ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and inflammatory reaction of venous ulcer of lower extremity.MethodsTwenty-four patients with active venous ulcer of lower extremity (active ulcer group), 24 patients with non exudative venous ulcer of lower extremity as positive control (non-active ulcer group), and 24 patients with traumatic wound as negative control (traumatic-wound group) were enrolled. The clinical data of the three groups were compared, the tissue samples around the wound were harvested, and the expressions of NLRP3 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry among the three groups. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the IL-1β and IL-18 protein levels, RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of apoptosis associated speck like protein containing CARD (ASC), caspase-1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitor alpha (NF-κB IkBα), and Western blotting was performed to evaluate the level of NLRP3 inflammasome in wound tissues.ResultsThe inflammatory response in the non-active ulcer group and trauma-wound group were milder than that in the active ulcer group. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in the active ulcer group were higher than those in the non-active ulcer group and the traumatic-wound group [IL-1β: (146.621±11.597) ng/L vs. (80.967±14.213) ng/L vs. (84.962±19.484) ng/L, F=136.200, P<0.001; IL-18: (119.814±12.788) ng/L vs. (72.899±17.220) ng/L vs. (48.131±10.407) ng/L, F=167.910, P<0.001]. The results of RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expressions of ASC [(0.030±0.012) ng/L vs. (0.021±0.005) ng/L vs. (0.016±0.004) ng/L, F=18.106, P<0.001], caspase-1 [(0.054±0.012) ng/L vs. (0.013±0.009) ng/L vs. (0.018±0.006) ng/L, F=130.372, P<0.001], NF-κB p65 [(0.093±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.038±0.013) ng/L vs. (0.043±0.014) ng/L, F=110.950, P<0.001], NF-κB IkB-α [(0.085±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.078±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.041±0.016) ng/L, F=53.070, P<0.001], and JNK [(0.075±0.018) ng/L vs. (0.042±0.013) ng/L vs. (0.039±0.014) ng/L, F=41.271, P<0.001] in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group were higher than those in the non-active ulcer group and the traumatic-wound group. And the mRNA expression of p38 in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group was lower than that in the non-active ulcer group [(0.050±0.008) ng/L vs. (0.064±0.014) ng/L, P<0.05]. The result of Western blotting showed that the relative expression level of NLRP3 protein in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group was higher than that in the trauma-wound group and non-active ulcer group (0.767±0.272 vs. 0.605±0.212 vs. 0.556±0.183, F=4.804, P=0.012).ConclusionNLRP3 inflammasome is closely related to the wound in venous ulcer of lower extremity and provides a new target to the therapy of venous ulcer of lower extremity.
In order to summarize the experience in the treatment of ischemic necrosis of lower extremities resulted from thrombotic occluded angittis, 15 cases were reported, which were treated by primary arterization in situ of V. Saphena magna. With a period of follow-up, 4-26 months on the average, it was found that symptoms in 14 cases were much allayed obviously, except 1 case with little relief. It suggested that primary arterization in situ of V. saphena magna could improve the circulation of the ischemic extremity rapidly without any influence of venous reflux.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of surgical thrombectomy for acute deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities. Methods Randomized controlled trials of surgery versus conservative treatment were sought from MEDLINE (1966-Jun.2006), EMbase (1974-Jun.2006), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2006), CBM (1989-Jun. 2006) and CMCC (1994-Jun. 2006). Collections of Chinese Congress on Vascular Surgery (1991-Jun.2006) and the journal of Vascular Surgery (2000-Jun. 2006) were handsearched. Two reviewers independently extracted data into a designed extraction form. The guidance in The Cochrane Collaboration’s Handbook was consulted for quality evaluation and data analysis. Results Six potentially eligible studies were identified. Six were included according to the inclusion criteria. The 6-month total patency was significantly higher in the surgical treatment group than in the conservative treatment group with OR 7.26 and 95%CI 2.40 to 21.94, while the 5-year total patency was not different between the two groups with OR 2.59 and 95%CI 0.88 to 7.67. At month 6 and year 5, the incidence of post-thrombosis syndrome (PTS) was significantly higher in the conservative treatment group than in the surgical treatment group with OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.59 to 1.59, OR0.18, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.60 respectively. The incidence of 10-year PTS and the results of valvular function measurements were similar between the two groups. The incidence of pulmonary thrombosis was also comparable between the two groups with OR 1.40 and 95%CI 0.39 to 4.97. Conclusion Surgical thrombectomy may improve the extent of patency and venous valvular sufficiency in the short term, but without increasing the patency rate. There is no enough evidence to assess whether surgical throbectomy improves long-term outcomes. It is safe to preform surgical thrombectomy. The small number of patients randomised and the low quality of the trials decreases the reliability of the current evidence. Therefore, more high quality randomised controlled studies should be done, to determine the long-term outcomes of surgical thrombectomy.
