Rehabilitation protocols in neuropathic pain: bibliometric review / Protocolos de reabilitação na dor neuropática: revisão bibliométrica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropathic pain (NP) affects the afferent somatosensory pathways, generating various symptoms, however, there is difficulty in terms of diagnosis and in the formation of treatment protocols. There is a need to search the current literature for effective resources for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy in rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to describe reproducible assessment and treatment approaches capable of reducing NP. CONTENTS: Full articles produced between 2018 and 2022, found in the Pubmed, Scielo, Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were included. Fifteen Boolean descriptors were used, and data were cross-referenced with the words "AND" or "OR". The selected articles went through the Methodi Ordinatio of classification and organization of studies. Eleven articles were selected and used in this review, two from 2018, five from 2020, and three from 2021. Regarding the type of study, five review articles, one case study, and six intervention studies were obtained. Of these 11 studies, only three used quality of life (QoL) indicators. Most studies used combined interventions, and in more than half of the publications transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was present. The somatosensory rehabilitation method was able to redeem neuropathy through specific techniques. CONCLUSION: The implications of the neuropathic pain treatment in terms of QoL were left in the background by the bibliometric survey carried out. It is suggested that new studies could associate analgesia techniques with rehabilitation methods, including and measuring the effects on the QoL of these patients.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor neuropática (DN) acomete as vias somatossensoriais aferentes, gerando diversos sintomas, entretanto há dificuldades em termos de diagnóstico e na formação de protocolos de tratamento. Há a necessidade de buscar, na literatura atual, recursos eficazes para o tratamento da neuropatia periférica na área da reabilitação. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever abordagens reprodutíveis de avaliação e tratamento capazes de diminuir a DN. CONTEÚDO: Foram incluídos artigos completos produzidos entre os anos de 2018 e 2022, encontrados nos bancos de dados Pubmed, Scielo, Medline, Embase e Cochrane. Foram usados 15 descritores booleanos, e os dados foram cruzados com as palavras "AND" ou "OR". Os artigos passaram pelo Methodi Ordinatio de classificação e organização de estudos. Foram selecionados e utilizados 11 artigos, sendo dois de 2018, cinco de 2020 e três de 2021. Acerca do tipo de estudo, foram obtidos cinco artigos de revisão, um estudo de caso e seis estudos de intervenção. Desses 11 estudos, apenas três utilizaram indicadores de qualidade de vida (QV). A maioria dos estudos utilizou intervenções combinadas, e em mais da metade das publicações a estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) estava presente. O método de reabilitação somatossensorial foi capaz de redimir a neuropatia por meio de técnicas específicas. CONCLUSÃO: As implicações do tratamento da dor neuropática no quesito QV ficaram em segundo plano pelo levantamento bibliométrico realizado. Sugere-se que novos estudos possam associar técnicas de analgesia a métodos de reabilitação, incluindo e mensurando os efeitos sobre a QV desses pacientes.

Hemoglobina Denver, una causa de desaturación en oximetría de pulso. Reporte de caso en un paciente pediátrico / Hemoglobin Denver, a cause of desaturated pulse oximetry. A pediatric case report

Las hemoglobinopatías son trastornos genéticos que afectan a la molécula de hemoglobina (Hb). Las mutaciones en las cadenas a o b que alteran el tetrámero de Hb pueden modificar la capacidad de la molécula para unirse al oxígeno. Las hemoglobinopatías con baja afinidad al oxígeno pueden presentarse con cianosis y una lectura alterada de la oximetría de pulso, lo que lleva a pruebas innecesarias y, a veces, invasivas para descartar afecciones cardiovasculares y respiratorias. En el siguiente reporte de caso, presentamos a una paciente pediátrica, asintomática, que se presentó a la consulta por detección de desaturación en oximetría de pulso. Las pruebas de laboratorio iniciales mostraron una anemia normocítica, normocrómica. Las muestras de gas venoso demostraron una p50 elevada. Después de extensas herramientas de diagnóstico, se diagnosticó una variante de Hb con baja afinidad al oxígeno, Hb Denver.

Hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders that affect the hemoglobin (Hb) molecule. Mutations in the alpha or beta chains altering the Hb tetramer may modify the molecule's oxygen-binding capacity. Hemoglobinopathies with low oxygen affinity may occur with cyanosis and an altered pulse oximetry reading, leading to unnecessary and sometimes invasive tests to rule out cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. In the case report described here, we present an asymptomatic pediatric patient who consulted for desaturated pulse oximetry. Her initial laboratory tests showed normocytic, normochromic anemia. Venous blood gas samples showed an elevated p50. After using extensive diagnostic tools, a variant of Hb with low oxygen affinity was diagnosed: Hb Denver.

