Incidence Of Neuropathy Research Articles

A randomized controlled trial: Effects of compression therapy combined with exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer.

To investigate the effects of compression therapy combined with exercise for cancer patients (EXCAP) in patients with peripheral neuropathy caused by breast cancer chemotherapy. Overall, 108 patients with peripheral neuropathy after chemotherapy for breast cancer were randomly divided into the control group (routine nursing), experimental group 1 (compression therapy), and experimental group 2 (compression therapy and EXCAP). The National Institute of Cancer Drug Toxicity Rating Scale and the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool were assessed and compared between groups. The incidence of grade 0 peripheral neuropathy in both experimental groups was higher than that in controls (P < 0.001), and the incidence in group 2 was higher than that in group 1 (P < 0.001). The incidence of grade 2 disease in both experimental groups was lower than that in controls (P < 0.001). The rate of symptoms in both experimental groups after the intervention were lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001), and those in experimental group 2 were lower than those in experimental group 1 (P < 0.001). Scores regarding activities of daily living in the experimental groups were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.001), and lower in group 2 than in group 1 (P < 0.001). Compression therapy and EXCAP can effectively reduce the incidence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy. They can both positively impact patients' daily lives and symptom experiences; however, they are more effective when combined.

Rare but relevant: Nitrous oxide and peripheral neurotoxicity, what do we know?

Nitrous oxide (N2O), used medically as an anaesthetic, has gained popularity as a recreational drug, with rising prevalence particularly among young adults. While its reinforcing and addictive potential remains debated, N2O is proven to be neurotoxic, especially with prolonged, heavy use, which is often unexpected for users. The neurotoxicological mechanism underlying N2O-induced neurotoxicity involves inactivation of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which disrupts methionine synthesis, essential for maintaining the myelin sheath. This can result in demyelinating diseases, including generalized demyelinating polyneuropathy (GDP). Clinical incidence of N2O-induced peripheral neuropathy is largely unknown, although some research suggests it is not uncommon. Treatment includes immediate cessation of N2O use and vitamin B12 supplementation. Although this treatment often reverses damage, residual symptoms such as limb weakness may persist. Additionally, genetic and dietary factors, such as vitamin B12 deficiency, may heighten individual vulnerability for N2O's detrimental effects.

The Impact of Zinc Supplementation on Hyperglycemia and Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) constitutes a major public health problem. Zinc (Zn), a critical micronutrient in the human body, serves as a potent antioxidant, and is closely linked to the development and progression of Type 2 DM. However, limited evidence explored the speculated putative mechanism of Zn repletion improving insulin sensitivity and severity in patients with Type 2 DM. Adult participants (aged more than 18 years) diagnosed with Type 2 DM (with or without microvascular complications) were recruited. A case recording form divided into Section A, socio-demographics, and Section B, clinical parameters, a brief clinical history and lab investigations, were logged for each patient. Majority of patients (n=44, 47.8%) were over 60 years old, with a nearly equal distribution of sex (n=47, 51.1% male and n=45, 48.9% female). Sensory motor (n=50, 54.3%) and visual disturbances (n=48, 52.2%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) were the most common drug treatment (n=56, 60.9%, p<0.001). A considerable number of patients had systemic hypertension (n=55, 59.8%) and neuropathy was the most prevalent complication (n=68, 73.9%), followed by retinopathy (n=53, 57.6%). Zn deficiency was prevalent in n=50, 54.3% of patients and it showed significant associations with poor glycaemic control, diabetic neuropathy (<0.001), retinopathy (<0.001), and nephropathy (<0.001). We highlighted the high prevalence of Zn deficiency among Type 2 DM patients and established significant correlations between low Zn levels(<65 μg/dL) and poor glycemic control, as well as higher incidences of neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. We advocate that Zn status should be considered in the management and treatment strategies for Type 2 DM patients to potentially mitigate complications and improve outcomes.

