We retrospectively investigated the effects of acupuncture on refractory peripheral facial paralysis. Among patients with Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome (type II) who underwent acupuncture between August 1996 and June 2004, were 29 patients with a minimum electroneuronography (ENoG) percent response of 0%, and NET scale-out (14 patients with Bell's palsy, 15 with Ramsay Hunt syndrome). Demographically, they 21 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 44.3±12.8 years. Their disease duration, and paralysis score assessed using the 40-point method (Yanagihara's method) were 43.2±23.9 days and 10.2±2.7 points, respectively. To evaluate treatment response, we employed the paralysis score, and a sequela score assessed using a modification of the sequela evaluation method designed by Nishimoto and Murata et al. The paralysis score exceeded 36 points within 6 months after onset. Five patients (17.2%) without sequelae were regarded as having achieved complete recovery, and 24 (82.8%) as having achieved incomplete recovery. When the minimum ENoG is 0%, recovery within 6 months beyond onset is considered impossible. The results suggest, however, the efficacy of acupuncture.
seconds ; Paralysis ; Acupuncture ; Sequela ; month

We retrospectively compared the treatment effects of electro-acupuncture against in situ acupuncture, in 15 Hunt's Syndrome patients who underwent acupuncture therapy in our institution between August 1996, and June 2004, and who had fulfilled 3 electroneurography (ENoG) criteria with a value of 0% within 90 days after onset, had a paralysis score of <20, and could be followed up for 6 months after onset. Electroacupuncture therapy was performed on the paralysis side of the faces of 8 patients (the electro-acupuncture group), while in situ acupuncture therapy was performed on the remaining 7 (the in situ acupuncture group). No significant differences were observed in the background factors between the two groups. Treatment results were evaluated using the 40-point paralysis score described by Yanagihara, as well as a sequela score, which was a modified method of the sequela assessment developed by Nishimoto and Murata et al. Changes in paralysis scores from first acupuncture therapy, out to 6 months post-onset were compared using repeated ANOVA measures, and Mann-Whitney U tests respectively. Recovery of paralysis scores did not significantly differ between the two groups (p=0.0507), although slightly better recovery was observed in the electroacupuncture group, as compared with the in situ acupuncture group. Additionally, sequelae scores did not significantly differ between the two groups (p=0.51). In recent years, many have been of the opinion that lowfrequency stimulation is contraindicated. In this study, however, the incidence of sequelae did not differ significantly between the electro-acupuncture therapy and the in situ acupuncture therapy groups, although slightly better paralysis recovery was observed in the former.

We report a 74-year-old woman who developed right-sided Hunt syndrome on July 3, XXXX, and who received stellate ganglion block and an infusion of aciclovir while hospitalized. Steroids were not used due to her diabetes. After discharge, she continued taking vitamin B₁₂, and received stellate ganglion block three times a week, but the paralysis did not show a tendency toward recovery. Following a combination of acupuncture and rehabilitation starting on October 6 (post-onset day 95), the paralysis score, which was 4 points on day 95, showed a tendency toward recovery : 32 points on day 186, and 36 points or more (within the normal range) on day 246. No apparent synkinesis was seen one year after the onset. Although Hunt syndrome appeared to be refractory due to her advanced age, presence of diabetes, unused steroids, complete paralysis with a paralysis score of 8 points or less, and no tendency to recover for three months or more, the results suggested that she responded to the combination of acupuncture and rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process involving high numbers of inflammatory cells and mediators which have multiple inflammatory effects on the airway. Interferon (IFN)-alpha, which is used widely for treating chronic hepatitis C, is reported to have an effect on patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome. Therefore, it may also be suitable for patients with severe asthma. OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of IFN-alpha on airway eosinophilia in a guinea pig model of asthma and the expression of adhesion molecules on human eosinophils and vascular endothelial cells. METHODS: After antigen challenge, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway eosinophilia were measured in a guinea pig asthma model with or without airway IFN-alpha administration. Expression of adhesion molecules on eosinophils and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was also evaluated with or without IFN-alpha. RESULTS: IFN-alpha inhibited eosinophil recruitment into the tracheal wall and improved airway hyperresponsiveness in sensitized guinea pigs. IFN-alpha also significantly suppressed IL-1 beta-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on HUVECs. However, IFN-alpha did not suppress platelet-activating factor-induced macrophage antigen-1 expression on human eosinophils. IFN-alpha significantly inhibited eosinophil adhesion to IL-1 beta-induced HUVECs and migration through IL-1 beta induced HUVECs. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the modulation of ICAM-1 in lung with pre-existing inflammation following treatment with IFN-alpha may be a novel and selective treatment for control of chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness associated with asthma.
Animals ; Asthma ; Churg-Strauss Syndrome ; Endothelial Cells ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Guinea Pigs ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Interferon-alpha ; Interferons ; Interleukin-1 ; Interleukin-1beta ; Lung ; Macrophages

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