Surgical Treatment for Spasticity: Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy ­ Technique and Literature Review

Spasticity is amotor disorder that leads to a resistance to passive jointmovement. Cerebral palsy is the most important cause of spasticity and can be caused by several factors, including multiple gestations, alcoholism, infections, hemorrhages, drowning, and traumatic brain injuries, among others. There aremany scales that help tomeasure andmonitor the degree of impairment of these patients. The initial treatment should focus on the causal factor, such as tumors, inflammation, degenerative diseases, hydrocephalus, etc. Subsequently, the treatment of spastic musculature includes oral or intrathecal myorelaxants, spinal cord electrostimulation, neurotomies, Lissauer tract lesion, dentatotomy and selective dorsal rhizotomy. The latter is a safetechnique, possibleto beperformed inmost centers with neurosurgical support, and it is effective in the treatment of severe spasticity. In this article, the authors describe the surgical technique and conduct a review the literature.

Efficacy and safety of tolperisone versus baclofen among Chinese patients with spasticity associated with spinal cord injury: a non-randomized retrospective study

There are many medications available to treat spasticity, but the tolerability of medications is the main issue for choosing the best treatment. The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of tolperisone compared to baclofen among patients with spasticity associated with spinal cord injury. Patients received baclofen plus physical therapy (BAF+PT, n=135) or tolperisone plus physical therapy (TOL+PT, n=116), or physical therapy alone (PT, n=180). The modified Ashworth scale score, the modified Medical Research Council score, the Barthel Index score, and the Disability Assessment scale score were improved (P<0.05 for all) in all the patients at the end of 6 weeks compared to before interventions. After 6 weeks, the overall coefficient of efficacy of the intervention(s) in the BAF+PT, TOL+PT, and PT groups were 1.15, 0.45, and 0.05, respectively. The patients of the BAF+PT group reported asthenia, drowsiness, and sleepiness and those of the TOL+PT group reported dyspepsia and epigastric pain as adverse effects. When comparing drug interventions to physical therapy alone, both baclofen plus physical therapy and tolperisone plus physical therapy played a significant role in the improvement of daily activities of patients. Nonetheless, baclofen plus physical therapy was tentatively effective. Tolperisone plus physical therapy was slightly effective. In addition, baclofen caused adverse effects related to the sedative manifestation (Level of Evidence: III; Technical Efficacy Stage: 4).

O modelo de dor inflamatória induzida pela carragenina como estratégia para avaliar a ação de drogas sobre a dor miofascial / The carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain model as a tool to assess the action of drugs on myofascial pain

A dor miofascial orofacial vem sendo tratada com analgésicos, anti-inflamatórios, relaxantes musculares, fisioterapia, laserterapia e placas oclusais. Contudo, muitas vezes, tais condutas falham em amenizar o quadro doloroso, havendo a necessidade de testar outras estratégias de tratamento. Metodologia: Uma opção para avaliação experimental dessas terapias seria o teste de dor induzido pela carragenina, associado ao teste de avaliação do limiar nociceptivo, originalmente desenvolvido para avaliar a ação de drogas nas patas de roedores. Sendo assim, o presente estudo analisou a nocicepção causada pela carragenina em masseteres de ratos, através do teste de Von Frey, correlacionando-a com alterações teciduais produzidas por esta droga. A carragenina foi injetada no músculo masseter de ratos, enquanto o grupo controle recebeu soro fisiológico. O limiar nociceptivo foi mensurado com um analgesímetro digital antes da administração da carragenina e 5 horas, 1, 3 e 7 dias após o seu uso. Decorridos 8 dias da intervenção, os animais foram eutanasiados, sendo seus masseteres encaminhados para processamento histológico e coloração H&E. Resultados: Observou-se uma diminuição do limiar da resposta nociceptiva em todos os períodos no grupo com carragenina, quando comparado com o grupo controle, havendo diferença estatisticamente significante nas 5 horas. A análise histológica do grupo experimental mostrou a presença de espaços perimisial e endomisial alargados e preenchidos por uma matriz com alguns linfócitos, muitos macrófagos e raros mastócitos. Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram que a associação de uma droga inflamatória com o método Von Frey pode ser uma opção para o estudo do efeito de terapias de dor miofascial.