Objective To investigate the short-term result of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremity. Methods A total of 289 cases of acute DVT in lower extremity who got treatment in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian City People’s Hospital and Xuzhou Central Hospital from March 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled prospectively, and of them, 125 cases of system thrombolysis (ST) group underwent ST, 164 cases of CDT group underwent inferior vena cava filter placement (IVCF)+CDT. Clinical effect was compared between the 2 groups. Results Clinical symptoms of all cases were obviously relieved, and limb swelling was significantly reduced. Of the CDT group, 73 cases presented iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS), and 43 cases of them underwent the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent implantation. In CDT group, there was 1 case complicated by catheter displacement, 10 cases suffered from puncture site ecchymosis, 3 cases suffered from hematuria. In ST group, there was 1 case suffered from pulmonary embolism (PE), 14 cases suffered from bleeding gums, 22 cases suffered from hematuria, 3 cases suffered from skin and mucosa petechia, and 2 cases suffered from melena (didn’t need transfusion). The morbidity of ST group was higher than that of CDT group (P=0.002). There were 18 cases suffered from recurrence in ST group, 15 cases suffered from recurrence in CDT group, but there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the 2 groups (P=0.786). In addition, the dosage of urokinase, thrombolysis time, blood vessel patency score, thigh circumference after treatment, and calf circumference after treatment in ST group were all higher than those of CDT group (P<0.050), but the Villalta score in ST group was lower than that of CDT group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in hospital stay (P=0.383). Conclusion For acute DVT in lower extremity, CDT has a superior short-term outcome with safety and feasibility.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin for perioperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with lower extremity fracture after splenectomy. MethodsThe clinical data of 50 patients with splenic rupture combined with lower extremity fracture between January 2009 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were given enoxaparin sodium at 48 hours after splenectomy, and stopped at 24 hours before fracture surgery. After fracture surgery, the patients were divided into aspirin group (group A, 15 cases), low molecular weight heparin group (group B, 16 cases), and low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin group (group C, 19 cases) according to different anticoagulation regimens. The treatment course was 28 days. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, fracture site, time from injury to operation, complications, and other general data between groups (P>0.05). The occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was observed; hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT), D-D dimer, and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) were recorded before operation and at 1, 3, and 7 days after operation, and the effect of anticoagulation regimen on coagulation function was observed. The incidences of wound complications and bleeding related complications were recorded, and the total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss were calculated. Results The incidences of VTE in groups A, B, and C were 13.33% (2/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 5.26% (1/19), respectively, and there was no significant difference between groups (χ2=0.770, P=0.680). There was no portal vein thrombosis and no VTE-related death in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in the levels of Hb, PLT, D-D dimer, and FDP between groups before and after operation (P>0.05); and there was no significant difference in total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss between groups (P>0.05). No local skin necrosis was found in all patients. In group A, 1 case occurred redness and swelling of incision; in group B, 1 case had incision discharge, redness, and swelling, and 1 case had fat liquefaction; in group C, 1 case had repeated incision exudation accompanied by local tissue redness and swelling, and 1 case had local hematoma. The incidences of adverse incision in groups A, B, and C were 6.66% (1/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 11.76% (2/19), respectively, with no significant difference (χ2=0.302, P=0.860). There were 4 cases of bleeding related complications, including 1 case of incision ecchymosis in groups A and B respectively, with the incidence of 6.66% and 6.25%, respectively; there was 1 case of incision hematoma and 1 case of bleeding in group C, with the incidence of 11.76%; showing no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding related complications between groups (χ2=0.268, P=0.875). Conclusion Perioperative combined use of low molecular weight heparin and aspirin for prevention of anticoagulation in patients with splenic rupture and lower extremity fracture can effectively prevent the occurrence of VTE without increasing the incidence of complications, which is an effective and safe treatment method. However, whether the incidence of VTE can be reduced needs to be further studied by expanding the sample size.
