Evaluation of efficacy and safety of vitiligo treatment with micro-needling combined with N-Acetylcysteine and micro-needling alone: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder caused by the selective degradation of melanocytes. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of microneedling with and without N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients with persistent and limited vitiligo. METHOD: This research employed a clinical trial design with double-blind randomization. Individuals affected by vitiligo and seeking treatment at Rasool Akram Medical Complex were divided into two separate treatment groups. In the intervention group, 24 affected areas underwent meso-microneedling using 5% NAC ampoules over six sessions, in addition to the application of 4.7% NAC cream once daily on the specified area. Conversely, the control group, consisting of 22 lesions, underwent microneedling using distilled water during six sessions. The severity of lesions and the extent of repigmentation were gauged using the Modified VETI Score. Assessment of treatment efficacy was determined through both physician evaluations and patient feedback. RESULTS: Twenty patients with a mean age of 36.4 years were recruited. The mean percentage of lesions and their intensity were significantly improved 2 weeks after the third session and 1 month after the end of the treatment (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups. Gender, age, family history, duration of disease, duration of disease stability, and history of hypothyroidism had no statistically significant relationship with patients' treatment outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Microneedling with or without the application of NAC appears to be an effective treatment option for persistent vitiligo lesions. However, despite the higher improvement rate with the application of NAC, the difference was not significant.

Efficacy and safety of combined microneedling therapy for androgenic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To provide dermatologists with more clinical experience in treating androgenetic alopecia, we evaluated the effect and safety of combined microneedling therapy for androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: Studies on combined microneedling for hair loss were comprehensively searched by us in PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, and the Cochrane Library Database. The literature search spanned the period from 2012 to 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed, and the literature was screened according to this criteria. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. The researcher applied Revman 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software to analyze the data after extracting information from the data. RESULTS: Finally, 13 RCTs involving 696 AGA patients were included to compare the clinical effectiveness and adverse events of combined MN therapy with single MN therapy or single drug therapy for AGA. The results of meta-analysis showed as follows: (1) Hair density and diameter changes: The combined MN group was significantly better than any single treatment group, and the differences were statistically significant (MD = 13.36, 95% CI = [8.55, 18.16], Z = 5.45, p < 0.00001; MD = 18.11, 95% CI = [13.70, 22.52], Z = 8.04, p < 0.00001; MD = 13.36, 95% CI = [8.55, 18.16], Z = 5.45, p < 0.00001; MD = 2.50, 95% CI = [0.99, 4.02], Z = 3.23, p = 0.001); (2) the evaluation of satisfaction for efficacy: The doctor satisfaction rating of the combined MN group was significantly higher than that of any single treatment group, with statistical difference (RR = 2.03, 95% CI = [1.62, 2.53], Z = 6.24, p < 0.00001). The difference between the two groups regarding patients satisfaction was not significant (RR = 3.44, 95% CI = [0.67, 17.59], Z = 1.49, p = 0.14). (3) Safety: There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between combination therapy and monotherapy (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = [0.62, 1.12], Z = 1.22, p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: The combined MN group showed statistically significant improvement in hair density and diameter, and good safety compared with monotherapy.

Dry needling in a multimodal rehabilitation protocol following rotator cuff repair surgery: study protocol for a double-blinded randomized sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is one of the main causes of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is a common surgical procedure for the management of RCTs. Presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrP) as a result of surgical procedure can aggravate postoperative shoulder pain. The purpose of this protocol is to describe a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the effect of implementing 4 sessions of myofascial trigger point dry needling (MTrP-DN) within a multimodal rehabilitation protocol following RCR surgery. METHODS: Forty-six participants aged 40-75 will be recruited having postoperative shoulder pain after RCR and meeting the inclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly divided into 2 groups: One group will undergo MTrP-DN, manual therapy, exercise therapy and electrotherapy and the other will receive sham dry needling (S-DN), manual therapy, exercise therapy and electrotherapy. This protocol will cover 4 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome measure will be the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain. Secondary outcome measures will be Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPDI), range of motion (ROM), strength and adverse events. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to investigate the use of 4 sessions of MTrP-DN in combination with a multimodal rehabilitation protocol for postoperative shoulder pain, restriction, weakness and dysfunction following RCR. The results of this study may help to determine the effect of MTrP-DN on various outcomes after RCR surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at the ( https://www.irct.ir ), (IRCT20211005052677N1) on 19/2/2022.