Myofascial orofacial pain has been treated with analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, physiotherapy, laser therapy and occlusal plaques. However, many times, such behaviors fail to alleviate the painful condition, with the need to test other treatment strategies. Methodology: An option for experimental evaluation of these therapies would be the pain test induced by carrageenan associated with the nociceptive threshold assessment test, originally developed to assess the action of drugs on the rodents' feet. Thus, the present study analyzed the nociception caused by carrageenan in rat masseter using the Von Frey test, correlating it with tissue changes produced by this drug. Carrageenan was injected into the masseter muscle of rats, while the control group received saline. The nociceptive threshold was measured with a digital analgesometer before administration of carrageenan and 5 hours, 1, 3 and 7 days after its use. After 8 days of the intervention, the animals were euthanized, and their masseters were sent for histological processing and H&E staining. Results: There was a decrease in the nociceptive response threshold in all periods in the group treated with carrageenan when compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference at 5 hours. Histological analysis of the experimental group showed the presence of enlarged perimisial and endomisial spaces, filled by a matrix with some lymphocytes, many macrophages and rare mast cells. Conclusion: Results indicated that the association of an inflammatory drug with the Von Frey method may be an option for studying the effect of therapies on myofascial pain.

Malignant hyperthermia in a child after magnetic resonance imaging: a case report / Hipertermia maligna em criança após exame de ressonância magnética: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Objective: To report on a case of malignant hyperthermia in a child after a magnetic resonance imaging of the skull was performed using sevoflurane anesthesia. Case description: A 3-year-old boy admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after presenting clinical and laboratory findings consistent with unspecified viral meningoencephalitis. While the patient was sedated, a magnetic resonance imaging of the skul was performed using propofol followed by the administration of sevoflurane through a laryngeal mask in order to continue anesthesia. Approximately three hours after the start of the procedure, the patient presented persistent tachycardia, tachypnea, generalized muscular stiffness and hyperthermia. With a diagnostic hypothesis of malignant hyperthermia, dantrolene was then administered, which immediately induced muscle stiffness, tachycardia, tachypnea and reduced body temperature. Comments: Malignant hyperthermia is a rare pharmacogenetic syndrome characterized by a severe hypermetabolic reaction after the administration of halogenated inhalational anesthetics or depolarizing muscle relaxants such as succinylcholine, or both. Although it is a potentially fatal disease, the rapid administration of continued doses dantrolene has drastically reduced the morbidity and mortality of the disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar um caso de hipertermia maligna em criança após exame de ressonância magnética de crânio realizada sob efeito anestésico de sevoflurano. Descrição do caso: Menino de três anos de idade, admitido na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UTIP) após apresentar quadros clínico e laboratorial compatíveis com meningoencefalite viral não especificada. Foi realizado um exame de ressonância magnética de crânio com sedação utilizando, na indução anestésica, o propofol seguido pela administração de sevoflurano por meio de máscara laríngea para manutenção anestésica. Aproximadamente três horas após o início do procedimento, o paciente apresentou taquicardia, taquipneia, rigidez muscular generalizada e hipertermia persistentes. Com hipótese diagnóstica de hipertermia maligna, foi então administrado dantrolene, que fez ceder de forma imediata a rigidez muscular, a taquicardia, a taquipneia e reduziu a temperatura corporal. Comentários: A hipertermia maligna é uma síndrome farmacogenética rara, que se caracteriza por reação hipermetabólica grave após administração de anestésicos inalatórios halogenados e/ou relaxantes musculares despolarizantes, como a succinilcolina. Apesar de ser uma doença potencialmente fatal, a rápida administração de dantrolene, junto às doses de manutenção, tem reduzido drasticamente a morbimortalidade da doença.