Evaluating N-acetylcysteine as a Protective Agent Against Chemotherapy-induced Neuropathy in Breast Cancer: A Triple-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant clinical issue that affects patients' quality of life and can limit the dosing of chemotherapeutic agents. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proposed as a potential chemoprotective agent against CIPN due to its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral NAC in preventing and controlling taxane-induced neuropathy in patients with breast cancer. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 80 breast cancer patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy. Participants were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group receiving 1200mg of oral NAC in divided doses per day and a placebo group. Patients were evaluated for neuropathy grade and functional status at 1 and 12 weeks postintervention. Our analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence and severity of neuropathy between the intervention and placebo groups at 1 (P=0.328) and 12 weeks (P=0.569) postchemotherapy. Baseline characteristics such as age, number of treatment cycles, and disease stage were similar between groups, indicating a homogeneous population. Oral NAC at a dose of 1200mg per day did not significantly reduce the incidence or severity of taxane-induced neuropathy. These findings suggest that the oral bioavailability of NAC may be insufficient to exert a protective effect and that future studies should consider alternative dosing strategies or routes of administration. The need for further research to optimize NAC's chemoprotective role in CIPN remains evident.

Phase II trial evaluating the long-term efficacy and peripheral sensory neuropathy of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) as adjuvant therapy in Japanese patients with operated stage III colon cancer

Adjuvant oxaliplatin plus capecitabine (XELOX) therapy is recommended for patients with curatively resected colon cancer. However, prospective data on its practical application in Japanese patients are limited. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a long-term clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of adjuvant XELOX in patients with curatively resected stage III colon cancer (MCSCO-1024). This prospective, multi-center, open-label, single-arm, phase II study enrolled patients with curatively resected stage III colon cancer. The treatment protocol consisted of a 120-minute intravenous infusion of oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2) on day 1 and two divided doses oral capecitabine (2000 mg/m2/day) for 14 days in a 3-week cycle, totaling eight cycles (24 weeks). The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary endpoints were 5-year overall survival and long-term prognosis of peripheral sensory neuropathy. A total of 196 patients were enrolled between November 2011 and August 2014 (34 months). The 3-year DFS rate was 73%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 87%. The overall incidence of peripheral sensory neuropathy was 17%, with a 1% rate of grade 3 neuropathy after 5 years. Adjuvant XELOX demonstrated utility and safety in the clinical management of Japanese patients with stage III colon cancer.

Favorable Outcomes Following Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction and Repair, Though Repair Associated with Increased Risk of Revision Surgery

To assess the risk of revision surgery following repair versus reconstruction of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow in a national sample of patients in the United States. This was a retrospective cohort study of young patients (≤35 years old) who underwent primary UCL reconstruction or repair for an isolated medial UCL injury of the elbow from October 2015 through October 2022 in a large national database (PearlDiver). Patient demographic data, comorbidities, surgical details, and concomitant ulnar nerve procedures were collected. Time-to-event analyses were used to assess the risk of revision UCL surgery between groups. Two-year complication rates, including ulnar neuropathy, were also assessed. In total, 1,820 patients (69.9% reconstruction, 30.1% repair) with an average follow-up of 2.9 years met inclusion criteria. The estimated 2-year revision-free survival (95% confidence interval) was 99.5% (99.1%-99.9%) for UCL reconstruction compared to 97.9% (96.4%-99.3%) for UCL repair (unadjusted log-rank P= .032). UCL repair remained associated with an increased risk of revision UCL surgery after adjusting for confounding variables (hazard ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-8.09; P= .037). Complication rates were similar between reconstruction and repair, including the incidence of ulnar neuropathy (13.8% vs 14.5%, P= .78). In this study, we found that UCL repair was associated with a significantly higher risk of revision UCL surgery than UCL reconstruction in a national sample. Importantly, however, overall failure rates were low, and complication rates were similar between procedures. These findings support the overall favorable outcomes of UCL repair while suggesting it may not necessarily be the optimal treatment for all patients. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Changes in urine dipstick proteinuria and its relation to the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy.

