A Case of Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 3B and Peripheral Neuropathy Due to Thiamine Deficiency.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS) type 3B is characterized by presence of autoimmune thyroid disease, chronic atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia. In this report, we present a rare case of APS type 3B with neuropathy by thiamine deficiency. A 65-year-old man had a history with hypothyroidism, gastritis, gastrectomy for gastric cancer and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Patient developed polyneuropathy with not mecobalamin but thiamine deficiency. Serum anti-thyroglobin (TG), anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and anti-gastric parietal cell antibodies were positive. He was treated with thiamine supplementation and improved muscle weakness, sensory impairment and gait disturbance. Classically, it is reported gastric cancer related to hypothyroidism. Additionally, thiamine deficiency can be caused by gastrectomy. Here, his thiamine deficiency was related to APS type 3B, leading to polyneuropathy.

Neurological complications of excessive recreational nitrous oxide use: a case series based on a text mining algorithm.

BACKGROUND: The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) has gained popularity over recent years. We present a case series of excessive N2O users with neurological complications. METHODS: In this retrospective three-centre study, we used a text mining algorithm to search for patients who used N2O recreationally and visited a neurologist. RESULTS: We identified 251 patients. The median duration of N2O use was 11 months (interquartile range [IQR], 3-24) and the median amount of N2O used per occasion 1.6 kg (IQR 0.5-4.0). Clinically, polyneuropathy (78%), myelopathy (41%), and encephalopathy (14%) were the most common diagnoses. An absolute vitamin B12 deficiency of < 150 pmol/L was found in 40% of cases. In 90%, at least one indicator of functional vitamin B12 status (vitamin B12, homocysteine, or methylmalonic acid) was abnormal. MRI showed signs of myelopathy in 30/55 (55%) of cases. In 28/44 (64%) of those who underwent electromyography, evidence of axonal polyneuropathy was found. Most (83%) patients were treated with vitamin B12 supplementation, and 23% were admitted to the hospital. Only 41% had follow-up for ≥ 30 days, and 79% of those showed partial or complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series of excessive N2O users, we describe a high prevalence of polyneuropathy, myelopathy, and encephalopathy. Stepwise testing for serum levels of vitamin B12, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid may support the clinical diagnosis. Due to low sensitivity, MRI of the spinal cord and electromyography have limited value. Effective treatment should incorporate supplementation of vitamin B12 and strategies to prevent relapses in N2O use.

Impact of social-functioning and sleep on quality of life in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The impact of impairment of social functioning and sleep on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), is unknown in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The value of the Chronic Acquired Polyneuropathy Patient-Reported Index (CAP-PRI) to identify potential social functioning and sleep issues is equally unknown. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of social functioning and sleep using the "Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease" (SCOPA) in 40 subjects with clinically-stable CIDP through a structured questionnaire. We assessed HR-QoL through the CAP-PRI. Disability was evaluated through the Overall Neuropathy Limitation Score (ONLS). RESULTS: SCOPA social functioning scores were impaired at least "a little" per averaged item in > 50 % of subjects, and at least "quite a bit" per averaged item in > 20 %. Most affected items were (i) difficulty with work/household/other chores (ii) difficulties with hobbies/sport/leisure activities. SCOPA sleep sub-scores indicated at least "a little concern" for night-time sleep in nearly 50 % of subjects. Abnormal sleep timing was rare. Associations were found between both SCOPA social-functioning and SCOPA sleep scores and the CAP-PRI. Linear regression demonstrated the SCOPA social-functioning score was independently associated with the CAP-PRI. The CAP-PRI showed high association with disability scores, good internal consistency, absence of ceiling effect, absence of significant floor-effect, and good criteria-related as well as construct-related validity. DISCUSSION: Social functioning and night-time sleep are frequently affected in CIDP and impact on HR-QoL. In contrast to traditional disability scales, the CAP-PRI additionally allows adequately capturing these impairments and may represent an adequate holistic outcome measure.

Acute polyneuropathies after bariatric surgery: does immunity play a role? Case series and literature review.