Interferential Current Electrotherapy is More Effective Thanthan TENS VIF in Cancer Pain Management / Corrente Interferencial é Mais Efetiva para Alívio da Dor Oncológica que a TENS VIF

Cancer diagnosis is increasing rapidly worldwide and pain is a common feature reported by cancer patients. Therapeutical approach on cancer pain is complex where less invasive methods with little side effects have been sought. The aim of this study was to compare transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IC) therapies effects on cancer pain. Double blind study with 81 cancer pain patients. Subjects were set up into two groups: one treated with TENS VIF (n=42) and other with IC (n=39). Age, gender, duration of pain, tumor site and histology, medications, treatments, Karnofsky score and clinical state were evaluated. Pain was measured by EMADOR and McGill scores. Electroanalgesia was performed for 30 minutes, the equipments used were Neurodyn III Ibramed® and Neurovector generation 2000 Ibramed®. Electrodes were placed where there was higher intensity of pain according to what was shown by the patient through EMADOR, and each one got only one electrotherapy session. Pain intensity was significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.001) soon after and until 6th hour post electrotherapy. IC group had better results at 4th, 5th (p<0.001) and 6th hour (p=0.022). McGill score in TENS VIF group was significant until 4th hour and in the IC group was highly significant in all evaluated times (p<0.001). Analgesic effect of TENS VIF and IC electrotherapy was clinically effective, however, IC did cause better results regarding analgesia duration.(AU)

O diagnóstico de câncer está aumentando rapidamente em todo o mundo e a dor é uma característica comum relatada por pacientes com câncer. A abordagem terapêutica da dor oncológica é complexa onde métodos menos invasivos e com poucos efeitos colaterais têm sido buscados. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos das terapias de estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) e corrente interferencial (IC) na dor oncológica. Estudo duplo-cego com 81 pacientes com dor oncológica. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: um tratado com TENS VIF (n=42) e outro com IC (n=39). Idade, sexo, duração da dor, local do tumor e histologia, medicamentos, tratamentos, pontuação de Karnofsky e estado clínico foram avaliados. A dor foi mensurada pelos escores EMADOR e McGill. A eletroanalgesia foi realizada por 30 minutos, os equipamentos utilizados foram Neurodyn III Ibramed® e Neurovector geração 2000 Ibramed®. Os eletrodos foram colocados onde havia maior intensidade de dor de acordo com o apresentado pelo paciente através da EMADOR. A intensidade da dor foi significativamente reduzida em ambos os grupos (p<0,001) logo após e até a 6ª hora pós-eletroterapia. O grupo CI teve melhores resultados na 4ª, 5ª (p<0,001) e 6ª hora (p=0,022). O escore de McGill no grupo TENS VIF foi significativo até a 4ª hora e no grupo IC foi altamente significativo em todos os tempos avaliados (p<0,001). O efeito analgésico da TENS VIF e da eletroterapia com IC foi clinicamente eficaz, porém a IC trouxe melhores resultados quanto à duração da analgesia.(AU)

Transcutaneous injection of triamcinolone acetonide for persistent glottic granulation after laser microsurgery

Abstract Objective The aim of study was to demonstrate that transcutaneous intralesional injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) under fibrolaryngoscopy could be an option for persistent granulation after Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) in glottic cancer patients. Methods We recruited 32 patients, who had conservative treatment but failed. 20 patients accepted TA injection monthly until the granulation disappeared or did not shrink further. 12 patients chose to closely monitor. Results For the 20 patients, 17 (85.0%) patients' granulations completely disappeared. 3 (15.0%) patients' granulations had reduced 80%. For the 12 patients, 3 (25.0%) patients' granulations disappeared but 9 (75%) patients' granulations did not have an obvious change. Recurrence was not observed. Conclusion Our experience showed that transcutaneous intralesional TA injection for persistent granulation after TLM through cricothyroid membrane is an efficient, security, harmless and low recurrence method. Especially suitable for huge granulation which blocks the glottis and recur after a second operation.

