1.Clinical and Neuroelectrophysiological Features of Autoimmune Nodopathy
Hongfei TAI ; Xunyan HUANG ; Songtao NIU ; Bin CHEN ; Yuzhi SHI ; Xingao WANG ; Fan JIAN ; Hua PAN ; Zaiqiang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):191-199
To summarize the clinical characteristics, antibody spectrum and neuroelectrophysiological features of autoimmune nodopathy(AN), and to explore the phenotypic differences among different antibody-positive subgroups. The clinical and electrophysiological data of patients definitely diagnosed with AN in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from October 2018 to January 2026 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 33 patients with AN were included. Antibody examination results showed that, anti-neurofascin(NF)155 antibody was the most prevalent, detected in 17 patients(51.50%), followed by anti-contactin-1(CNTN1) antibody in 8 patients(24.24%). Anti-NF186 antibody(4 cases, 12.12%), anti-contactin-associated protein 1(Caspr1) antibody(2 cases, 6.06%) and dual-target antibody positivity(2 cases, 6.06%) were relatively uncommon. The main clinical manifestations of AN patients included symmetric distal paresthesia of the extremities(32 cases, 96.97%), limb weakness(31 cases, 93.93%) and sensory ataxia(25 cases, 75.76%). Different antibody-positive subgroups presented distinct phenotypic features: patients with positive anti-NF155 antibody had a relatively younger age of onset, chronic onset and a high incidence of tremor, which was dominated by immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 subclass antibodies; patients with positive anti-CNTN1 antibody had a relatively advanced age of onset, mostly presented with acute or subacute onset, and were prone to complicated nephrotic syndrome; patients with positive anti-NF186 antibody had relatively mild nerve conduction damage; patients with anti-Caspr1 antibody manifested acute or subacute onset, with relatively elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein level and 24-h intrathecal IgG synthesis rate. The prominent neuroelectrophysiological manifestations of AN included decreased motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, prolonged distal latency, frequent non-compressive conduction block and abnormal temporal dispersion. Definite sensory nerve action potentials could not be elicited in more than half of the patients. Patients with AN show high heterogeneity in clinical and neuroelectrophysiological characteristics, and different antibody-positive subgroups correspond to specific clinical and neuroelectrophysiological phenotypes.
2.Intervention Strategies for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Combined Classical Formulas Based on the Theory of "Disease of Both Blood and Water"
Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE ; Jie WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Ziyi WANG ; Dongmei LI ; Junqiao AN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):370-374
Based on the theory of "disease of both blood and water" in Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (《金匮要略》), and in combination with the dynamic syndrome evolution of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), this paper systematically clarifies the pathomechanism of HFpEF, characterized by yang deficiency as the root, blood stasis as the pivotal factor and water retention as the manifestation. Accordingly, the therapeutic principles have been proposed, which are warming yang and banking up original qi to consolidate the root, activating blood and unblocking collaterals to smooth the mechanism, and promoting urination and regulating pivot to remove the branch. On this basis, a compound formula structure of "one monarch, one minister and one assistant" is established, forming an integrated intervention strategy that synergistically combines the three methods of warming yang, activating blood, and promoting urination through combined classical formulas. Zhenwu Decoction (真武汤), which warms yang and dissolves rheum, is used to consolidate the root and directly target the source of yang deficiency, serving as the monarch; Guizhi Fuling Pills (桂枝茯苓丸), which activates blood, promotes urination and unblocks the pivot, assists in interrupting the binding of blood stasis and water retention, serving as the minister; Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (葶苈大枣泻肺汤), which regulates qi, disperses retained fluids, and eliminates the manifestation, alleviates acute water-retention symptoms, serving as the assistant. This compound formula is warming without being drying, diuretic without being drastic, and dispels stasis without consuming blood, thereby achieving the therapeutic effects of warming yang, activating blood, and promoting urination.