Caso clínico: Diagnóstico de alergia a relajantes musculares y opiáceos / Case report: Diagnosis of allergy to muscle relaxants and opiates

The anesthesiologist is the specialist who most often faces allergic reactions due to the number of drugs and substances that are exposed to the patient during the course of an intervention. Although they are rare, they have a mortality rate between 3% and 10%. We present a clinical case of a 42-year-old woman with a history of anaphylactic reaction grade 2 that is coordinated for a Werthein-Meigs surgery, for which it is decided to test her with skin tests. The results were positive for morphine, fentanil, remifentanil and atracurium, which directly affected the perioperative management.

El anestesiólogo es el especialista que con mayor frecuencia se enfrenta a reacciones alérgicas por el número de fármacos y sustancias a las que se expone al paciente en el transcurso de una intervención. Si bien son poco frecuentes presentan una mortalidad entre 3 a 10%. Presentamos un caso clínico de una mujer de 42 años con un antecedente de reaccion anafiláctica grado 2 que se coordina para una cirugía de Werthein- Meigs, por lo cual se decide testearla con pruebas cutáneas. Los rsultados fueron positivos para morfina, fentani, remifentanil y atracurio, lo cual incidió directamente en el manejo perioperatorio.

Pain medication and long QT syndrome

Long QT syndrome is a cardiac repolarization disorder and is associated with an increased risk of torsades de pointes. The acquired form is most often attributable to administration of specific medications and/or electrolyte imbalance. This review provides insights into the risk for QT prolongation associated with drugs frequently used in the treatment of chronic pain. In the field of pain medicine all the major drug classes (i.e. NSAIDs, opioids, anticonvulsive and antidepressant drugs, cannabinoids, muscle relaxants) contain agents that increase the risk of QT prolongation. Other substances, not used in the treatment of pain, such as proton pump inhibitors, antiemetics, and diuretics are also associated with long QT syndrome. When the possible benefits of therapy outweigh the associated risks, slow dose titration and electrocardiography monitoring are recommended.

Análise dos medicamentos relaxantes musculares de ação central comercializados no Brasil na perspectiva do Cuidado ao Idoso / Analysis of centrally acting muscle relaxants marketed in Brazil from the perspective of Elderly Care

Objetivo: Analisar na perspectiva do idoso as evidências científicas relativas ao emprego terapêutico e a segurança de relaxantes musculares registrados no Brasil. Método: estudo de análise da oferta de medicamentos contendo fármacos do grupo M03B - Relaxantes musculares de ação central da classificação Anatômica Terapêutica Química. Verificaram-se os fármacos do grupo M03B registrados no Brasil. Pesquisaram-se as evidências científicas relativas à segurança e eficácia. Analisou-se a disponibilidade de informações sobre segurança na bula. Resultados: Identificou-se 18 fármacos do grupo M03B, dos quais 7 (38,9%) estão registrados no Brasil. Das 67 especialidades registradas, 35 (52,2%) são associações farmacológicas. Conclusão: As evidências para uso de relaxantes musculares em idosos são limitadas. As bulas desses medicamentos não apresentam informações relevantes sobre eventos adversos (AU).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific evidence regarding the therapeutic use and safety of muscle relaxant medicines registered in Brazil from the perspective of the health of the elderly. METHODS: This is a study of the analysis of the supply of medicines containing group M03B drugs ­ Centrally acting muscle relaxants of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification. The M03B group drugs registered in Brazil were observed. The scientific evidence on safety and efficacy has been investigated. The availability of safety information in the package leaflet was analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 18 drugs from group M03B, of which 7 (38.9%) are registered in Brazil. Of the 67 specialties registered, 35 (52.2%) are pharmacological associations. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the use of muscle relaxants in the elderly is limited. The package leaflets do not contain relevant information on adverse events (AU).