Immediate analgesic effect of interferential and Aussie currents in chronic low back pain: randomized clinical trial / Efeito analgésico imediato das correntes interferencial e Aussie na dor lombar crônica: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the widespread use of mid-frequency currents in reducing pain in chronic low back pain (CLBP), there is still no consensus on the optimal parameters for treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate analgesic effects of interferential (IC) and Aussie (AC) currents in CLBP. METHODS: This is a five-arm double-blind randomized controlled trial. Patients aged between 18 and 60 years with CLBP were randomly divided into 5 groups: CI4kHz/100Hz, CI4kHz/2Hz, CA4kHz/100Hz, CA4kHz/2Hz and placebo (PG). Participants received a single application of Interferential current or Aussie current for 30 min. Main outcome measures were pain intensity by numeric pain scale (NPS), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) and pressure pain threshold. The secondary outcomes assessed were: abdominal strength test (AST), lumbar flexion test (modified Schober test), trunk and lower limb mobility (sit and reach test and finger tip test). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in NPS and MPQ groups (with the exception of the affective component) (p<0.05) in IC 4 kHz/100 Hz and IC 4 kHz/2 Hz groups in relation to PG. Regarding secondary outcomes, a difference was found only between IC 4kHz/2Hz and PG in AET. CONCLUSION: Interferential current, regardless of frequency modulation, provided immediate analgesic effect in individuals with CLBP, being superior to the effects of Aussie current.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Apesar da grande utilização das correntes de média frequência na diminuição do quadro álgico na dor lombar crônica (DLC), ainda não existe consenso sobre os parâmetros ideais para tratamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos analgésicos imediatos das correntes interferencial (CI) e Aussie (CA) na DLC. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado duplo-cego de cinco braços. Foram selecionados pacientes com idades entre 18 e 60 anos, com DLC, que foram divididos aleatoriamente em 5 grupos: CI4kHz/100Hz, CI4kHz/2Hz, CA4kHz/100Hz, CA4kHz/2Hz e placebo (GP). Os participantes receberam uma única aplicação da corrente Interferencial ou corrente Aussie durante 30 min. As principais medidas de desfechos foram: intensidade da dor pela escala numérica da dor (END), questionário de dor McGill (QDM) e limiar de dor por pressão. Os desfechos secundários avaliados foram: teste de resistência abdominal (TRA), teste de flexão da lombar (teste de Schober modificado), mobilidade de tronco e membros inferiores (teste de sentar e alcançar e teste de distância do terceiro dedo ao solo). RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa nos grupos END e QDM (com exceção do componente afetivo) (p<0,05) nos grupos CI 4 kHz/100 Hz e CI 4 kHz/2 Hz em relação ao GP. Com relação aos desfechos secundários foi encontrada diferença somente entre CI 4kHz/2Hz e GP no TRA. CONCLUSÃO: A corrente interferencial, independente da modulação da frequência, proporcionou efeito analgésico imediato em indivíduos com DLC, sendo superior aos efeitos da corrente Aussie.

Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Vocal rehabilitation in singers with vocal complaints: a digital kymography analysis / Reabilitação vocal em cantoras com queixa vocal: análise da videoquimografia digital