3.Analysis of comparator selection strategies for pharmaceutical enterprises in the national reimbursement drug list access application
Qingwen WANG ; Qin AN ; Xiaoyan YUAN ; Yuzhi HAN ; Xi CHEN ; Hongyan WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):985-990
OBJECTIVE To analyze the selection and rationales of comparators for pharmaceutical enterprises in their medical insurance access application, so as to provide a reference for promoting communication and consensus between enterprises and medical insurance authorities in this process. METHODS The application materials for drugs outside the catalogue that passed formal review published by the National Healthcare Security Administration from 2021 to 2025 were extracted, and then content analysis was used to systematically sort out relevant information of the declared drugs and comparators; the specific situations and rationales of pharmaceutical enterprises’ selection of comparators were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 1 341 declared drug documents were collected. Data analysis showed that 1 035 (77.18%) were submitted with positive comparators and 306 (22.82%) used blank comparators; 58 drugs (4.33%) took combination therapy as the reference, and 5 drugs (0.37%) referred to non-pharmacological (or non-single pharmacological) treatment regimens. Among competitive drugs declared by multiple enterprises, 50.00% of the enterprises submitted different comparators. A total of 4 basic conditions and 39 additional conditions were extracted as the rationales for selecting positive comparators. For blank comparators, 12 drug-related factors, 2 administrative factors, and 1 other factor were identified. More than 10% of the drugs did not state the rationale for comparator selection, and over 44% of drugs using blank comparators provided only one justification. CONCLUSIONS Pharmaceutical enterprises mainly select comparators based on their own interests in the medical insurance access application, and there are deficiencies in the adequacy and standardization of their selection basis and reasoning. It is recommended that enterprises follow the principled requirements of medical insurance authorities, and fully and normatively explain the reasons for selecting comparators in combination with the characteristics of their own products. Meanwhile, it is advisable to change the current open-ended statement form of selection reasons into a closed-ended answering mode, so as to highlight the priority of selection, standardize the declaration behavior of enterprises, and reduce communication divergences between the two parties.
4.Effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方) on Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins in Neurons and the Intestinal Barrier in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats
Naxin WEI ; Yingfan CHEN ; Xiaorong QI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1640-1649
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方, BSHXF) in Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspectives of synaptic vesicle cycling and intestinal barrier function. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, model group, Madopar group, and BSHXF group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administered rotenone by gavage once daily for 4 consecutive weeks to establish a PD rat model. After successful modeling, rats in the BSHXF group received concentrated BSHXF solution by gavage at a dose of 13.5 g/(kg·d), while rats in the Madopar group received Madopar tablet suspension at 2 g/(kg·d). Rats in the control group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage at 10 ml/(kg·d). All groups received continuous gavage treatment for 2 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using the open field test (total distance traveled, average speed, and total distance traveled in the central zone), rotarod test (latency to fall), and balance beam test (traversal time). Histopathological changes in colon tissues were observed by HE staining. Western Blotting was used to detect the protein levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated serine 129 α-synuclein (pSer129-α-syn), vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the substantia nigra and colon tissues. The mRNA expression levels of α-syn, VAMP2, and SYP were detected by RT-PCR, and α-syn expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the levels of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin in colon tissues, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group showed reduced total distance traveled, average speed, and central-zone distance in the open field test, decreased latency to fall in the rotarod test, and prolonged traversal time in the balance beam test. The protein levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn, as well as α-syn mRNA expression were increased in the substantia nigra and colon tissues, whereas the protein and mRNA expression levels of VAMP2 and SYP were decreased. The relative integrated optical density of α-syn in the substantia nigra and colon tissues was increased, while the relative fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissues and TH in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed focal necrosis in the mucosal layer of colon tissues, disappearance of some intestinal glands, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the submucosa. Compared with the model group, both the Madopar group and BSHXF group showed varying degrees of improvement in the above indicators (P<0.05). Pathological damage in colon tissues was also alleviated, with only mild fibrous tissue proliferation and limited diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration observed in the mucosal layer. Compared with the Madopar group, rats in the BSHXF group exhibited increased average speed, central-zone distance, and latency to fall in the rotarod test. The levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn proteins in the substantia nigra were decreased, while VAMP2 protein expression was increased. In colon tissues, SYP protein levels and mRNA expression were elevated. The relative fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 in colon tissues and TH in substantia nigra tissues was also increased (P<0.05). ConclusionBSHXF may improve motor dysfunction in PD by regulating synaptic vesicle cycling, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and improving neuronal synaptic function through modulation of synaptic vesicle-associated protein expression in the substantia nigra and colon tissues.