Objective To report the methods and clinical effect of the lateral crural flaps in repairing anterior tibal, dorsal and calcaneal softtissue defects. Methods From August 1999 to December 2004, 18cases of defects were repaired with lateral crural flap, including 15 cases of anterior tibal, dorsal and calcaneal softtissue defects with vascular pedicled island lateral crural flaps and 3 cases of dorsal pedal soft-tissue defects with free vascular lateral crural flaps.〖WTHZ〗Results All flaps survived after operation.Insufficient arterial supply of the flap occurred in 2 cases after operation, the pedicled incision sewing thread was removed and lidocain was injected around vascular pedicle, then the flap ischemia was released. Inadequate venous return and venous hyperemia occurred in 1 case because peroneal vein was injured duringoperation.The flap edge skin was cut and heparin was locally dripped for one week, the flap vascular cycle was resumed. All patients were followed up two months to one year, the flaps were not fat, and the elasticity was good. Conclusion It is safe and reliable to use lateral crural flap to repair anterior tibial, dorsal pedal and calcaneal soft-tissue defects.
Objective To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of flaps in therepairment of soft tissue defects in upper extremity. Methods Based on the 2 609 cases of flaps in 2 512 patients from 1995 to 2004,the advantages and disadvantages of different sort of flaps, outcomes of treatment and indications of different soft of flaps were analyzed retrospectively. In the series, 2 089 pieces of the traditional flaps of different sorts were applied in 1 992 patients, 474 piecesof the axial flaps of different sorts were applied in 474 patients, different sorts of free flaps were used in 46 patients. Results Follow-ups were done for 1 month to 9 years (2.7 months in average). 2 531 flaps survived (97.01%); complete necrosis occurred in 10 flaps(0.38%); partial necrosis occurred in 68 flaps(2.61%). Of the 2 089 traditional flaps, 46 had partial necrosis(2.2%); 687 needed flap revisions(32.9%). Of the 474 axial flaps, 28 had complete or partial necrosis(5.9%); 82 needed revisions(17.3%). Of the 46 free flaps, 4 had complete or partial necrosis(8.7%) and nearly all the anterolateral flpas of thighs needed revisions.Conclusion Traditional flaps had the advantages of easy manipulation and the highest survival rate, however, also had the disadvantages of poor texture and many timesof operations. The flap with a pedicle had the advantage of good texture, consistent artery, free-range arc, however, the venous congestion was its disadvantage, which impaired the survival of the reverse flap. Free flap had the advantage ofgood texture and abandant donor site, but complicate manipulation was its shortage. Axial Flap with a pedicle is the optional choicefor repairing soft tissue defects in upper extremity.
Objective To compare the immediate therapeutic effects between endovenous laser treatment and conventional surgery for lower extremity varicosity. Methods Data of 350 limbs of 275 patients treated by endovenous laser treatment (endovenous laser treatment group) and 310 limbs of 210 patients by traditional surgery (traditional surgery group) were analyzed and compared in terms of operation time, number of the incision, postoperative pain, complications, postoperative hospitalized duration and 1-year recurrence rate. Results Endovenous laser treatment group had shorter operation time, fewer incisions, less postoperative pain and shorter postoperative hospitalized duration than traditional surgery group (Plt;0.05). The complications and 1-year recurrence rate had no significant differences between two groups (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion As a safe and effective new treatment for lower extremity varicosity with minimal invasiveness and no left scars, endovenous laser treatment has the potential to replace conventional surgery and extend the surgical indications for lower extremity varicosity treatment.