Proteinuria is considered as a predictor for cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). However, no study has examined the association between changes in proteinuria and the risk of diabetic microvascular complications. Study participants were 71,825 DM patients who received urine dipstick test for proteinuria both in 2003-2004 and 2006-2007. They were categorized into four groups according to changes in proteinuria over 3 years (negative: negative → negative, resolved: proteinuria ≥ 1+ → negative, incident: negative → proteinuria ≥ 1+, persistent: proteinuria ≥ 1+ → proteinuria ≥ 1+). Cox-proportional hazard model was used in assessing the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for incidence of retinopathy, and neuropathy (adjusted HR [95% CI]). In all of DM patients, risk for comprehensive incidence of retinopathy and neuropathy increased in all types of proteinuria changes. In type 1 DM, HR for retinopathy and neuropathy generally increased in order of negative (reference), resolved (2.175 [1.150-4.114] and 1.335 [0.909-1.961]), incident (2.088 [1.185-3.680] and 1.753 [1.275-2.409]), and persistent proteinuria (1.314 [0.418-4.134] and 2.098 [1.274-3.455]). This pattern of relationship was similarly observed in type 2 DM for retinopathy and neuropathy: negative (reference), resolved (1.490 [1.082-2.051] and 1.164 [0.988-1.371]), incident (1.570 [1.161-2.123] and 1.291 [1.112-1.500]), and persistent proteinuria (2.309 [1.407-3.788] and 1.272 [0.945-1.712]). Risk for diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy generally increased in order of negative, resolved, incident, and persistent proteinuria. Once manifested proteinuria was associated with the increased risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy even after remission of proteinuria.

Ulnar Nerve Management in Complex Elbow Dislocations: A Retrospective Monocentric Study.

The ulnar nerve's unique anatomy makes it vulnerable to complex elbow dislocations. Depending on the nature of the injury, the clinical treatment and outcomes related to the nerve may vary. Unfortunately, the current literature provides limited and fragmented information on managing the ulnar nerve and the incidence of neuropathy in complex elbow dislocations. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of ulnar nerve pain and its relationship with transposition. A retrospective evaluation was conducted on a consecutive series of 44 patients who underwent surgery for complex elbow dislocations. The average follow-up period was 29 months. Patients were categorized based on their condition (trans-olecranon fracture-dislocation, Terrible Triad, Monteggia-like lesions, and injuries not falling into the previous categories). The study assessed whether the ulnar nerve was released from the cubital tunnel and underwent transposition. Additionally, the study examined the number of patients experiencing ulnar pain in the postoperative period and its duration over time. All patients were also evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and Oxford Elbow Score (OES). Patients who underwent simultaneous ulnar nerve transposition surgery with complex elbow dislocation showed a higher incidence of neuropathy. In these patients, the symptoms were less severe but lasted longer. MEPS, DASH, and OES did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups; however, they were slightly better for the group without ulnar nerve transposition. Surgeons should refrain from routinely transposing the ulnar nerve in complex elbow dislocations. However, further studies involving larger populations are necessary.

U-shaped nonlinear relationship between dietary copper intake and peripheral neuropathy

Background: Dietary copper intake is a promising predictor of peripheral neuropathy. There is no research exploring the potential link between dietary copper intake and peripheral neuropathy. Methods: The information utilized in our research was collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2004. The relationship between dietary copper intake and peripheral neuropathy was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS). Results: The RCS analysis results showed a U-shaped nonlinear relationship between dietary copper intake and peripheral neuropathy (P for nonlinearity < 0.001). The threshold effect analysis results indicated that when dietary copper intake was less than 0.889 mg/d, the risk of peripheral neuropathy decreased with increasing copper intake (OR: 0.388, 95% CI: 0.200-0.753). When dietary copper intake was ≥ 0.889 mg/d, the risk of peripheral neuropathy increased with increasing copper intake (OR: 1.129, 95% CI: 1.006–1.266). And the incidence rate of peripheral neuropathy in the first quantile (OR: 1.421, 95% CI: 1.143–1.766), the third quantile (OR: 1.358, 95% CI: 1.057–1.744), and the fourth quantile (OR: 1.676, 95% CI: 1.250–2.248) of dietary copper intake were significantly higher than that in the second quantile (where the inflection point was located). Conclusion: Our study suggests that both insufficient and excessive dietary copper intake may be associated with an increased incidence of peripheral neuropathy. However, further research is needed to provide definitive evidence and confirm these findings.

Nationwide usage of ethambutol and incidence and screening practices of optic neuropathy.