Treatment of severe, disabling spasticity with continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy following acquired brain injury: the experience of a tertiary institution in Singapore

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a proven, effective treatment for disabling cortical spasticity. We describe the first local series of five patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) who received ITB and were followed up for 63.8 months.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective review of medical and rehabilitation records of patients who received ITB therapy was carried out. Data studied included baseline demographic and injury variables, implantation data, spasticity and function, ITB dosage over time and complications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From 2006 to 2010, a total of five patients received ITB therapy via implanted pumps about 39.4 months after ABI. Four out of five patients experienced significant reductions in their lower limb spasticity scores and improvements in global function and dependency. One patient had minor adverse events associated with baclofen-related sedation. The mean ITB dose at one year was 182.7 ± 65.6 mcg/day.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our preliminary study showed encouraging long-term outcomes and safety for ITB therapy after ABI-related intractable spasticity. Individual ITB responses over time were variable, with gender differences. The outcomes experienced by our centre were comparable to those in the general ABI population, supporting the efficacy of ITB therapy for chronic disabling spasticity.</p>

Produção científica da Enfermagem sobre promoção de saúde, condição crônica e envelhecimento / Producción científica de Enfermería de promoción de la salud, condición crónica y envejecimiento / Nursing scientific production on health promotion, chronic condition, and aging

RESUMOObjetivo:caracterizar a produção científica dos Programas de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem do Brasil, sobre promoção da saúde com enfoque nas pessoas idosas em condição crônica, no período de 2006 a 2010.Método:pesquisa integrativa, realizada através da busca de dissertações e teses da base de dados do Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas em Enfermagem da Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem, publicados no período de 2006 a 2010, que focassem a promoção de saúde de idosos em condição crônica.Resultados:emergiram cinco categorias temáticas: "Convívio com a doença"; "Tecnologias de cuidado"; "Potencialidades para o autocuidado" "Dimensão psicoespiritual" e "Família cuidadora".Conclusão:pôde-se identificar a assistência de enfermagem como elemento fundamental para promover a saúde do indivíduo idoso e torná-lo mais independente de cuidados para conviver com suas limitações ou incapacidades, mesmo acometido por doenças crônicas.

RESUMENObjetivo:caracterizar la producción científica de la Postgraduate Nursing Brasil, en la promoción de la salud con especial atención a las personas mayores con enfermedades crónicas en el período 2006-2010.Método:la investigación integral realizada mediante la búsqueda de disertaciones y tesis en la base de datos del Centro de Estudios e Investigación en Enfermería Asociación Brasileña de Enfermería, publicada en el período 2006-2010, que se centrará en la promoción de la salud para las personas mayores con enfermedades crónicas.Resultados:cinco temas emergieron: "La convivencia con la enfermedad", "cuidado Technologies", "potencial para el propio cuidado" "dimensión psico-espiritual" y "cuidador familiar".Conclusión:se pudo identificar el cuidado de enfermería como un elemento clave para promover la salud de las personas mayores y que sea una atención más independiente que vivir con limitaciones o incapacidades, aún afectados por enfermedades crónicas.

ABSTRACTObjective:to characterize the scientific production of Postgraduate Programs Nursing in Brazil on health promotion with a focus on elderly people with chronic conditions in the period from 2006 to 2010.Method:integrative research developed by searching for dissertations and theses in the database of the Center for Nursing Studies and Research of the Brazilian Nursing Association published in the period from 2006 to 2010 and which focused on health promotion for elderly people with chronic conditions.Results:five themes emerged: "Living with the disease"; "Technologies of care", "Potential for self-care" "Psycho-spiritual dimension", and "Family caregiver".Conclusion:it was possible to identify nursing care as a key element to promote the health of elderly people and make them more independent in their care so as to live with their limitations or disabilities, even when affected by chronic diseases.

