ABSTRACT
Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a potentially serious and life-threatening complication of SLE. The presentation and severity of neuropsychiatric involvement in SLE may show considerable variability. The disease can affect the neural tissue directly or may be associated with vascular involvement, mainly associated with anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies. A direct causal link with SLE may sometimes be challenging since there are many confounding factors and the symptoms may be non-specific. Despite its remarkable sensitivity in detecting hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, transverse myelitis and ischemic infarction, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lacks the spatial resolution required to identify microvascular involvement. When standard MRI fails to detect a suspicious lesion, it is advisable to use advanced imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or quantitative MRI, if available. Even with these advanced modalities, the specificity of neuroimaging in NPSLE remains inadequate (60-82% for MRI). Neuropsychiatric syndromes, such as cerebrovascular events, seizures and cognitive impairments appear to be associated with serum aPL antibodies. Some studies have shown that anti-ribosomal P antibodies have a low sensitivity for NPSLE and a limited contribution to the differentiation of different clinical entities. Treatment has two main goals: symptomatic relief and treatment of the disease itself. Commonly used immunosuppressants for NPSLE include cyclophosphamide (CYC), azathioprine (AZA), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). According to EULAR's current recommendation, strong immunosuppressants such as CYC and rituximab (RTX) should be preferred. Biologics have also been used in NPSLE. Fingolimod, eculizumab, and JAK inhibitors are potential drugs in the pipeline. Developing targeted therapies will be possible by a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUNDS: In the repair of plantar foot defects, it is important that the reconstructed area is compatible with surrounding tissue while weight-bearing ability continues. In our study, we present long-term results of plantar foot reconstruction with super-thin ALT flaps in patients that required reconstruction with free tissue transfer. METHODS: We evaluated 11 patients with plantar foot defects that underwent reconstruction with a super-thin ALT flap. Patients were evaluated for postoperative ulceration, ability to wear normal shoes, time to return to work/school, LEFS score and satisfaction with aesthetic results. RESULTS: No bone defects were observed in the patients included in our study, except for the phalanges and distal metatarsals. Defects with soft tissue loss were reconstructed. The mean flap thickness was 4.9 mm (range 3-6 mm). Follow-up period ranged from 16 to 59 months. One patient required grafting for partial flap necrosis and recovered totally. Another patient required debulking surgery. Two patients had superficial ulceration postoperatively, which responded well to conservative therapy. The mean VAS score for cosmetic satisfaction was 8 of 10 (range, 6-9). Eight patients were satisfied with the flap contour, while three others were fairly satisfied. Mean time to return to work/school after surgery was 2.5 months. The preoperative LEFS score increased from 32.03 ± 15.2 to 58.7 ± 10.6 in the postoperative period, this difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: We consider that the advantageous features of super-thin ALT flaps such as proper tightening, reduced postoperative atrophy, and better contouring features make these flaps suitable for plantar foot defects.