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the effects of the Comprehensive Vocal Rehabilitation Program associated with the application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation through digital kymography in singers with vocal complaints. Methods: an experimental intrasubject comparative study in 24 singers, who underwent the rehabilitation program associated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. They were assessed with laryngeal high-speed videoendoscopy before and after vocal rehabilitation. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the two assessments. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: significant differences were found in the maximum opening, dominant amplitude of the opening variation and dominant frequency of the opening variation of the right vocal fold in the posterior glottic region, and in maximum opening, mean opening, dominant amplitude of the opening variation of the left vocal fold and dominant frequency of the opening variation of both vocal folds in the anterior glottic region. Conclusion: the results showed that the Comprehensive Vocal Rehabilitation Program associated with transcutaneous electrical stimulation decreased the opening amplitude of the vocal fold, increased the vibration frequency, and improved glottal closure in the anterior and posterior glottic regions.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos do Programa Integral de Reabilitação Vocal associado à aplicação da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea por meio da videoquimografia digital em cantoras com queixa vocal. Métodos: estudo experimental comparativo intrassujeitos com 24 cantoras, que realizaram o programa de reabilitação associado à estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea. A avaliação, por meio da videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade, foi realizada antes e após a reabilitação vocal. Os testes T pareado e de Wilcoxon foram utilizados para comparação das duas avaliações. Considerou-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: diferenças significantes foram identificadas quanto aos parâmetros de abertura máxima, amplitude dominante de variação de abertura e frequência dominante de abertura da prega vocal direita na região posterior da glote, além dos parâmetros de abertura máxima, abertura média, amplitude dominante de variação de abertura da prega vocal esquerda e frequência dominante de abertura de ambas as pregas vocais na região anterior da glote. Conclusão: os resultados mostraram que o Programa Integral de Reabilitação Vocal associado à estimulação elétrica transcutânea promoveu uma diminuição da amplitude de abertura da prega vocal e aumento da frequência de vibração, além de um melhor fechamento glótico nas regiões anterior e posterior da glote.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on the postoperative sleep quality and inflammatory factors in frail elderly patients / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of transcutaneous acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on sleep quality and inflammatory factor in frail elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 frail elderly patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. Patients in the observation group received TEAS, 30 min before surgery until the end of surgery, at 18:00 on the day of surgery and on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after surgery (30 min each time). TEAS was delivered at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Hegu (LI 4). The disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/100 Hz was selected, and the maximal stimulation intensity depended on patient's tolerance. The operation procedure in the control group was same as the observation group, but without electric stimulation exerted. The 1st day before surgery and on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after surgery, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Athens insomnia scale (AIS), as well as the serum levels of C reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were observed in the patients of two groups. At 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery, the score of pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded in the two groups, as well as the pressing times of analgesic pump and the usage of flurbiprofen axetil during analgesic stage. The occurrence of post operative adverse reactions was observed in the patients of two groups.@*RESULTS@#On the 1st and 3rd day after surgery, except the usage of hypnotic drug scores, the scores of each item and the total scores of PSQI, as well as AIS scores were all increased in the two groups compared with those of 1 day before surgery (P<0.05); and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). On the 7th day after surgery, the scores of each item and the total scores of PSQI, and AIS scores were not different statistically in comparison between the two groups (P>0.05). On the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after surgery, serum levels of CRP and IL-6 were all increased in the patients of two groups when compared with those of 1 day before surgery (P<0.05), serum levels CRP and IL-6 in the patients of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The VAS scores of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery, the pressing times of analgesic pump, the frequency and dosage of the remedies were not different statistically between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#TEAS can effectively improve sleep quality and reduce inflammatory reaction in frail elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation based on electro-oculogram signal regulation for children with mental retardation: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at Changqiang (GV 1) based on the modulation of electro-oculogram (EOG) signal for children with mental retardation, and explore the evaluation effect of the goal attainment scale (GAS) in children with mental retardation.@*METHODS@#Sixty children with mental retardation were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 30 cases in each one. The children in the control group were treated with conventional rehabilitation, 5 times a week. On the basis of the control group, TEAS at Changqiang (GV 1) under the modulation of EOG signal was adopted in the treatment group. When the similarity between the collected EOG signal and the template was within the range of EOG threshold, one electric stimulation was triggered at Changqiang (GV 1) for 20 s (continuous wave, 70-100 Hz in frequency, 0.1-0.2 ms in pulse width), lasting 30 min in each treatment, the intervention was given twice a week. One course of treatment was composed of 4 weeks, and 3 courses were required in total in the two groups. The infant-junior high school student's social living ability scale (S-M) and GAS were scored and compared before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of self-living ability in the treatment group and communication ability in the control group were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). The scores of collective activity and motor ability in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, GAS scores were higher than before treatment in both groups (P<0.001), and the score in the treatment group was higher than the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#TEAS under the modulation of EOG signal is conductive to improving the collective, motor and self-living abilities of the children with mental retardation and promoting children's individual goals. Compared with the standard score of S-M, the T value of GAS can better reflect the subtle progress of individual.