Morphological alterations in mouse placenta induced by diazepam / Alteraciones morfológicas inducidas en la placenta de ratón por diazepam

Diazepam (DZ) is a benzodiazepine that belongs to the group of minor tranquilizers with myo-relaxing and anticonvulsant properties. DZ and its metabolites cross the placental barrier in human, monkey, hamster, and mouse, and accumulate in the placenta. Our aim was to investigate, through histological techniques, and semifine sections if DZ induces morphological changes in the placenta. Twenty female mice of the ICR strain were distributed randomly in two groups. One group (DZ) was treated from days 6 to 17 of gestation with a single daily subcutaneous (sc) dose of DZ of 2.7 mg/kg/ (bw); the second, control group (C) was treated with saline solution. All females (10 DZ and 10 C) were killed by decapitation. Placentas were extracted and fixed in phosphates-buffered 10% formaldehyde, pH 7.3, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin to obtain 3 µm thick sections or fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, post-fixed in 1% OsO4, embedded in epoxy resin. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin or Weigert´s iron hematoxylin. Semifine sections were stained with toluidine blue. All sections were observed under comparative light microscopy. The DZ-group showed thinned placental barrier with multiple vacuoles. Nuclei of trophoblast cells (TCs) and trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) presented heterochromatin in coarse granules, atypically distributed in the karyolymph and conspicuous nucleoli. The cytoplasm of the TGCs was vacuolated and chromatin had a similar appearance to that observed in TCs. The total area of the placental barrier was measured in µm2/µm2; the area in the DZ group was reduced as compared with the C group (P<0.001). Alterations of TGCs could be due to an interaction of DZ with peripheral type benzodiazepine receptors involved in progesterone biosynthesis. Administration of DZ in mice alters the placental barrier and TGCs which could affect their physiology and causes teratogenic effects on the ovary and testis involved in steroid hormones biosynthesis.

El diazepam (DZ) es una benzodiazepina que forma parte de los tranquilizantes menores con propiedades miorrelajantes y anticonvulsivantes. El DZ y sus metabolitos atraviesan la barrera placentaria en el humano, mono, hámster y ratón, y se acumula en ésta. Nuestro propósito fue investigar a través de técnicas histológicas y en cortes semifinos si el DZ induce cambios morfológicos en la placenta de ratón. Hembras de ratón de la cepa ICR se distribuyeron al azar en dos grupos. Un grupo (DZ) fue tratado del día 6 al 17 de la gestación con dosis únicas diarias subcutáneas (sc) de DZ de 2.7 mg/kg (pc); el segundo grupo control (C) se trató con solución salina. Todas las hembras (10 DZ y 10 C), se sacrificaron por decapitación. Se extrajeron las placentas y se fijaron en formaldehido al 10% amortiguado con fosfatos pH 7.3, se deshidrataron y se incluyeron en parafina para obtener cortes de 3 µm, o se fijaron en glutaraldehido al 2.5%, se posfijaron en OsO4 al 1% y se embebieron en resina epóxica. Los cortes histológicos se tiñeron con hematoxilina-eosina o con hematoxilina férrica de Weigert. Los cortes semifinos se tiñeron con azul de toluidina. Todos los cortes se observaron en un microscopio óptico de comparación. El grupo DZ presentó en la barrera placentaria múltiples vacuolas. Los núcleos de las células del trofoblasto y las células trofoblásticas gigantes (TGCs) presentaron heterocromatina en grumos gruesos, distribuidos atípicamente en la cariolinfa y nucléolos conspicuos. El citoplasma de las TGCs estaba vacuolizado y la cromatina tenía una apariencia similar a la observada en las células trofoblásticas. El área total de la barrera placentaria se midió en µm2/mm2; el área en el grupo DZ era reducida en comparación del grupo C (P<0.001). Las alteraciones de las células trofoblásticas y de las TGCs podrían deberse a la interacción del DZ con los receptores benzodiazepínicos de tipo periférico involucrados en la biosíntesis de progesterona. La administración de DZ en el ratón altera la barrera placentaria y las TGCs que podrían afectar su fisiología y causar efectos teratogénicos en el ovario y el testículo involucrados en la biosíntesis de las hormonas esteroides.