BackgroundThe incidence of bariatric surgery (BS) is on the rise, and the prevalence of complications associated with this procedure has also increased. The most common neurologic complications of BS are peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy. In this study, we presented the clinical and electrophysiological courses of five patients with acute-subacute axonal polyneuropathy after BS.MethodWe evaluated neurological examinations, micronutrient deficiencies (B12, folic acid, thiamine, and vitamin D), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) disability scores.Cases All patients were female; the average weight loss was 35.2 ± 7.52 kg, and the CSF protein level was 40.98 ± 6.99 mg/d. All patients underwent vitamin supplementation and physical therapies. The presence of more pronounced axonal involvement in NCS and the higher likelihood of normal CSF protein levels in BS-related acute polyneuropathy patients suggest that the underlying pathogenesis may differ from classical GBS. In the presented studies in the literature, inflammation is frequently observed in nerve biopsies of BS patients, suggesting that both micronutrient deficiencies and immune mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment may improve neurologic deficits in patients with GBS-like clinical presentations. In the presented study, three patients were treated with IVIG, while two patients were treated with plasma exchange therapy followed by IVIG. Three cases improved significantly and were able to walk without assistance at one year visit.ConclusionIn patients with bariatric surgery (BS)-associated polyneuropathy, immunotherapy, and intensive pre- and post-operative nutritional management may improve patients' morbidity. Therefore, we suggest close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team for PBS patients.

Nitrous oxide-induced polyneuropathy, pancytopenia and pulmonary embolism: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Nitrous oxide is a medical and household gas that has seen its use drift to recreational purpose among the young population in recent years. Significant neurological, hematological and psychiatric side effects, generally related to an induced functional vitamin B12 deficiency, have been described separately in the literature. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old woman of North African origin experienced an exceptional combination of polyneuropathy, bilateral pulmonary embolism and severe pancytopenia related to vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia induced by recreational nitrous oxide use. After treatment with vitamin B12 supplementation and intensive rehabilitative management, the patient progressively regained the ability to walk and her biological parameters gradually returned to normal. The pathophysiological mechanisms related to a decrease in vitamin B12 activity are the reduction of products needed for synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid, carbohydrate or fatty acids, and the increase of hyperhomocysteinemia. Other mechanisms involving a direct action of N2O are also suspected. CONCLUSION: This case report brings elements to support our knowledge about pathological pathway, recovery and prognosis of recreational N2O abuse complications. The general and medical population should be aware to the serious consequences of this type of consumption.

Efficacy and safety of high-dose intramuscular vitamin D2 injection in type 2 diabetes mellitus with distal symmetric polyneuropathy combined with vitamin D insufficiency: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is the most common chronic complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DSPN may lead to more serious complications, such as diabetic foot ulcer, amputation, and reduced life expectancy. Observational studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with the development of DSPN in T2DM. However, interventional studies have found that low-dose vitamin D supplementation does not significantly improve neuropathy in DSPN. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intramuscular injection of high-dose vitamin D (HDVD) in T2DM with DSPN combined with vitamin D insufficiency. Methods and analysis: We will conduct a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial in four large hospitals. All eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the vitamin D2 supplement or placebo control group and injected intramuscularly monthly for 3 months. Additionally, anthropometric measurements and clinical data will be collected at baseline and 3 months. Adverse events will be collected at 1, 2, and 3 months. The primary outcome measure is the change in the mean Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) score at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. We will use the gold-standard liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to distinguish between 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 levels. The MNSN score before the intervention will be used as a covariate to compare the changes between both groups before and after the intervention, and the analysis of covariance will be used to analyze the change in the MNSI score after HDVD supplementation. Discussion: Glycemic control alone does not prevent the progression of DSPN in T2DM. Some studies have suggested that vitamin D may improve DSPN; however, the exact dose, method, and duration of vitamin D supplementation are unknown. Additionally, neuropathy repair requires HDVD supplementation to sustain adequate vitamin D levels. This once-a-month intramuscular method avoids daily medication; therefore, compliance is high. This study will be the first randomized controlled trial in China to analyze the efficacy and safety of HDVD supplementation for patients with T2DM and DSPN and will provide new ideas for pharmacological research and clinical treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2200062266.