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on functional connectivity in the related brain regions of patients with depression based on the resting-state fMRI / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the brain effect mechanism and the correlation between brain functional imaging and cognitive function in treatment of depressive disorder (DD) with transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) based on the resting-state functional magenetic reasonance imaging (rs-fMRI).@*METHODS@#Thirty-two DD patients were included in a depression group and 32 subjects of healthy condition were enrolled in a normal group. In the depression group, the taVNS was applied to bilateral Xin (CO15) and Shen (CO10), at disperse-dense wave, 4 Hz/20 Hz in frequency and current intensity ≤20 mA depending on patient's tolerance, 30 min each time, twice daily. The duration of treatment consisted of 8 weeks. The patients of two groups were undertaken rs-fMRI scanning. The scores of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) were observed in the normal group at baseline and the depression group before and after treatment separately. The differential brain regions were observed before and after treatment in the two groups and the value of degree centrality (DC) of fMRI was obtained. Their correlation was analyzed in terms of HAMD, HAMA and WCST scores.@*RESULTS@#The scores of HAMD and HAMA in the depression group were all higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of HAMD and HAMA were lower than those before treatment in the depression group; the scores of total responses, response errors and perseverative errors of WCST were all lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). The brain regions with significant differences included the left inferior temporal gyrus, the left cerebellar peduncles region 1, the left insula, the right putamen, the bilateral supplementary motor area and the right middle frontal gyrus. After treatment, the value of DC in left supplementary motor area was negatively correlated to HAMD and HAMA scores respectively (r=-0.324, P=0.012; r=-0.310, P=0.015); the value of DC in left cerebellar peduncles region 1 was negatively correlated to the total responses of WCST (r=-0.322, P=0.013), and the left insula was positively correlated to the total responses of WCST (r=0.271, P=0.036).@*CONCLUSION@#The taVNS can modulate the intensity of the functional activities of some brain regions so as to relieve depressive symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with bilateral arm training on upper limb motor function of stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with bilateral arm training (BAT) on upper limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke patients. MethodsFrom January, 2021 to January, 2022，105 stroke patients from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into taVNS group (n = 35), BAT group (n = 35) and combined group (n = 35). All the patients received routine rehabilitation, while taVNS group received taVNS, BAT group received BAT, and the combined group received both taVNS and BAT, for eight weeks. The root mean square (RMS) of surface electromyography in deltoid, triceps brachii and extensor carpi was measured, and the scores of Box and Block Test (BBT), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) were obtained before and after treatment. ResultsThe RMS of all these muscles, and the scores of BBT and FMA-UE improved in all the three groups after treatment (|t| > 6.124, P < 0.001), and they were improved the most in the combined group (F > 18.162, P < 0.001). ConclusionBoth taVNS and BAT can enhance the muscle strength on the affected upper limb, increase the hand flexibility, and improve upper limb motor function of stroke patients, while the combination of both methods is more effective.

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with robot-assisted therapy on upper limb function of stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with robot-assisted therapy on upper limb function of subacute stroke patients. MethodsFrom March, 2022 to March, 2023, 60 subacute stroke patients from Dushu Lake Hospital and the First People's Hospital of Kunshan were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), robot group (n = 20) and combined group (n = 20). All the groups received conventional treatments including medication, physical therapy and occupational therapy; the robot group received sham taVNS combined with hand robot-assisted therapy; while the combined group received taVNS combined with hand robot-assisted therapy, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and hand part, the root mean square (RMS) electromyography of the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum muscles during contraction, and the latency and amplitude of transcranial magnetic stimulation motor-evoked potential (TMS-MEP) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and hand part, RMS of the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum muscles, and latency and amplitude of TMS-MEP improved in all the groups (t > 2.099, P < 0.05); and they were the best in all indicators in the combined group (F > 9.106, P < 0.001). ConclusiontaVNS combined with robot-assisted therapy can promote central nervous system remodeling and further improve upper limb function in stroke patients.

Value of short-time transcutaneous carbon dioxide and oxygen pressure monitoring in critically ill preterm infants / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of short-time transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (TcPCO 2) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO 2) monitoring in critically ill preterm infants. Methods:From January to December 2018, 62 critically ill neonates receiving respiratory support at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 348 sets of paired data including TcPCO 2/TcPO 2 and arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO 2)/arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO 2) were analyzed. The patients were divided into different groups based upon birth weight (23 cases>1 000 g-≤1 500 g, 129 sets of paired data; 18 cases≤1 000 g, 130 sets of paired data) and gestational age (16 cases born at ≤28 gestational weeks, 127 sets of paired data; 29 cases born at 28-34 gestational weeks, 159 sets of paired data) and the differences between groups were compared. The correlation and consistency of TcPCO 2/TcPO 2 and PaCO 2/PaO 2 were evaluated using Pearson's correlation and Blan-Altman scatter plots. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of TcPCO 2 in neonates with hypercapnia. Results:There was a positive correlation between TcPCO 2 and PaCO 2 in all patients ( r=0.913, 95% CI:0.894-0.929, P<0.05). In patients whose birth weight was>1 000 g-≤1 500 g or≤1 000 g, TcPCO 2 and PaCO 2 were positively correlated and the consistency were good ( r=0.909, 95% CI:0.874-0.935; r=0.934, 95% CI:0.908-0.953; both P<0.05), and the same finding was also observed in patients born at≤28 gestational weeks or 28-34 weeks of gestation ( r=0.938, 95% CI:0.913-0.956; r=0.871, 95% CI: 0.827-0.904; both P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and area under curve of TcPCO 2 in the diagnosis of hypercapnia were 90.91%, 85.85%, and 0.942, respectively. There was a poor correlation between TcPO 2 and PaO 2 in all patients and those with birth weight >1 000 g-≤1 500 g or gestational age 28-34 weeks (all r<0.75, all P<0.05). There was no correlation between TcPO 2 and PaO 2 in the birth weight ≤1 000 g and gestational age ≤28 weeks groups (both P>0.05). Conclusions:Short-time TcPCO 2 monitoring can accurately assess PaCO 2 in critically ill neonates requiring respiratory support and is of high diagnostic value for hypercapnia. However, TcPO 2 has limitation in evaluating PaO 2 and other indicators may need to be involved.