Belching (Eructation) / 대한소화기학회지

Belching is a normal physiological function that may occur when ingested air accumulated in the stomach is expelled or when food containing air and gas produced in the gastrointestinal tract is expelled. Excessive belching can cause patients to complain of abdominal discomfort, disturbed daily life activities, decreased quality of life and may be related to various gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, aerophagia and rumination syndrome. Belching disorders can be classified into aerophagia and unspecified belching disorder according to the Rome III criteria. Since the introduction of multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring, efforts are being made to elucidate the types and pathogenic mechanisms of belching disorders. Treatment modalities such as behavioral therapy, speech therapy, baclofen, tranquilizers and proton pump inhibitors can be attempted, but further investigations on the effective treatment of belching disorders are warranted.

Adherence to migraine treatment does not depend on the number of prescribed medications / A adesão ao tratamento da migrânea não depende do número de medicações prescritas

To compare the adherence between monotherapy and politherapy in prophylactic migraine treatment. Five hundred consecutive patients with migraine from a tertiary center were retrospectively studied as to the number of preventive medications prescribed during the first visit. Adherence, defined as returning for the next consultation after 4 to 6 weeks and following the prescribed regimens, were also evaluated and compared between patients. 71.8% were women, and 6% of the patients did not receive any preventive medication, 11.4% received one drug, 22.2% two drugs, 41.4% three drugs, and 19% four drugs for the prevention of migraine. The overall adherence was 79.6%. Respectively, 73.7, 71.8, 82.6 and 86.3% of those who received the prescription of one, two, three and four drugs returned, complying with the treatment. There is no difference in adherence to monotherapy or politherapy (one to four drugs) for the prophylaxis of migraine. .

Comparar a adesão entre monoterapia e politerapia no tratamento profilático da migrânea. Foram analisados retrospec-tivamente 500 pacientes com migrânea de um centro terciário, com vistas ao número de medicações preventivas prescritas na primeira consulta e adesão ao tratamento após 4 a 6 semanas. 71,8% da amostra era composta de mulheres. Em relação ao tratamento preventivo da migrânea, 6% não receberam medicação preventiva; 11,4% receberam uma droga; 22,2% duas drogas; 41,4% três drogas e 19% quatro drogas. A adesão média foi de 79,6%. Em relação à prescrição de uma, duas, três ou quatro drogas, essa adesão foi respectiva-mente de 73,7, 71,8, 82,6 e 86,3%. Não houve diferenças na adesão à prescrição de medicações em monoterapia ou politerapia (uma a quatro drogas) para o tratamento preventivo da migrânea. .

Neuropharmacological properties of Trichosanthes dioica root / 中国天然药物

AIM@#Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber grown widely in the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally, this plant has been used in India for several medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to evaluate certain neuropharmacological properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. dioica root (TDA) in experimental animal models.@*METHODS@#TDA (at 100 and 200 mg·kg(-1) body weight, p.o.) was evaluated for anti-nociceptive activity by the acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick methods. Locomotor depressant activity was measured by means of an actophotometer. Skeletal muscle relaxant effects were evaluated by using a rota-rod apparatus, and the sedative potentiating property by a phenobarbitone-induced sleep potentiation study.@*RESULTS@#The results of the present study revealed significant (P < 0.001) and dose dependent anti-nociceptive, locomotor depressant, muscle relaxant, and sedative potentiating effects of TDA, demonstrating its depressant action on the central nervous system (CNS).@*CONCLUSION@#From the present study, it can be concluded that T. dioica root possessed prominent anti-nociceptive, as well as depressant, action on the CNS, as manifested by these important neuropharmacological properties in mice.

Trismus in cephalic tetanus from a foot injury

No abstract available.