Dry needling of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle reduces postural control in standing: A pre-post stabilometric study.

There are studies that show the better balance after dry needling in lumbar pain. However, the postural control effects after foot dry needling are unknown. Our objective was to check if dry needling reduces postural control. Eighteen subjects with flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle Myofascial trigger point were evaluated pre- and post-deep dry needling. We measured stabilometric variables in a pre-post study. We have found significant differences in three stabilometric variables: surface with eyes closed (29.36-53.21 mm2 ) (p = 0.000), medium speed of the laterolateral displacement with eyes closed (1.42-1.64 mm/s) (p = 0.004), and medium speed of the anteroposterior displacement with eyes closed (1.30-1.53 mm/s) (p = 0.025). Dry needling therapy application in FDB muscle reduces standing postural control with eyes closed.

A Clinical Trial Protocol to Compare the Effect of Dry Needling and Acupoint Dry Needling on Wrist Flexor Spasticity after Stroke.

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults worldwide, with spasticity after stroke being one of the more common complications. Dry needling (DN) has been demonstrated to decrease spasticity in stroke patients, although its effects on improving function remain unclear. The purpose of this study protocol is to compare the short-term effects of DN versus acupoint DN on wrist flexor spasticity and upper extremity function in patients with stroke. Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial will be conducted to include patients with stroke and upper extremity spasticity and functional disability. Twenty-four patients with stroke will be randomly assigned to either the DN or acupoint DN (DNap) group. These groups will receive three DN sessions during a one-week period of the wrist flexor muscles or at the LI4 & TE5 acupoints, respectively. The primary outcome measure is the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) of spasticity. The secondary outcomes are the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of motor function (FMA) and the goniometry to assess the active and passive range of motion of the wrist. Data will be collected at baseline, immediately after the end of three sessions DN, and at a one-week follow-up visit. Discussion: The results of this comparative study will help to determine the more effective method for reducing spasticity and improving motor function in patients with stroke.

Electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy in the treatment of active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain is considered to be one of the main causes of absenteeism from work and primary and specialized consultations. The symptoms of nonspecific chronic low back pain may be accompanied by the activation of myofascial trigger points in the muscles, together with local and/or referred pain. Electrical dry needling is increasingly used in the treatment of lumbar myofascial pain. Conventional physiotherapy, however, is a popular approach to chronic pathologies, and there is evidence of different modalities of physiotherapy being used in the treatment of chronic low back pain. The aim of this study has been to determine the effectiveness of electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy when applied to active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. METHODS: This is a controlled, randomized, two-arm, double-blind study. A total of 92 patients with chronic low back pain (time to onset ≥ 3 months, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire score ≥ 4) will be recruited from the University of Almería. Participants will be divided into two study groups (n = 40) to receive treatment of low back pain with electrical dry needling and conventional physiotherapy (ischaemic compression, analytic stretching and postural education training dossier). A total of 6 sessions will be administered once a week for 6 weeks. Pain intensity, disability, fear of movement, quality of life, quality of sleep, anxiety and depression, pressure pain threshold, abdominal strength and lumbar mobility will be recorded at 6 weeks (post-immediate) and 2 months after the end of treatment. DISCUSSION: We believe that an approach including electrical dry needling to chronic low back pain dysfunction will be more effective in these patients. The results of this study will inform clinicians on which type of treatment is more beneficial for patients with chronic low back pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04804228. Registered on 14 January 2021.

Common Dermatologic Procedures and the Associated Complications Unique to Skin of Color.

BACKGROUND: The skin of color (SOC) population in the United States continues to grow, and these patients are undergoing various cosmetic and surgical procedures at increasing rates. There is a paucity of data on the potential complications associated with surgical and cosmetic procedures in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: We aim to educate dermatologic surgeons and clinicians on surgical and cosmetic procedures in patients of color and increase awareness of the potential complications unique to this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough PubMed literature search was performed to conduct this review. RESULTS: There are a number of complications in SOC that require special attention, including keloids, postoperative infections, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. There are also various precautions to consider when performing cosmetic procedures, such as neurotoxin and filler injections, laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels. CONCLUSION: Dermatologists should be aware of the potential cosmetic and surgical complications of this growing patient population to provide optimal evidence-based medical care.

Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have evaluated radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) in various dermatologic conditions. However, the efficacy and safety of RFMN, and how it compares with other energy-based devices in a clinician's armamentarium, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To review higher-quality evidence supporting RFMN and the dermatologic conditions which it can be used in. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 13, 2020, using the terms: "radiofrequency microneedling" OR "fractional radiofrequency" OR "radiofrequency needling" OR "radiofrequency percutaneous collagen induction." Only randomized, split body or blinded studies with original data on humans were included. Non-English or non-dermatology-related studies were excluded. RESULTS: Forty-two higher-quality studies were included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 14 studies for skin rejuvenation, 7 for acne scars, 6 for acne vulgaris, 5 each for striae and axillary hyperhidrosis, 2 for melasma, and 1 each for rosacea, cellulite, and androgenetic alopecia. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency microneedling is an effective intervention that can be used repeatedly and safely in combination with other treatment modalities and in individuals with darker skin phototypes. Radiofrequency microneedling-induced dermal remodeling and neocollagenesis are slow and progressive but continue to improve even 6 months after treatment.

The Electric Shock during Acupuncture: A Normal Needling Sensation or a Warning Sign.

The electric shock has been proposed as one of the new needling sensations in recent years. In acupuncture sensation scales, the electric shock is included by ASS and SNQS, but not SASS, MASS, and C-MMASS. Some scholars argue that the electric shock is a normal needling sensation, but some researchers do not agree with this view. This problem has not been resolved due to a lack of evidence from basic research. Literature and research point out that the electric shock is caused by inserting a needle into the nerve directly. A question of considerable scientific and practical interest is whether the electric shock should be a normal needling sensation. In this article, we review the historical documentation of the needling sensation and the process of formulating and improving acupuncture sensation scales to suggest that the electric shock may not be a normal needling sensation. Secondly, we collected and analyzed cases of nerve injury caused by acupuncture accompanied by the electric shock and why acupuncture caused the electric shock without nerve injury. It suggests that there may be a correlation between the electric shock and peripheral nerve injury, and acupuncture manipulation is an essential factor in adverse acupuncture events. Finally, we put forward that the electric shock during acupuncture is a warning sign that the peripheral nerve may be injured, rather than a normal needling sensation. In the future, we hope to have experimental studies on the mechanism of the electric shock or observational studies on the correlation between the electric shock and peripheral nerve injury to verify.

Effectiveness of Dry Needling in the Management of Spasticity in Patients Post Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of the dry needling technique (DNT) in the treatment of spasticity for individuals with stroke. DESIGN: We reviewed the Embase, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. We also performed a manual search of the references that are included in the selected articles. Studies included were: i) randomized clinical trials (RCTs); ii) involving patients with a diagnosis of stroke; and iii) using DNT alone or in a multimodal treatment. Muscular spasticity was the primary outcome of the study. The additional outcomes included were: pressure pain sensitivity, range of motion and perception of pain. The analysis of the certainty of the evidence was analyzed using GRADE. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials. RESULTS: A total of six RCTs with 221 patients were included in this systematic review, where a significant decrease in spasticity was observed in most of the muscles evaluated, though the certainty of the evidence was low. The effects were only evaluated in the short term in all included studies and the sample size was small. CONCLUSION: These results should be taken with caution because the included studies are few in number and have different comparators. More RCTs are needed to cover aspects of biases found in the literature, in particular the blinding of participants and personnel.