Application status of electrical stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in postherpetic neuralgia / 中华皮肤科杂志

For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, drugs have always played a major but unsatisfactory role. As auxiliary or alternative therapies for postherpetic neuralgia, non-pharmacological interventions, such as electrical stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, not only have shown favorable efficacy, but also can decrease adverse reactions to drugs with high safety and patient acceptance, and are benificial for management of patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative pulmonary function in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical resection of colon cancer / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative pulmonary function in the patients undergoing robot-assisted radical resection of colon cancer.Method:Ninety-four patients of either sex, aged 50-80 yr, with body mass index of 18-25 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ, with ARISCAT grade of medium risk, undergoing elective robot-assisted radical resection of colon cancer, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into TEAS group (group T, n=47) and sham-TEAS group (group S, n=47) using a random number table method. In group T, patients received 30 min of TEAS at Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (ST36) and Feishu (BL13) between 5: 00 and 7: 00 a. m. from 1st day before operation to 3rd day after operation, with disperse-dense wave 2/100 Hz, and the stimulation intensity was the maximum intensity that the patient could tolerate. Patients in group S were also connected to the device without electrical stimulation. Both groups adopted lung-protective ventilation strategy during operation. The oxygenation index was calculated at the time of entering the operating room (T 0), 5 min after anesthesia induction (T 1), 5 min of pneumoperitoneum (T 2), 5 min after changing to Trendelenburg position (T 3) and immediately after the end of pneumoperitoneum (T 4). Peak airway pressure, plateau airway pressure, driving pressure and dynamic lung compliance were recorded at T 0-T 4. The serum concentration of lung Clara cell 16 kDa protein was recorded using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at T 0, T 4 and 2 h after extubation (T 5). On 1 day before operation and 1, 3 and 7 days after operation, the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured, and the FEV 1/FVC was calculated, and the concentrations of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were simultaneously determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The occurrence of pulmonary complications within 7 days after operation was recorded. Results:There was no significant difference in pH values, PaCO 2, oxygenation index, peak airway pressure, plateau airway pressure, driving pressure, and dynamic lung compliance at each time point between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with S group, the serum Clara cell 16 kDa protein concentrations were significantly decreased at T 5, FEV 1 and FVC were increased at 3 and 7 days after operation, the serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and cardiopulmonary resuscitation concentrations were decreased at 1, 3 and 7 days after operation, the incidence of unexpected oxygen supply and total incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications were decreased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in FEV 1/FVC at each time point in T group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:TEAS can improve lung function in the patients undergoing robot-assisted radical resection of colon cancer.

