvolvidos para avaliar as repercussões dessa patologia, com crescente bibliografia mostrando importantes repercussões funcionais. Foi realizada uma atualização das repercussões cardíacas da patologia e análise dos artigos mais relevantes dos últimos anos. As evidências atuais permitem afirmar que há acometimento cardíaco por compressão esternal na maioria dos pacientes com PEX. As afecções incluem alterações anatomofuncionais: distúrbios do ritmo, diminuição do enchimento ventricular, diminuição do volume sistólico, aumento da pressão atrial direita, doença valvular, compressão do ventrículo direito, derrame pericárdico, entre outras. Tudo isso permite concluir que o PEX pode apresentar alterações cardíacas importantes que devem ser levadas em consideração na avaliação de pacientes com essa patologia.

Neuropathy in multiple sclerosis patients treated with teriflunomide

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Teriflunomide is an oral medication approved for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. The primary effect of teriflunomide is to reduce de novo pyrimidine synthesis by inhibiting mitochondrial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, thereby causing cell-cycle arrest. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy, a rare side effect of teriflunomide, in patients receiving teriflunomide. METHODS: Multiple sclerosis patients receiving teriflunomide (n=42) or other disease modifying therapies (n=18) and healthy controls (n=25) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between January 2020 and 2021. The mean duration of teriflunomide treatment was 26 months (ranging from 6 to 54 months). All participants underwent neurological examination and nerve conduction studies of tibial, peroneal, sural, superficial peroneal, median, and ulnar nerves by using surface recording bar and bipolar stimulating electrodes. RESULTS: The mean superficial peroneal nerve distal latency and conduction velocity were significantly slower, and the mean superficial peroneal nerve action potential amplitude was lower in patients using teriflunomide (2.50 ms, p<0.001; 47.35 m/s, p=0.030; and 11.05 μV, p<0.001, respectively). The mean peroneal motor nerve distal latency was significantly longer and amplitude was lower in teriflunomide patients (3.68 ms, p<0.001, and 5.25 mV, p=0.009, respectively). During the study period, treatment switching to another disease-modifying therapy was planned in 10 patients, and all neuropathic complaints were reversed after switching. CONCLUSION: Teriflunomide has the potential to cause peripheral neuropathy. The awareness of peripheral neuropathy, questioning the symptoms, and if suspected, evaluation with electromyography and switching the therapy in patients under teriflunomide treatment are crucial.

Arritmias en personas transgénero / Arrhythmias in transgender individuals

Resumen La necesidad de mejorar el acceso a servicios de salud para la comunidad transgénero se ha vuelto evidente, especialmente en relación con el riesgo cardiovascular, que es más alto en comparación con la población general. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos y las terapias hormonales son comunes en esta población para reafirmar la identidad de género, pero plantean desafíos, ya que se asocian con alteraciones en el metabolismo de lípidos, la concentración de grasa corporal y la resistencia a la insulina. Además, existe un aumento en el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares adversos, como tromboembolia venosa, accidente cerebrovascular e infarto de miocardio. La influencia de las hormonas sexuales en las propiedades electrofisiológicas del corazón ha sido estudiada, destacando diferencias entre géneros que pueden predisponer a la población transgénero a arritmias cardiacas. La terapia hormonal exógena, tanto para mujeres como para hombres trans, puede afectar el intervalo QT y aumentar el riesgo de arritmias, incluida la fibrilación auricular. Aunque la incidencia de arritmias en la población transgénero aún no está completamente clara, la evidencia sugiere la necesidad de un monitoreo cardiovascular cuidadoso y la consideración de factores de riesgo antes de iniciar terapias hormonales.

Abstract The need to improve access to health services for the transgender community has become evident, especially concerning cardiovascular risk, which is higher compared to the general population. Surgical procedures and hormone therapies are common in this population to affirm gender identity, but they pose challenges as they are associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism, body fat concentration, and insulin resistance. Additionally, there is an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as venous thromboembolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The influence of sex hormones on the electrophysiological properties of the heart has been studied, highlighting gender differences that may predispose the transgender population to cardiac arrhythmias. Exogenous hormone therapy, for both transgender women and men, can affect the QT interval and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Although the incidence of arrhythmias in the transgender population is not entirely clear, evidence suggests the need for careful cardiovascular monitoring and consideration of risk factors before initiating hormone therapies.

Assessment Protocol for Candidates for Bone-Anchored Hearing Devices

Abstract Introduction The technology regarding bone-anchored hearing devices has been advancing. Nevertheless, complications are still often reported, which can impair treatment adherence and lead to discontinuation of use. There is a lack of studies conducted in tropical countries, where complications can be even greater, as well as standardized protocols for selection, indication and evaluation. Objective To characterize implanted patients from a Brazilian public institution and describe the medical and audiological assessment protocols to which they were submitted during the selection process and in the follow-up after surgery. Method An observational, cross-sectional study evaluating the medical records of patients with hearing loss and ear malformations and describing the care protocol through which they were treated. Results The medical records of 15 patients were reviewed: 6 received transcutaneous implants, and 9, percutaneous implants; 9 patients reported some type of skin lesion, 2 reported pain on the follow-up visit, and 3 had osseointegration failure. The time between surgery and activation ranged from 2 to 9 months. The median scores on the sentences, Sentences in Noise and Monosyllable tests were 100%, 60% and 80%, respectively. Conclusion It was possible to characterize the patients who received implants at the institution. The patients performed well in silence and had greater difficulty in noise. Even patients who had complications did not complain about the audibility and sound quality. It is essential to develop a model and to standardize the assessment and follow-up methods aimed at the benefit of users of bone-anchored hearing devices, as well as to enable the technico-scientific development in this field.

Comparison of second lumbrical interosseous median and ulnar motor conduction study in population of subjects with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and non-CTS hands-a cross-sectional study

Background: Second lumbrical interosseous (2L-I) median-ulnar motor conduction study across wrist is pivotal in electrodiagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in different grades of severity. 2L-I Median versus ulnar distal motor latency (DML) difference more than 0.5 milliseconds is used to diagnose median neuropathy at wrist. Other variables of study, namely, 2L DML, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, CMAP duration, and conduction velocity (CV) remain less explored with few studies pressing for its role to substantiate CTS diagnosis. Aims and Objectives: Current cross-sectional study aimed to explore role of 2L-I DML, amplitude, duration, and CV in diagnosis of median neuropathy at wrist. Materials and Methods: Total 70, 37 clinically suspected CTS hands and 33 age, height, and weight matched non-CTS hands underwent 2L-I Median Ulnar motor conduction study. Results: Statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in 2L median DML, CMAP amplitude, duration and CV between CTS and non-CTS hands along with 2L-I Median versus Ulnar DML difference. 2L DML and 2L-I DML difference variables showed better specificity and sensitivity: 83.78 and 93.91, respectively, in diagnosing CTS. Conclusion: We concluded that apart from 2L-I DML difference other variables such as DML, amplitude, duration, and CV may also play substantial role in evaluation of CTS and may be included as part of electrodiagnostic protocol.