Ethambutol, a key anti-tuberculosis medication, is associated with optic neuropathy, which can lead to significant vision impairment. This population-based cohort study investigated the nationwide usage of ethambutol and the incidence and screening of optic neuropathy among ethambutol users. The cohort included 206,157 individuals from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database in South Korea who initiated ethambutol therapy between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2021. Among them, 117,309 individuals without prior ophthalmic diseases were analyzed to investigate practice patterns. The timing of the baseline examinations (an ophthalmic examination immediately preceding [within 1month] ethambutol initiation or the first ophthalmic assessment conducted after the initiation) and subsequent monitoring and modalities used were assessed. The cumulative incidences of the optic neuropathy categories, overall optic neuropathy, optic neuropathy/optic neuritis, and optic atrophy, were analyzed. The annual number of ethambutol users declined over time between 2015 and 2021. The cumulative incidences of overall optic neuropathy, optic neuropathy/optic neuritis, and optic atrophy were 2.8%, 2.0%, and 0.7%, respectively. Optical coherence tomography usage for ophthalmic examinations remarkably increased from 23.9% in 2015 to 85.5% in 2021, while visual field examinations were frequently (69.6%) employed for functional assessment at the time of diagnosis. Baseline screening within 6months of initiating ethambutol therapy was performed in 12.0%-13.1% of ethambutol initiators annually over the study period. The percentage of ethambutol initiators receiving subsequent monitoring within 6months following baseline screening declined over time, from 13.1% in 2015 to 7.9% in 2021. The diminishing trend in monitoring emphasizes the need for improved pharmacovigilance to reduce the risk of optic atrophy and blindness through early detection.

Treatments, medical expenses and complications of hospital outpatient healthcare associated with stroke in patients with diabetes in China: a retrospective analysis of the Beijing Municipal Medical Insurance Database

ObjectivesDiabetes is closely associated with risk of stroke and its adverse sequelae. Approximately 20%–33% of patients with stroke have diabetes. In China, however, it is unclear how stroke affects healthcare...

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell and mononuclear cell combination therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled study with 8-year follow-up.

To investigate the long-term effects of combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with mononuclear cells (MCs) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM patients were divided into the combination group (Dual MSC + MC, n = 33), the mononuclear cell group (MC-Only, n = 32) and the control group (Control, n = 31). All groups were treated with insulin and metformin. The Dual MSC + MC group additionally received MSC and MC infusion and the MC-Only group additionally received MC infusion. The patients were followed up for 8 years. The primary endpoint was the C-peptide area under the curve (C-p AUC) at 1 year. This study was registered with clinicaltrial.gov (NCT01719640). A total of 97 patients were included and 89 completed the follow-up. The area under the curve of C-peptide of the Dual MSC + MC group and the MC-Only group was significantly increased (50.6% and 32.8%, respectively) at 1 year. After eight years of follow-up, the incidence of macrovascular complications was 13.8% (p = 0.009) in the Dual MSC + MC group and 21.4% (p = 0.061) in the MC-Only group, while it was 44.8% in the Control group. The incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was 10.3% (p = 0.0015) in the Dual MSC + MC group, 17.9% (p = 0.015) in the MC-Only group, and 48.3% in the Control group. The combination of MSC and MC therapy can reduce the incidence of chronic diabetes complications and improves metabolic control with mild side effects in T2DM patients.

Platinum Deposition in the Central Nervous System: A Novel Insight into Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Young and Old Mice.

Numerous factors can contribute to the incidence or exacerbation of peripheral neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin (OXA). Recently, platinum accumulation in the spinal cord of mice after OXA exposure, despite the efficient defenses of the central nervous system, has been demonstrated by our research group, expanding the knowledge about its toxicity. One hypothesis is platinum accumulation in the spinal cord causes oxidative damage to neurons and impairs mitochondrial function. Thus, the main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aging and OXA-induced neuropathic pain and its comorbidities, including anxious behavior and cognitive impairment. By using an OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy model, platinum and bioelement concentrations and their influence on oxidative damage, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity pathways were evaluated in Swiss mice, and our findings showed that treatment with OXA exacerbated pain and anxious behavior, albeit not age-induced cognitive impairment. Platinum deposition in the spinal cord and, for the first time, in the brain of mice exposed to OXA, regardless of age, was identified. We found that alterations in bioelement concentration, oxidative damage, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity pathways induced by aging contribute to OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy. Our results strive to supply a basis for therapeutic interventions for OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy considering age specificities.

Isoniazid-historical development, metabolism associated toxicity and a perspective on its pharmacological improvement.