Relationship between arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide and prognosis of neurological function after cardiopulmonary resuscitation / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the relationship between arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide and neurological outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Methods:The clinical data of 116 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department of the Second People's Hospital of Hefei from January 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the average arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide within 24 hours after admission, patients were divided into normal (35 mmHg ≤ PaCO 2 ≤ 55 mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa, n = 44), hypercapnia (PaCO 2 > 55 mmHg, n = 51), and hypocapnia (PaCO 2 < 35 mmHg, n = 21) groups. ICU stay, in-hospital mortality, and neurological outcome at discharge were compared among groups. A logistic regression analysis model was established. The relationship between PaCO 2 and neurological outcome was determined. Results:There were no significant differences in age, sex, cardiac arrest time, acute physiological and chronic health evaluation II score at admission, 1-hour mean arterial pressure, location of cardiac arrest, and initial heart rhythm among the three groups (all P > 0.05). ICU stay in the normal group [(7.23 ± 2.55) days] was significantly higher than that in the hypercapnia [(12.21 ± 4.12) days] and hypocapnia [(11.78 ± 4.72) days] groups ( t = 6.48, 4.59, both P < 0.01). In-hospital mortality in the normal group was 38.6% (17/44), which was significantly lower than 60.8% (31/51) in the hypercapnia group and 66.7% (14/21) in the hypocapnia group ( χ2 = 4.63, 4.47, both P < 0.05). The good neurological outcome rate in the normal group was 55.6% (15/44), which was significantly higher than 25.0% (5/51) in the hypercapnia group and 28.6% (2/21) in the hypocapnia group ( χ2 = 8.38, 5.14, both P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cardiac arrest time, 1-hour mean arterial pressure, acute physiological and chronic health evaluation II score, and PaCO 2 are important factors for neurological outcomes of resuscitated patients at discharge (all P < 0.01). Conclusion:Within 24 hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintaining a normal PaCO 2 level can help improve the neurological outcome of patients at discharge.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Combined with Warm Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Related Upper Limb Lymphedema: A Retrospective Cohort Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with warm acupuncture in treating breast cancer associated with upper limb lymphedema (BCRL).@*METHODS@#This was a retrospective cohort study using a paired control design. Fifty-two BCRL patients were assigned to the control group (27 cases) and the treatment group (25 cases). The patients in the control group were treated with lymphedema comprehensive detumescence treatment (CDT) for 4 weeks, including systematic therapy composed of manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandage, skincare, and functional exercise. The patients in the treatment group were treated with TEAS combined with warm acupuncture based on the control group methods. Each treatment lasted for 30 min and was applied twice a week for 4 weeks. The arm circumference (AC) of different positions of the affected limb and the degree of swelling of the affected limb were evaluated before the first treatment and after the last treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the degree of edema before and after treatment. All adverse events during treatment were recorded.@*RESULTS@#The patients' AC and the swelling feeling of the affected limb in the treatment group and the control group were both reduced compared with those before treatment. Compared with the control group, AC of the wrist joint transverse stria, the midpoint between the wrist joint transverse stria and the elbow joint transverse stria in the treatment group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The decrease in AC diameter at the midpoint between the elbow joint transverse stria and the axillary transverse stria was the most significant (P<0.01). The swelling degree of the affected limbs in the treatment group was significantly lower than before treatment, and was significantly lower compared with the control group after treatment (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 72% in the treatment group, significantly higher than that in the control group (55.56%, P<0.05). No serious adverse events occured in either group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#TEAS combined with warm acupuncture can effectively reduce AC and swelling feeling of the affected limb in patients with BCRL. The effect is better than that of CDT therapy alone. (Registration No. ChiCTR2200062075).

Effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation at Neiguan (PC 6) on general anesthesia under preserving spontaneous breathing in thoracoscopic lobectomy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TEAS) at Neiguan (PC 6) on general anesthesia under preserving spontaneous breathing in thoracoscopic lobectomy.@*METHODS@#A total of 66 patients of primary lung cancer undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy were divided to an observation group (33 cases, 1 case discontinued) and a control group (33 cases). In the observation group, TEAS at Neiguan (PC 6) was used 30 min before anesthesia induction till the end of surgery. The surgery time, maximum value of partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) and minimum value of oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the two groups were recorded. The dosage of propofol, sufentanil, remifentanil and dexmedetomidine were analyzed. Separately, before induction (T0), at the start of surgery (T1), thoracic exploration (T2) and lobectomy (T3), as well as 30 min (T4) and 60 min (T5) after lobectomy, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), serum cortisol (Cor) and norepinephrine (NE) were measured. The time of post anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, ambulation, flatus, chest drainage and the incidence of nausea and vomiting were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The maximum value of PETCO2, the dosage of propofol and remifentanil in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), the minimum value of SpO2 in the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). At T1-T5, the MAP, HR, serum Cor and NE levels in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The ambulation time, the time for the flatus, chest drainage time, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group (P<0.001, P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#For the general anesthesia under preserving spontaneous breathing in thoracoscopic surgery, TEAS at Neiguan (PC 6) relieves stress response, reduces opioids dosage and promotes postoperative recovery.