5.Effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方) on Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins in Neurons and the Intestinal Barrier in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats
Naxin WEI ; Yingfan CHEN ; Xiaorong QI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1640-1649
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方, BSHXF) in Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspectives of synaptic vesicle cycling and intestinal barrier function. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, model group, Madopar group, and BSHXF group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administered rotenone by gavage once daily for 4 consecutive weeks to establish a PD rat model. After successful modeling, rats in the BSHXF group received concentrated BSHXF solution by gavage at a dose of 13.5 g/(kg·d), while rats in the Madopar group received Madopar tablet suspension at 2 g/(kg·d). Rats in the control group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage at 10 ml/(kg·d). All groups received continuous gavage treatment for 2 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using the open field test (total distance traveled, average speed, and total distance traveled in the central zone), rotarod test (latency to fall), and balance beam test (traversal time). Histopathological changes in colon tissues were observed by HE staining. Western Blotting was used to detect the protein levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated serine 129 α-synuclein (pSer129-α-syn), vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the substantia nigra and colon tissues. The mRNA expression levels of α-syn, VAMP2, and SYP were detected by RT-PCR, and α-syn expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the levels of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin in colon tissues, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group showed reduced total distance traveled, average speed, and central-zone distance in the open field test, decreased latency to fall in the rotarod test, and prolonged traversal time in the balance beam test. The protein levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn, as well as α-syn mRNA expression were increased in the substantia nigra and colon tissues, whereas the protein and mRNA expression levels of VAMP2 and SYP were decreased. The relative integrated optical density of α-syn in the substantia nigra and colon tissues was increased, while the relative fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissues and TH in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed focal necrosis in the mucosal layer of colon tissues, disappearance of some intestinal glands, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the submucosa. Compared with the model group, both the Madopar group and BSHXF group showed varying degrees of improvement in the above indicators (P<0.05). Pathological damage in colon tissues was also alleviated, with only mild fibrous tissue proliferation and limited diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration observed in the mucosal layer. Compared with the Madopar group, rats in the BSHXF group exhibited increased average speed, central-zone distance, and latency to fall in the rotarod test. The levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn proteins in the substantia nigra were decreased, while VAMP2 protein expression was increased. In colon tissues, SYP protein levels and mRNA expression were elevated. The relative fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 in colon tissues and TH in substantia nigra tissues was also increased (P<0.05). ConclusionBSHXF may improve motor dysfunction in PD by regulating synaptic vesicle cycling, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and improving neuronal synaptic function through modulation of synaptic vesicle-associated protein expression in the substantia nigra and colon tissues.
6.Clinical Application of Qili Qiangxin Capsules in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Review
Dongmei LI ; Ziyi WANG ; Yuzhi JIA ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Jia SUN ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):306-313
This study systematically dissects the core pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) featured by internal deficiency and external excess,imbalance of Qi,blood,Yin,and Yang,and intermingling of phlegm,blood stasis,and fluid retention. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic principles of simultaneously treating root cause and symptoms,regulating Yin and Yang,replenishing Qi and activating blood,and promoting urination to relieve edema,this article deeply explores the formula-syndrome correspondence of Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsules in the treatment of CHF,providing a solid theoretical basis for the multi-effect characteristics of this drug. CHF is a common critical cardiovascular disease in clinical practice,and its pathological process involves multiple links including myocardial injury,neurohumoral disturbance,and ventricular remodeling. Its TCM pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple Zang-Fu organs,making it difficult for a single therapeutic method to achieve comprehensive coverage. QLQX capsules,formulated based on classical TCM theory,perfectly matches the pathogenic characteristics of CHF. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that QLQX capsules possess definite cardiotonic,diuretic,and vasodilatory effects. The active ingredients of QLQX capsules can rapidly and effectively alleviate the core clinical symptoms such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,decreased exercise tolerance,limb edema,palpitations,and fatigue of CHF patients by enhancing myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow,improving renal water excretion function,dilating peripheral blood vessels,and reducing cardiac load,thereby significantly improving patients' quality of life. On the basis of analyzing the symptomatic treatment of CHF with QLQX capsules,this study further expounds that the drug can intervene in ventricular remodeling through multiple pathways and targets,regulate the pathological mechanism of CHF,improve vascular endothelial function,mediate the activation of related signaling pathways,inhibit the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts,and regulate myocardial energy metabolism,thus delaying disease progression. QLQX capsules exert significant benefits in reducing composite cardiac events,improving New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),6-minute walking distance (6MWD),and quality of life,demonstrating favorable clinical value. With the TCM pathogenesis of CHF as the guiding principle and modern pharmacology as the evidence,this study systematically clarifies the core advantage of QLQX capsules in treatment based on syndrome differentiation and multi-target synergy through the in-depth integration of TCM theory and modern pharmacology. It provides academic support with both theoretical depth and practical value for TCM intervention in CHF,and contributes TCM wisdom and schemes to the construction of a chronic disease management system with Chinese characteristics.