Despite the extraordinary anti-tubercular activity of isoniazid (INH), the drug-induced hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy pose a significant challenge to its wider clinical use. The primary cause of INH-induced hepatotoxicity is in vivo metabolism involving biotransformation on its terminal -NH2 group owing to its high nucleophilic nature. The human N-acetyltransferase-2 enzyme (NAT-2) exploits the reactivity of INH's terminal -NH2 functional group and inactivates it by transferring the acetyl group, which subsequently converts to toxic metabolites. This -NH2 group also tends to react with vital endogenous molecules such as pyridoxine, leading to their deficiency, a major cause of peripheral neuropathy. The elevation of liver functional markers is observed in 10%-20% of subjects on INH treatment. INH-induced risk of fatal hepatitis is about 0.05%-1%. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy is 2%-6.5%. In this review, we discuss the genesis and historical development of INH, and different reported mechanisms of action of INH. This is followed by a brief review of various clinical trials in chronological order, highlighting treatment-associated adverse events and their occurrence rates, including details such as geographical location, number of subjects, dosing concentration, and regimen used in these clinical studies. Further, we elaborated on various known metabolic transformations highlighting the involvement of the terminal -NH2 group of INH and corresponding host enzymes, the structure of different metabolites/conjugates, and their association with hepatotoxicity or neuritis. Post this deliberation, we propose a hydrolysable chemical derivatives-based approach as a way forward to restrict this metabolism.

Prevalence and incidence of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, foot disease, and lower extremity amputation in people with diabetes in Ireland; a systematic review protocol.

Internationally, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, and with this comes an increase in diabetes related complications. Diabetic foot disease is the most common lower extremity complication in people with diabetes causing 2% of the global disease burden. It, is associated with major morbidity, mortality, and costs to health services. Despite this burden, the incidence and prevalence of diabetic foot disease is unknown in Ireland. This paper presents a protocol for a systematic review to examine the incidence and prevalence of diabetic foot disease in the Irish population. A systematic review will be performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pubmed, EMBASE, and Lenus, the Irish Health Research repository, will be searched for publications in any language and without restrictions to date. Title, abstract, and full text screening will be carried out independently by two investigators. Publications reporting on the incidence or prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, ulceration, or amputation in people with diabetes in Ireland, from a defined geographical catchment area of Ireland, will be included. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tool will be used to assess included studies methodological quality. Results will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The results of this systematic review can be used to inform appropriate stakeholders on the incidence and prevalence of diabetic foot disease in Irish populations, enabling decision making around appropriate use of resources to help prevent, and improve management of this disease. CRD42023472904.

Hydrotherapy on the Intensity of Neuropathic Pain in Sufferers with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Neuropathic pain is a type of pain caused by or resulting from a primary injury or dysfunction of the nervous system. Cooperation in nursing care is necessary to reduce the incidence of ambulatory neuropathy. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of contrast baths on pain caused by leg neuropathy in diabetic patients. Design: Quasi- experimental design where Pretest Posttest Non- equivalent group design, meeting the inclusion criteria, was selected by non-probability convenience sampling technique. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 30 patients in the experimental and 30 patients in the control group. Galer Neuropathy A pain assessment tool was used. Results: A comparison of the mean, SD and mean percentage of the control group's pre- and post-test scores shows that in the pre-test the mean score of the control group was (89.4 ± 2.81), which is 89%, while in the post-test the mean score was (68, 1 ± 2.55), which is 68%. It reveals a difference of 21%. Similarly, for the interventional group, the mean score in the pretest was (88.3±2.97), which is 88%, while in the posttest, the mean score was (32.5±2.28), which is 33%. It reveals a distinction of 55%. A contrast bath appeared to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: The results showed that the interventional group of diabetics experienced a reduction in neuropathic pain after the contrast bath. Therefore, a contrast bath is an effective intervention to reduce neuropathy pain in diabetic patients.

