Fibrinolytic therapy in radiation-induced brachial plexopathy:16 cases report and review / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility and curative effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrinolytic therapy in order to cure radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP) and to discuss the principle, indication and precautions. Methods The treatment was taken on 16 cases that had a definite clinical diagnosis and we took a systematic examination to make sure that there was no recurrence or metastasis of the tumor.Brachial plexus and tender area block was taken once a week by injection of mixture of hyaluronidase, hexadecadrol, Vitamine B12 and lidocaine. The therapy was applied for 6 to 12 weeks. Results All the patients were followed up for a period of 0.5 to 10 years. Four cases had an evident alleviation of the symptoms and got a function resumption of hands; 5 cases had an alleviation of pain and improvement of sensation and the progress of illness were terminated, but motor function didn't have improvement; 7 cases had a continued aggravation of the symptoms. All the cases found improvement in electromyography. Concluslon The aim of fibrinolytic therapy is to dissolve the extra ECM such as hyaluronic acid around nerves in order to achieve a new homeostasis. It can relieve the conglutination and entrapment at nerve inside and outside, reduce the pressure of neuraxon and create an availing condition for the regenesis of nerve and the regain of function.