7.Clinical Application of Qili Qiangxin Capsules in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Review
Dongmei LI ; Ziyi WANG ; Yuzhi JIA ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Jia SUN ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):306-313
This study systematically dissects the core pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) featured by internal deficiency and external excess,imbalance of Qi,blood,Yin,and Yang,and intermingling of phlegm,blood stasis,and fluid retention. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic principles of simultaneously treating root cause and symptoms,regulating Yin and Yang,replenishing Qi and activating blood,and promoting urination to relieve edema,this article deeply explores the formula-syndrome correspondence of Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) capsules in the treatment of CHF,providing a solid theoretical basis for the multi-effect characteristics of this drug. CHF is a common critical cardiovascular disease in clinical practice,and its pathological process involves multiple links including myocardial injury,neurohumoral disturbance,and ventricular remodeling. Its TCM pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple Zang-Fu organs,making it difficult for a single therapeutic method to achieve comprehensive coverage. QLQX capsules,formulated based on classical TCM theory,perfectly matches the pathogenic characteristics of CHF. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that QLQX capsules possess definite cardiotonic,diuretic,and vasodilatory effects. The active ingredients of QLQX capsules can rapidly and effectively alleviate the core clinical symptoms such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,decreased exercise tolerance,limb edema,palpitations,and fatigue of CHF patients by enhancing myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow,improving renal water excretion function,dilating peripheral blood vessels,and reducing cardiac load,thereby significantly improving patients' quality of life. On the basis of analyzing the symptomatic treatment of CHF with QLQX capsules,this study further expounds that the drug can intervene in ventricular remodeling through multiple pathways and targets,regulate the pathological mechanism of CHF,improve vascular endothelial function,mediate the activation of related signaling pathways,inhibit the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts,and regulate myocardial energy metabolism,thus delaying disease progression. QLQX capsules exert significant benefits in reducing composite cardiac events,improving New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),6-minute walking distance (6MWD),and quality of life,demonstrating favorable clinical value. With the TCM pathogenesis of CHF as the guiding principle and modern pharmacology as the evidence,this study systematically clarifies the core advantage of QLQX capsules in treatment based on syndrome differentiation and multi-target synergy through the in-depth integration of TCM theory and modern pharmacology. It provides academic support with both theoretical depth and practical value for TCM intervention in CHF,and contributes TCM wisdom and schemes to the construction of a chronic disease management system with Chinese characteristics.
8.Characterization of Animal Models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Hypertension Based on Clinical Symptoms in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Ziyi WANG ; Xingyu FAN ; Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):230-236
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are common and frequent chronic non-communicable diseases, which often coexist in clinical practice, resulting in a large number of cardiovascular events and deaths, and their case fatality rate far exceeds that of other factors such as dyslipidemia and obesity. Based on the diagnostic standards, guidelines, and animal model evaluation methods of T2DM with hypertension at home and abroad, this study summarized, evaluated, and analyzed the characteristics of the existing animal models of T2DM with hypertension based on the clinical symptoms in traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The animal models showing high fitting degrees with the clinical symptoms in Western medicine are mainly established by injection of streptozocin (STZ) in SHR rats in the surgical induction and chemical induction methods and feeding a high-fat and high-salt diet combined with STZ injection in SD rats in the dietary induction methods. The models showcasing high fitting degrees with the clinical symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are mainly established by the surgical induction method. Considering the fitting degrees and the advantages and disadvantages, the ideal modeling method for T2DM with hypertension is the two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) method (a surgical induction method) combined with feeding a high-fat and high-sugar diet and STZ injection. However, the available models lack the characteristics of TCM and the evaluation indicators have poor specificity. This study found that there are few animal models of T2DM with hypertension considering the characteristics of both disease and syndrome, which may be related to the identification and attribution of TCM syndromes in animal macroscopic information. In view of this problem, it is suggested that the evaluation criteria should be established and improved for the animal models combining disease and syndrome, which can help to evaluate the fitting degree of the pathological characteristics of different syndromes in the animal models of T2DM with hypertension. In this way, ideal animal models of T2DM with hypertension can be established to simulate the disease occurrence and development in the human body. The animal models are expected to provide an ideal approach for the further research on the pathogenesis of T2DM and its prevention and treatment with TCM, which is of great significance for the treatment and prevention of T2DM with hypertension and the prognosis of its complications. At the same time, breakthroughs in the basic syndrome models of comorbidities are expected to lay a foundation for the leapfrog development of TCM research.