A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Microneedling in the Treatment of Melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that is often recalcitrant to current therapies. Microneedling is used to treat scars, striae, and rhytides and has a relatively low risk of post-treatment dyspigmentation. Several studies have examined its use in melasma. OBJECTIVE: To review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of microneedling in the treatment of melasma. METHODS: A systematic review was performed. A meta-analysis could not be performed because of methodological differences across studies and data heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eight studies were included for analysis. Most studies assessed the utility of microneedling in combination with other topical therapies and detected some success. However, microneedling-mediated transdermal delivery of medications is not superior to microinjections of medications. There is less evidence supporting the use of microneedling as monotherapy. Microneedling, when used with a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, may provide additional benefit, although with a risk of post-treatment dyspigmentation. CONCLUSION: Based on low-quality evidence, microneedling may play a role in the treatment of melasma, with the mechanism of action likely being the facilitation of delivery of topical therapies to the epidermis and dermis, and one ancillary benefit of this approach being the very low risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Tranexamic Acid for Melasma Treatment: A Split-Face Study.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmented skin disorder. Tranexamic acid (TXA) prevents ultraviolet radiation induced pigmentation in melasma through interfering with the plasminogen-plasmin pathway. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of TXA by intradermal injection versus TXA with microneedling for melasma treatment. METHODS: Fifty-six female patients with bilateral symmetrical melasma were recruited in a split-face study. All patients received an intradermal injection of TXA on one side of the face, and the other side received TXA with microneedling for 6 sessions at 2 weeks intervals. Clinical efficacy was assessed using a modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) score at the baseline and after treatment. Global photographs underwent blinded review by 2 dermatologists. Patient self-assessment and satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: After the treatment, the mMASI score was significantly reduced compared with the baseline in both treated sides (p < .001). No significant difference between both treated sides (p > .05). Patient satisfaction was higher in the microneedling-treated side than the intradermal-injected side (p < .001). No significant adverse effects were observed in both treated sides. CONCLUSION: Intradermal injection and microneedling of TXA could be safe and effective in melasma treatment. Microneedling of TXA was significantly more satisfying to the patients.

Opposing needling for analgesia and rehabilitation after unilateral total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, sham-controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of opposing needling in patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Opposing needling is one of the special needling methods used in acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. It involves needling acupoints on the contralateral side for pain management. Although, opposing needling is used for pain management in clinics, evidence to support its effectiveness as an analgesic after total knee arthroplasty is scant. We designed a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate efficacy and safety of opposing electroacupuncture (EA) in alleviating pain associated with unilateral total knee arthroplasty. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a protocol for a randomized controlled patient- and assessor-blinded trial with three parallel arms (A, opposing EA; B, operated side EA; C, sham EA). Yinlingquan (SP9), Yanglingquan (GB34), Futu (ST32), and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints are selected for all three groups. In group A, the healthy side will be treated with EA, while the operated side will be administered sham EA. In group B, the operated side will be treated with EA while on the healthy side sham EA will be used. For group C, sham EA will be used on both sides. All patients in the three groups will receive treatment once a day for 3 days. The post-operative pain measured using a visual analogue scale score (including pain while resting and being active) and the additional dose of the patient-controlled analgesic pump after operation will be recorded as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes such as knee function and swelling, range of motion (including active and passive range of motion), post-operative anxiety, and acupuncture tolerance will also be assessed. DISCUSSION: Opposing needling is a potential non-pharmacological treatment for relieving pain and improving functional rehabilitation after TKA, during which patients receive acupuncture on the healthy side rather than on the operated side. This sham controlled clinical trial, designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of opposing needling for patients after TKA, will provide evidence for pain management and functional rehabilitation after unilateral TKA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800020297 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=34231&htm=4). Registered 22 December 2018.

Efficacy of microneedling versus fractional Er:YAG laser in facial rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Microneedling and fractional lasers have been used in facial rejuvenation with acceptable results and low adverse effects. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of microneedling with fractional Er:YAG in facial skin rejuvenation. PATIENTS/METHODS: This study was planned as a split-face clinical trial. Volunteers were randomly allocated to receive three monthly treatments on each side of the face, one with fractional Er:YAG laser and one with microneedling. The assessments included investigating clinical outcomes by two blinded dermatologists accompanied by measuring skin biophysical characteristics including cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Moreover, possible adverse effects, downtime, and patients' satisfaction were recorded at baseline, 1 month after each treatment, and 3 months after the last treatment session. The protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20160820029436N3). RESULTS: Of the 32 selected volunteers, 24 subjects completed the study. The clinical assessment showed a significant improvement of the face appearance along with a significant reduction in dyschromia, and periorbital wrinkling (P-value < .05), with both procedures without any considerable difference between two methods. Moreover, the patients showed substantial satisfaction with both modalities with no statistically significant difference. Mean TEWL and CRRT values also decreased significantly in both groups with no considerable difference. The downtime was significantly shorter in the microneedling-treated side. There were no long-lasting or severe adverse effects after treatment with both methods. CONCLUSION: Microneedling and fractional Er:YAG laser have comparable efficacy in facial rejuvenation, but little downtime of the former makes it preferable for many patients.