Objective To discuss the reconstructive method of the bone defect after resection of the upper extremity bone tumor and to assess the outcome of the autograft to reconstruct the bone defect after the bone tumor resection. Methods From August 1998 to March 2004,16 patients aged 7~45 years suffering from bone tumor of the upper extremity were treated with the wide resection of the bone tumor and the reconstruction of the bone defect by the autograft. The following diagnoses were confirmed by pathological examination:Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma of theproximal humerus in 1 patient each; Ewing’s sarcoma of the distal humerus in 2 patients;giant cell tumor in 8 patients, highgrade chondrosarcoma in 2, malignant fibrohistiocytoma in 1; and osteosarcoma in 1 of the distal radius. Substitution of the proximal humerus with the clavicle was performed in 2 patients, andthedistal humerus with the fibula in other 2 patients. Of the 12 patients with tumor in the distal radius, 1 was reconstructed with autograft of the iliac bone and 11 with autograft with the fibula. The functional outcome was evaluated by the MSTS score. Results The follow-up for 36 and 12 months respectively revealed that in the 2 patients undergoing the autograft with the clavicle in the proximal humerus, good shoulder functions of flexion and extension were obtained although the function of abduction was poor, with the MSTS scores of 23 and 22 respectively. In the 2 patients undergoing the autograft with the fibular in the distal humerus, good elbow function and bone union were observed according to the followup for 3 and 4 months respectively, with the MSTS scores of 24 and 19 respectively. Of the 12 patients undergoing the autograft in the distal radius, 11 had an excellent or good function with no complication, with the average MSTS score of 22.6 (ranging from 18 to 27), accordingto the follow-up for 6-75 months; only 1 had no bone union 10 months after operation and lost the follow-up afterwards. Conclusion Reconstruction ofthe bone defect with the autograft after the wide resection of the upper extremity bone tumor is an ideal and reliable method for some suitable patients, especially for some children.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of free profounda artery perforator flap (PAPF) in the posteromedial femoral region for the treatment of traumatic skin defects of limbs.MethodsBetween March 2015 and April 2017, 11 cases of traumatic limb skin defect with deep tissue exposure were treated with free PAPF in posteromedial femoral region. There were 7 males and 4 females, with an average age of 39 years (range, 26-54 years). There were 4 cases of upper limb skin defect and 7 cases of lower limb skin defect. The causes of injury included 6 cases of traffic accident injury, 3 cases of machine crush injury, and 2 cases of crush injury. The size of wounds ranged from 11 cm×7 cm to 18 cm×11 cm. The time from post-traumatic admission to flap repair were 4-9 days (mean, 7.3 days). The size of free PAPF ranged from 15 cm×9 cm to 22 cm×13 cm. The donor site of 8 cases were closed directly; 3 cases could not be closed directly, and skin grafting was used to cover the wound.ResultsThe time of skin flap harvest was 40-90 minutes (mean, 47 minutes). All flaps and skin grafts survived and the wounds healed by first intention. All the 11 patients were followed up 6-19 months (mean, 12 months). The skin flaps were soft in texture, similar in color to the skin around the injured limbs, without obvious pigmentation and hair overgrowth. Three of them underwent second-stage skin flap thinning. At last follow-up, the limb function of all patients recovered well. Longitudinal scar could be seen in the donor site of the flap, and the location was concealed. All patients did not complain that scar of the donor site affected their sexual life during the follow-up.ConclusionFree PAPF can achieve satisfactory results in repairing skin defects of extremities. The flaps have the advantages including constant perforator branches, simple operation, and concealed donor site.