Polyneuropathy Associated with Age of Starting the Transfusion and Serum Ferritin Level in Iranian Patients with Thalassemia Major and Intermedia.

Considering the importance of managing patients with ß-thalassemia and the importance of early detection of disease complications, we examined the rate of sensorimotor neuropathy in patients with ß-thalassemia and the risk factors related to it. This cross-sectional study included 44 blood transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia patients aged 5 years and older. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were performed via standard procedures for both motor and sensory nerves. Neuropathy was observed in 14 patients (31.8%). NCS results for sensorimotor nerves in patients were within normal range. In motor NCS results, increased ulnar nerve amplitude was observed in patients with increasing age, and peroneal nerve delay in patients with an increase in serum ferritin level (p < 0.05). In sensory NCS results, delayed ulnar and sural nerves latencies were found in patients with an increase in serum ferritin level (p < 0.05). We provide data that sensorimotor neuropathy exists in thalassemia patients. It seems that with the increase of serum ferritin level and the age of patients, neuropathy becomes more obvious, while other factors such as gender, body mass index, and the number of transfusions may not be associated with neuropathy.

Copper Deficiency and Polyneuropathy: A Case Report.

Although copper plays a pivotal role in numerous physiological processes, its deficiency is virtually indistinguishable from subacute combined degeneration due to cobalamin deficiency. Moreover, the co-occurrence of deficiencies in other micronutrients and vitamins is common, making the diagnosis even more challenging. Here, we describe a case of copper deficiency in a 50-year-old woman who presented with altered mental status and bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness, numbness, and paresthesia. She was treated for cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy secondary to hepatic injury. While her mental symptoms improved, her physical symptoms continued to worsen, and she was transferred for further evaluation. The neurologic examination was positive for sensory neuropathy including decreased vibration/proprioception and ataxia in arms and legs; complete blood count showed pancytopenia; but infectious workup, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoimmune studies, and brain/spine magnetic resonance imaging were normal. A nerve conduction study showed generalized, axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Micronutrient/trace element deficiency was suspected in the setting of gastric bypass surgery, and supplementation was successfully initiated. Though uncommon, clinical copper deficiency is increasingly frequently recognized in the inpatient setting, and permanent neurological damage can occur prior to diagnosis and treatment. Physicians should have an elevated clinical suspicion of copper deficiency in cases of polyneuropathy and pancytopenia in patients with a history of bariatric surgery.

A randomized placebo-compared study on the efficacy of classical ayurvedic pharmaceutical form versus aqueous alcoholic extracts of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. Plus Sida cordifolia Linn. in patients of diabetic sensory polyneuropathy.

BACKGROUND: In routine, Ayurveda practitioners prefer classical pharmaceutical form of herbal medicines in compare to modern extracts. OBJECTIVE: To explore the difference of efficiency between whole drug powder of Phyllanthus niruri plus root decoction of Sida cordifolia and modern extracts of the same in compared to placebo in patients of diabetic poly-neuropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, partly-double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of two different pharmaceutical forms of herbal medicines over placebo in 90 patients (30 in each group) of diabetic sensory polyneuropathy for first three weeks period. After three weeks, active herbal medication groups were continued with their assigned medicaments for next 5 weeks period and all placebo-patients were randomized again into 2 groups of active medication and treated for next 8 weeks. Patients were assessed with Neuropathy Total Symptom Score 6 and sensation thresholds. RESULTS: Significant effect of both form of herbal medicines over placebo was found in aching pain [F (2, 49) = 6.79, p = 0.002], allodynia [F (2, 59) = 6.74, p = 0.002], burning pain [F (2, 82) = 14.66, p < 0.0001], numbness [F (2, 77) = 16.37, p < 0.0001] and pricking pain [F (2, 50) = 14.23, p < 0.0001]. After the 8 weeks period, no significant difference was identified between the effect of both the herbal treatment on aching pain (U = 220, p = 0.03), allodynia (U = 421.5, p = 0.29), burning pain (U = 881.5, p = 0.846), numbness (U = 778, p = 0.92) and pricking pain (U = 260, p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: Both herbal groups have significant effect to reduce NTSS-6 score in compare to placebo. No significant difference found between the effect of two different pharmaceutical forms of Phyllanthus niruri and S. cordifolia.

Metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency can cause or worsen distal symmetrical, autonomic and cardiac neuropathy in the patient with diabetes.

Metformin blocks the absorption of vitamin B12 through a mechanism that has not been established but could be because of interference with the calcium-dependent binding of the intrinsic factor vitamin B12 complex to the cubam receptor in the terminal ileum. The subsequent deficiency of vitamin B12 may cause or accelerate distal symmetrical and autonomic neuropathy in the patient with diabetes. Several observational studies and meta-analyses have reported a significant association between metformin utilization and vitamin B12 deficiency. Prospective studies have shown that not only do metformin utilizers have lower vitamin B12 levels but they also have higher frequencies of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy (including cardiac denervation, which is associated with increased incidences of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac events and mortality). Therefore, periodic monitoring of vitamin B12 is recommended in all patients who utilize metformin, particularly if metformin has been used for over 5 years at which stage hepatic stores of vitamin B12 would probably be depleted. Factors that accelerate the loss of hepatic vitamin B12 stores are proton pump inhibitors, bariatric surgery, being elderly and having an increased turnover of red blood cells. If serum vitamin B12 levels are borderline, measurement of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels can detect vitamin B12 deficiency at its earliest stage. Therapies include prophylactic calcium and vitamin B12 supplements, metformin withdrawal, replenishing vitamin B12 stores with intramuscular or oral vitamin B12 therapy and regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels and vitamin B12 supplements if metformin continues to be utilized. With adequate vitamin B12 replacement, while symptoms of neuropathy may or may not improve, objective findings of neuropathy stabilize but do not improve.

The use of photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER trial).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer patients. METHODS: A prospective, randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER) was set up with 32 breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03391271). Patients were randomized to receive PBM (n = 16) or placebo treatments (n = 16) (2 × /week) during their chemotherapy. The modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), Numeric pain Rating Scale (NRS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group Taxane (FACT/GOG-Taxane) were used to evaluate the severity of CIPN and the patients' quality of life (QoL). Outcome measures were collected at the first chemotherapy session, 6 weeks after initiation of chemotherapy, at the final chemotherapy session, and 3 weeks after the end of chemotherapy (follow-up). RESULTS: The mTNS score increased significantly over time in both the control and the PBM group. A significantly higher score for FACT/GOG-Taxane was observed in the PBM group during chemotherapy compared to the control group. Questions of the FACT/GOG-Taxane related to sensory peripheral neuropathy symptoms showed a significant increase in severeness over time in the control group, whereas they remained constant in the PBM group. At follow-up, a (borderline) significant difference was observed between both groups for the 6MWT and patients' pain level, in benefit of the PBM group. CONCLUSIONS: This NEUROLASER trial shows promising results concerning the prevention of CIPN with PBM in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, a better QoL was observed when treated with PBM.