Dry Needling Combined With Guideline-Based Physical Therapy Provides No Added Benefit in the Management of Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the added benefit of combining dry needling with a guideline-based physical therapy treatment program consisting of exercise and manual therapy on pain and disability in people with chronic neck pain. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Participants were randomized to receive either guideline-based physical therapy or guideline-based physical therapy plus dry needling. The primary outcomes, measured at 1 month post randomization, were average pain intensity in the previous 24 hours and previous week, measured with a numeric pain-rating scale (0-10), and disability, measured with the Neck Disability Index (0-100). The secondary outcomes were pain and disability measured at 3 and 6 months post randomization and global perceived effect, quality of sleep, pain catastrophizing, and self-efficacy measured at 1, 3, and 6 months post randomization. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen participants were recruited. At 1 month post randomization, people who received guideline-based physical therapy plus dry needling had a small reduction in average pain intensity in the previous 24 hours (mean difference, 1.56 points; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11, 2.36) and in the previous week (mean difference, 1.20 points; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.21). There was no effect of adding dry needling to guideline-based physical therapy on disability at 1 month post randomization (mean difference, -2.08 points; 95% CI: -3.01, 5.07). There was no effect for any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: When combined with guideline-based physical therapy for neck pain, dry needling resulted in small improvements in pain only at 1 month post randomization. There was no effect on disability. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(8):447-454. Epub 9 Apr 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9389.

The Effect of Dry Needling on Lower Limb Dysfunction in Poststroke Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Spasticity is one of the main complications in poststroke survivors leading to difficulties in walking and standing resulting in high levels of disability. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of deep dry needling on lower limb dysfunction in poststroke spastic patients. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial conducted in poststroke survivors who were assigned to one of 2 groups: Deep dry needling (intervention group) and sham dry needling (control group). The primary outcome measures were Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and functional tests (timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test). Secondary outcome measures were active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AROM), passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (PROM), single leg stance test, and Barthel index. All measurements were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately after the third session 1 week later (T1), and 1 month after the end of the intervention (T2). RESULTS: We recruited 24 patients (71% male; mean age 57 ± 10 years; 26.4 ± 1.8 kg•m-2; time since event: 25.2 ± 12.5 months). There were significant improvements in MMAS, timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test, Barthel scale, and PROM (P < .05) in the intervention group compared to controls across the time-points. There were no significant improvements in AROM assessments (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Deep dry needling decreases muscle spasticity and improves lower limb function and gait speed in poststroke survivors.

Safety of Combined Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency and CO2 as an Early Intervention for Inflammatory Acne and Scarring Treated With Concomitant Isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMRF) systems are popular options for treating acne scars. However, treatment efficacy when used in combination with traditional ablative fractional laser (AFL) and the safety profile with concomitant use of isotretinoin remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of an early intervention combination treatment protocol for inflammatory acne and acne scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic records of 71 patients with inflammatory acne and acne scars were included in this retrospective observational study. Data were collected for all patients who received combination FMRF and AFL. Within the study group, 43 patients were receiving low-dose isotretinoin or had completed isotretinoin within the past 3 weeks. RESULTS: The mean Scar Global Assessment score significantly decreased after 3 sessions of combination treatment (n = 71). Patients with inflammatory acne showed a significant decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions (n = 30). Patients with concomitant low-dose isotretinoin use reported a further decrease in Scar Global Assessment score (n = 43). There were no reported persistent side effects, including prolonged inflammatory reaction or scarring. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with FMRF and AFL is an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality for acne scars and inflammatory acne.