Influence of laser therapy and muscle relaxant on the masseter muscle under occlusal wear: an ultrastructural study / Influencia de la terapia laser y relajante muscular en el músculo masetero bajo oclusión: un estudio ultraestructural

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of low-intensity laser therapy and muscle relaxant in the characteristic ultra structural masseter muscle occlusal wear. Animals and Methods: 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (GI), occlusal wear (G-II), laser occlusal wear (G-III), and the muscle relaxant occlusal wear (G-IV). Under general anesthesia given intraperitoneally, animals in groups II, III and IV had unilateral amputation of upper and lower molar cusps to simulate an occlusal wear situation. The masseter muscle G-III received laser therapy (830nm, 4J/cm2, 40mW, f ~ 2mm) and the procedure was subsequently repeated every other day for 14/30 days. G-IV animals were treated with daily injection of dantrolene ® (2.5 mg / kg in 0.5 ml of H2O). From 24 hours after the elimination peak. The animals were euthanized with an overdose of anesthesia on days 14 and 30 after the removal of the cusps and the ipsilateral masseter muscle was excised and divided in two, one half was routinely processed for light microscopy and other for electron microscopy. There was no statistical difference between each experimental group and the control and between periods in each experimental group. However, the muscle fibers in the G-II showed the most pronounced changes. There is no causal relationship between muscles fibers injuries and occlusion and, despite signs of muscular tissue injury were more evident in the occlusal wear group. Results indicates a moderate action of laser therapy and muscle relaxants in skeletal muscle...

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la influencia de la terapia láser de baja intensidad y del relajante muscular sobre las características ultraestructurales del músculo masetero en el desgaste oclusal. 40 ratas macho Wistar, se dividieron al azar en cuatro grupos: grupo de control (GI), desgaste oclusal (G-II), laserterapia desgaste oclusal (G-III), y relajante muscular desgaste oclusal (G-IV). Bajo anestesia general por vía intraperitoneal, los animales de los grupos II, III y IV sufrieron amputación unilateral de las cúspides de los molares superiores e inferiores para simular una situación de desgaste oclusal. El músculo masetero del G-III recibió la terapia con laser (830nm, 4J/cm2, 40mW, f ~ 2mm) después del procedimiento el cual se repitió durante 14/30 días. Los animales del G-IV fueron tratados con una inyección diaria de Dantroleno® (2,5 mg/Kg en 0,5 ml de H2O). Los animales fueron sacrificados con una sobredosis de anestesia general en los días 14 y 30. Después de la remoción de las cúspides el músculo masetero ipsilateral se extirpó y se dividió en dos, una mitad fue procesada para microscopía de luz y la otra para microscopía electrónica. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre cada grupo experimental y el control, así como, entre los períodos en cada grupo experimental. Sin embargo, las fibras musculares en el G-II mostraron los cambios más pronunciados. En conclusión no existe relación causal entre las lesiones de las fibras musculares y la oclusión, a pesar que los signos de lesión de los tejidos musculares fue más evidente en el grupo con desgaste oclusal. Los resultados indican una acción moderada ejercida por la terapia láser y de los relajantes musculares sobre el músculo esquelético...

Oral Muscle Relaxant May Induce Immediate Allergic Reactions

Eperisone and afloqualone act by relaxing both skeletal and vascular smooth muscles to improve circulation and suppress pain reflex. These drugs are typically prescribed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as painkillers. However, there have been no reports on serious adverse reactions to oral muscle relaxants; and this is the first report to describe three allergic reactions caused by eperisone and afloqualone. All three patients had histories of allergic reactions after oral intake of multiple painkillers, including oral muscle relaxants and NSAIDs, for chronic muscle pain. An open-label oral challenge test was performed with each drug to confirm which drugs caused the systemic reactions. All patients experienced the same reactions within one hour after oral intake of eperisone or afloqualone. The severity of these reactions ranged from laryngeal edema to hypotension. To confirm that the systemic reaction was caused by eperisone or afloqualone, skin prick testing and intradermal skin tests were performed with eperisone or afloqualone extract in vivo, and basophil activity tests were performed after stimulation with these drugs in vitro. In one patient with laryngeal edema, the intradermal test with afloqualone extract had a positive result, and CD63 expression levels on basophils increased in a dose-dependent manner by stimulation with afloqualone. We report three allergic reactions caused by oral muscle relaxants that might be mediated by non-immunoglobulin E-mediated responses. Since oral muscle relaxants such as eperisone and afloqualone are commonly prescribed for chronic muscle pain and can induce severe allergic reactions, we should prescribe them carefully.