Exploring genetic association of systemic iron status and risk with incidence of diabetic neuropathy

BackgroundDiabetic neuropathy (DN), a frequent complication in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), is hypothesized to have a correlation with systemic iron status, though the nature of this relationship remains unclear. This study employs two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore this potential genetic association.MethodsWe used genetic instruments significant associated with iron status including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation, derived from an extensive Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) undertaken by the Genetics of Iron Status Consortium, involving a cohort of 48,972 European ancestry individuals. Summary statistics for DN were collected from a public GWAS, including 1,415 patients and 162,201 controls of European descent. Our MR analysis used the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted-median (WM) methods, Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept analysis, MR-Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) method, and leave-one-out analysis to ensure robustness and consistency of the findings.ResultsNo genetic causal relationship was found between iron status markers and DN (all IVW p value > 0.05). Interestingly, a causative effect of DN on ferritin (IVW: OR = 0.943, 95% CI = 0.892–0.996, p = 0.035) and transferrin saturation (IVW: OR = 0.941, 95% CI = 0.888–0.998, p = 0.044) emerged. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the absence of significant heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionWhile systemic iron status was not found to be causally related to DN, our findings suggest that DN may increase the risk of iron deficiency. These results provide further evidence supporting iron supplementation in patients with DN.

Assessing the Efficacy of Bortezomib and Dexamethasone for Induction and Maintenance Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Phase II CISL1701/BIC Study.

This multicenter, open-label, phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed/refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in previously treated patients across 14 institutions in South Korea. Between September 2017 and July 2020, 29 patients with histologically confirmed CTCL received treatment, consisting of eight 4-week cycles of induction therapy followed by maintenance therapy, contingent upon response, for up to one year. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an objective global response. Thirteen (44.8%) of the 29 patients achieved an objective global response, including two complete responses. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.8 months, with responders showing a median PFS of 14.0 months. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally mild, with a low incidence of peripheral neuropathy and hematologic toxicities. Despite the trend toward shorter PFS in patients with higher mutation burdens, genomic profiling before and after treatment showed no significant emergence of new mutations indicative of disease progression. This study supports the use of bortezomib and dexamethasone as a viable and safe treatment option for previously treated CTCL, demonstrating substantial efficacy and manageability in adverse effects. Further research with a larger cohort is suggested to validate these findings and explore the prognostic value of mutation profiles.

Facial nerve neuropathy during the COVID-19 pandemic: clinical features, acupuncture treatment approaches

BACKGROUND: Facial nerve neuropathy (FNN) is a common mononeuropathy in the general stage of development of the peripheral nervous system. During the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the incidence of facial neuropathy increased from 1.3% in 2019 to 3.5% in 2020. Acute isolated neuropathy of the facial nerve may be the first and only manifestation of various infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Several experts showed that the mechanisms of facial neuropathy development after a coronavirus infection is associated with neuroinflammation. Accepted therapeutic algorithms do not always lead to the expected results. Acupuncture potentially plays a key role in the treatment of this disease. In several cases, its superiority over drug treatment for FNN has been noted. No Russian studies on the treatment of post-COVID FNN were found. AIM: This study aimed to study the clinical features of the course of FNN after COVID-19, develop reflexology approaches to treatment, and compare the course of FNN between patients with a history of coronavirus infection and those without a history of COVID-19 infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group (after COVID-19) consisted of 16 patients with FNN (13 men, 3 women). The comparison group included 21 patients with FNN without a history of COVID-19 (15 men, 6 women). For a comprehensive patient assessment, clinical, neurological, and electroneuromyographic examination data were used. RESULTS: The treatment results of 16 patients with FNN that developed up to 12 weeks after suffering from COVID-19 were analyzed. The onset of the disease was accompanied by an arterial hypertension episode, which was observed for the first time in two patients. Nerve fiber damage was mixed and severe (52%). The dynamics of clinical and electrophysiological parameters in the study group (after COVID-19) were significantly slower compared to that of the group without a history of COVID. CONCLUSION: FNN that develops after COVID-19 is characterized by severe nerve fibers damage and a long course. Reflexology is an effective and safe method as part of complex therapy.

Vincristine exposure in Kenyan children with cancer: CHAPATI feasibility study.

The low incidence of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in Kenyan children may result from low vincristine exposure. We studied vincristine exposure in Kenyan children and dose-escalated in case of low vincristine exposure (NCT05844670). Average vincristine exposure was high. Individual vincristine exposure was assessed with a previously developed nomogram. A 20% dose increase was recommended for participants with low exposure and no VIPN, hyperbilirubinemia, or malnutrition. None of the 15 participants developed VIPN. Low vincristine exposure was seen in one participant: a dose increase was implemented without side effects. In conclusion, the participants did not develop VIPN despite having high vincristine exposure.