9.Characterization of Animal Models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Hypertension Based on Clinical Symptoms in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Ziyi WANG ; Xingyu FAN ; Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):230-236
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are common and frequent chronic non-communicable diseases, which often coexist in clinical practice, resulting in a large number of cardiovascular events and deaths, and their case fatality rate far exceeds that of other factors such as dyslipidemia and obesity. Based on the diagnostic standards, guidelines, and animal model evaluation methods of T2DM with hypertension at home and abroad, this study summarized, evaluated, and analyzed the characteristics of the existing animal models of T2DM with hypertension based on the clinical symptoms in traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The animal models showing high fitting degrees with the clinical symptoms in Western medicine are mainly established by injection of streptozocin (STZ) in SHR rats in the surgical induction and chemical induction methods and feeding a high-fat and high-salt diet combined with STZ injection in SD rats in the dietary induction methods. The models showcasing high fitting degrees with the clinical symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are mainly established by the surgical induction method. Considering the fitting degrees and the advantages and disadvantages, the ideal modeling method for T2DM with hypertension is the two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) method (a surgical induction method) combined with feeding a high-fat and high-sugar diet and STZ injection. However, the available models lack the characteristics of TCM and the evaluation indicators have poor specificity. This study found that there are few animal models of T2DM with hypertension considering the characteristics of both disease and syndrome, which may be related to the identification and attribution of TCM syndromes in animal macroscopic information. In view of this problem, it is suggested that the evaluation criteria should be established and improved for the animal models combining disease and syndrome, which can help to evaluate the fitting degree of the pathological characteristics of different syndromes in the animal models of T2DM with hypertension. In this way, ideal animal models of T2DM with hypertension can be established to simulate the disease occurrence and development in the human body. The animal models are expected to provide an ideal approach for the further research on the pathogenesis of T2DM and its prevention and treatment with TCM, which is of great significance for the treatment and prevention of T2DM with hypertension and the prognosis of its complications. At the same time, breakthroughs in the basic syndrome models of comorbidities are expected to lay a foundation for the leapfrog development of TCM research.
10.Effects of medial plantar artery perforator flap transplantation in the reconstruction of palmar scar contracture
Yuzhi YU ; Shunan DONG ; Tian YU ; Jiyong JIANG ; Xiaogen LI
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(7):673-679
Objective:To investigate the effects of medial plantar artery perforator flap in the reconstruction of palmar scar contracture.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2016 to January 2023, 15 patients with palmar scar contracture who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Guangzhou Peace Orthopedic Hospital, including 12 males and 3 females, aged 15 to 50 years. Before surgery, the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) scores for the affected hands ranged from 58 to 77, and the total active motion for the affected hands ranged from 190° to 220°. The skin and soft tissue defect area after scar excision on the palmar side of the affected hands was 5.2 cm×3.2 cm to 7.2 cm×6.0 cm. According to the location and area of the wounds, the defects were repaired using either medial plantar artery superficial perforator flaps or combined flaps of the cutaneous perforator of superficial branch of medial plantar artery and medial branch of medial plantar artery deep branch. The area of the harvested flaps was 5.5 cm×3.5 cm to 7.5 cm×6.8 cm. The donor site wounds on the feet were repaired using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps. Postoperatively, the survivals of the medial plantar artery perforator flaps and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps were observed. After survival of the flaps, patients were guided for rehabilitation exercises for the affected hands. Regular outpatient follow-up was conducted after surgery to observe the appearance, color, and texture of the medial plantar artery perforator flaps, and the recovery of foot function. At the final follow-up, the two-point discrimination distance of the medial plantar artery perforator flap was measured, the function of the affected hands was evaluated using the trial criteria for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association and the MHQ.Results:Postoperatively, two patients experienced vascular crisis of the medial plantar artery perforator flaps, while the flaps survived after emergency exploration; the medial plantar artery perforator flaps and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps survived in other patients. Follow-up for 6 to 18 months postoperatively showed that the medial plantar artery perforator flaps had no bulky appearance, similar color and texture to the surrounding skin, and the foot functions such as running and jumping were not affected. At the final follow-up, the two-point discrimination distance of the medial plantar artery perforator flap ranged from 7 to 10 mm, with an average of 8 mm; the affected hand function was rated as excellent in 12 cases and good in 3 cases; the MHQ scores of the affected hand function ranged from 81 to 95, and the patients were satisfied with the postoperative appearance, pain relief, and functional recovery of the affected hand.Conclusions:The medial plantar artery perforator flap is used for the reconstruction of palmar scar contracture. The flap is easy to harvest, and has a high survival rate, resulting in good postoperative recovery of the flap sensation and function of the affected hand, and minimal donor site injury in the foot. It is therefore worthy of clinical promotion.

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