Vitamin B6 levels do not correlate with severity of neuropathy in chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) toxicity is known to cause a length-dependent, sensory predominant axonal polyneuropathy. There is debate regarding the threshold at which intake levels can cause neurological symptoms through pyridoxine toxicity. We asked if elevated plasma vitamin B6 levels were related to outcome measures in a well-characterized cohort of patients with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP). We included 261 patients enrolled in the Peripheral Neuropathy Research Registry who had a complete dataset including a plasma vitamin B6 value. Patients with vitamin B6 deficiency (0-4.9 µg/L) were excluded. We performed a chi-square test for independence and analyzed the logistic relation of elevated plasma B6 level to nerve conduction studies (NCS), neurological examination findings, and patient-reported symptoms controlling for age and time elapsed since neuropathy symptom onset. Plasma B6 level was not related to neuropathy severity. There was no logistic relation of elevated plasma B6 level to NCS results, examination features including toe strength, vibration sense, and deep tendon reflexes, or patient-reported numbness or pain intensity. This study suggests that moderately elevated plasma B6 levels, even in the 100 to 200 µg/L range, are not associated with significantly worse neuropathy signs or symptoms. Although standard supplementation of B6 does not appear to have a major negative affect on CIAP, this study does not directly answer whether stopping supplementation will have a beneficial effect. Very few patients in the study had vitamin B6 levels >300 µg/L, suggesting that screening for vitamin B6 toxicity may be left to the discretion of the physician.

Clinical relevance of testing for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with polyneuropathy.

OBJECTIVE: Determine vitamin B12 threshold levels below which additional testing of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and/or homocysteine (Hcy) is useful to diagnose metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with polyneuropathy, and how vitamin B12, MMA and Hcy levels relate to the effect of supplementation therapy. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study of 331 patients with polyneuropathy, vitamin B12, MMA and Hcy were measured. Linear regression models with vitamin B12 as dependent and Hcy or MMA as covariate were compared, to assess which was best related to vitamin B12. Threshold vitamin B12 levels for metabolic deficiency (defined as elevatede metabolites) were determined using logistic regression with elevated metabolites as dependent and vitamin B12 as covariate. A structured interview was conducted in 42 patients to evaluate response to vitamin B12 supplementation. RESULTS: MMA was best related to vitamin B12. Using elevated MMA for metabolic deficiency, we found 90% sensitivity at a vitamin B12 threshold level <264 pmol/L (358 pg/mL) and 95% sensitivity at <304 pmol/L (412 pg/mL). Improvement after supplementation was reported by 19% patients and stabilization by 24%. 88% of patients with improvement and 90% with stabilization either had absolute deficiency (Vitamin B12 < 148 pmol/L) or metabolic deficiency (elevated MMA and vitamin B12 ≥ 148 pmol/L). There were no additional patients with improvement or stabilization with isolated elevated Hcy. CONCLUSION: Testing of MMA has additional value in identifying patients with clinically relevant metabolic deficiency when vitamin B12 is below 304 pmol/L (412 pg/mL). Supplementation can be effective in patients with absolute and metabolic deficiency.

Supervised home-based resistance training for managing idiopathic peripheral polyneuropathy - A case report.

PURPOSE: This case report aimed to investigate the effects of supervised home-based resistance training (RT) on functional capacity and mental health on a man with idiopathic peripheral polyneuropathy (PP). METHOD: A 50-year-old man diagnosed with PP with no previous experience in RT performed 24 session of home-based RT for 12 weeks. Resistance training consisted of 3 exercises performed with 3 sets and lasted approximately 30 min per session. Exercises were performed with minimal implements (e.g., elastic tubes and light dumbbells). The Patient was evaluated for muscle performance, functionality, anxiety levels, and depressive symptoms before and after intervention period. Muscle performance was evaluated though 30-s push up test (PU30), functional capacity was evaluated through functional tests [sit to stand test (SST), arm curl (AC), and 2-min step test (2-MST)] and anxiety levels and depressive symptoms were evaluated through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck's depression inventory (BDI), respectively. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the performance on PU30 increased 40% (from 8 to 11 repetitions), while the performance on SST, AC and 2-MST increased 100% (from 4 to 8 repetitions), 44% (from 16 to 23 repetitions) and 157% (from 47 to 121 repetitions), respectively. Anxiety state and trait levels have been reduced 24% (from 42 to 32 scores) and 4% (from 47 to 45 scores), respectively. There was no change for BDI. CONCLUSION: Supervised home-based RT using low cost and affordable equipment was a feasible strategy to provide functional capacity and mental health benefits in a patient with PP.

