Normal hepatic vitamin-D metabolism in icteric primary biliary cirrhosis associated with pronounced vitamin-D deficiency symptoms.

The intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism of vitamin D were studied in a woman with icteric primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) complicated by pronounced bone pain and muscle weakness due to vitamin-D deficiency. The patient had a markedly reduced intestinal absorption of vitamin D, while the 25-hydroxylation of this vitamin was found to be normal despite the presence of longstanding icterus. The malabsorption of fat-soluble compounds secondary to the cholestasis was probably further impaired by several years of cholestyramine treatment. Administration of 1.25-(OH)2D3 increased intestinal calcium absorption, normalized serum calcium and increased bone mineral content of the proximal tibia. Furthermore, drastic improvement of muscle weakness and relief of bone pain were observed. It is recommended that repeated measurements of serum 25-(OH)D should be carried out in patients with PBC, and especially in those treated with cholestyramine. In certain vitamin D deficient patients, studies using radio-labelled vitamin D may provide clinically valuable information as to the exact site of the underlying disturbances.

Sclerosing polidocanol injections of small vessels to treat the chronic painful tendon.

The chronic painful tendon (tendinopathy, tendinosis) is generally considered difficult to treat, not seldom causing long-term disability and sometimes ending the sports or work carreér. Most common sites for tendinopathy are the Achilles-, patellar-, extensor carpi radialis brevis (ERCB)-, and supraspinatus tendons. The origin of pain has for many years been unknown, but recently, by using ultrasound (US) + colour Doppler (CD), immunohistochemical analyses of tendon biopsies, and diagnostic injections of local anaestesia, we found a close relationship between areas with vasculo-neural ingrowth and tendon pain. Sensory nerves (Substance-P-SP and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide-CGRP) were found inside and outside the vascular wall. In following clinical studies we have demonstrated good short-and mid-term clinical results using treatment with US+CD-guided sclerosing polidocanol injections, targeting the area with neovessels outside the tendon. Two-year follow ups have showed remaining good clinical results, and sonographically signs of remodelling with a significantly thinner tendon with a more normal structure. Whether the effects of polidocanol are mediated through destruction of neovessels, activity on nerves or a combination, is under evaluation.