Hypnosis Sedation Reduces the Duration of Different Side Effects of Cancer Treatments in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Reducing side effects of cancer treatments is a major challenge for clinicians involved in the management of breast cancer patients. METHODS: We analyzed data from 63 patients (32 in the general anesthesia group and 31 in the hypnosis sedation group) who were included in 1 prospective non-randomized trial evaluating hypnosis sedation in breast cancer treatment. The patients were followed every 3 months for 2 years. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 4 cycles of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by taxanes. Thereafter, patients underwent surgery while on general anesthesia or while on hypnosis sedation. Radiotherapy was administered according to institutional guidelines. Endocrine therapy was prescribed if tumors expressed hormone receptors. Prevalence, intensity and duration of polyneuropathy, musculoskeletal pain, postoperative pain and cancer-related fatigue were assessed at each medical visit. RESULTS: Symptoms duration was statistically reduced for polyneuropathy (p < 0.05), musculoskeletal pain (p < 0.05) postoperative pain and cancer-related fatigue (p < 0.05) in the hypnosis group. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of this study (lack of randomization and small size) we conclude that hypnosis sedation may exert a role on different side effects of breast cancer treatment in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mainly by reducing their duration.

A new glance at the role of traditional medicines in treatment of cancers.

In this letter, the authors noticed the previously published article entitled "How to transfer traditional knowledge about medicinal herbs? or TCM plants: a black box for modern oncologists" by Büntzel et al. The article mentioned traditional Persian Medicine (PM) as the second most published item in the field of medicine for the treatment of oral mucositis and polyneuropathy in cancer patients. We performed a second attempt to find more clinical trials on herbal medications using Iranian Medicine (IM), Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM), or Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) as added terms to the keywords. In conclusion, we found four more clinical trials on herbal medicines in this field. This survey increases the number of PM trials detected by Büntzel, J et al. to 19 investigations.

How to transfer traditional knowledge about medicinal herbs? or TCM plants: a black box for modern oncologists.

OBJECTIVE: How could we transfer knowledge about healing plants from other cultures? We analyzed the results of literature search in two exemplary fields-oral mucositis and polyneuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In both systematic searches of existing literature, we found 57 studies investigating 68 plants from different traditional cultures (16 Western Medicine, 14 Persian Medicine, 9 Japanese, 10 Chinese, and 8 other sources). We analyzed studies regarding their ingredient plants and reproducibility in relation to the system of origin. RESULTS: Western and Persian Medicine trials investigate single plants, whereas Japanese and Chinese trials focus on mixtures and decoctions. European folk medicine knows of only 50% of plants used in both Asian cultures. The used ingredients and dosages were reproducible in all analyzed trials except TCM studies. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal knowledge has been transferred from all folk medicines worldwide. However, Western oncologists should be aware that Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are still a black box of knowledge for us until today.

Effects of anodyne treatment on local blood flow and cutaneous sensation of the foot in a patient with peripheral neuropathy secondary to acromegaly.

Acromegaly is an excessive amount of serum growth hormone, which may present with sensorimotor polyneuropathy, affecting sensation and/or blood flow in the limbs. Symptoms include numbness, tingling or pain with impaired sensation including kinesthesia and proprioception. We report here of a 48-year-old male with a defined diagnosis of acromegaly and surgical excision of a pituitary adenoma 20 years ago. Recently he reports feet stepping on, and not feeling, objects under foot and balance problems starting 10 years ago. This study used a single-subject A-B-A design to show that behavioral changes are evident only in the presence of an intervention. Intervention consisted of Monochromatic Infrared Light Energy (MIRE), delivered by the Anodyne Therapy System (ATS). The DRT-4 laser Doppler measured red blood cell flux (flow), concentration and velocity. Levels of significance utilized the two standard deviation band method. Peripheral sensation of eight sites on each foot assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) revealed a lack of sensation in the feet. A treatment effect as exhibited by blood flow velocity and red blood cell concentration was detected after the third week of treatment indicating peripheral dilation of the microvasculature. MIRE was an effective intervention for the treatment of acromegaly - induced polyneuropathy in this patient.