1.Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Their Correlation with Ocular Manifestations in Chronic Hepatitis B Complicated by Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease
Jingdong CUI ; Dingqi LI ; Yichen PENG ; Xiaoxiao DENG ; Zhenglong ZHENG ; Zilin XIONG ; Haiyang HU ; Peijie WU ; Yuelian WANG ; Liang HUANG ; Quansheng FENG ; Baixue LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):144-154
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) complicated by metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and explore the correlations between these syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, thereby providing a reference for syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsGeneral data, information from the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, clinical indicators, and ocular manifestation data were collected from 506 patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD enrolled at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu between June 2024 and December 2024. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and complex network models were employed to identify the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Correlations between different syndrome types and clinical indicators, as well as ocular manifestation characteristics, were further analyzed. ResultsThe predominant syndromes identified in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD were dampness and heat accumulation (51.58%), liver depression with spleen deficiency (31.62%), blood stasis obstructing collaterals (8.89%), and Qi-Yin deficiency (7.91%). No statistically significant differences were found among the four syndrome types in routine blood tests and liver function indicators. However, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver stiffness measurement (LSM), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), along with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared with those with other syndrome types. Regarding ocular manifestations, the incidence of moon halo signs was significantly higher in patients with the blood stasis obstructing collaterals type than in those with other syndrome types. Additionally, the incidence in scleral zone 3 (corresponding to the large intestine) was higher in patients with the damp and heat accumulation type. ConclusionDampness and heat accumulation is the core syndrome type in patients with CHB complicated by MAFLD, commonly accompanied by spleen deficiency, liver depression, blood stasis, and Yin deficiency. A complex syndrome pattern characterized by a predominance of dampness and heat, along with a mixture of deficiency and excess, is formed. Different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types are associated with distinct clinical indicators and ocular manifestation characteristics. Among them, patients with the dampness and heat accumulation type exhibit more pronounced metabolic disturbances and liver injury, whereas those with the blood stasis type show a higher incidence of moon halo signs. Abnormalities in scleral zone 3 are also more prevalent in patients with dampness and heat type.
2.Detection of TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations by droplet digital PCR for predicting the postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Nan HU ; Aizimuaji ZULIHUMAER ; Haiyang LI ; Yue LIU ; Changcheng TAO ; Ting XIAO ; Weiqi RONG
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(9):647-653
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter C228T/C250T mutations in tumor tissues of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for postoperative recurrence after hepatectomy.Methods:Clinical data of 66 patients with HCC who underwent curative surgical resection at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, between January 2013 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 54 males and 12 females, aged (53.5±11.1) years. Tumor tissues were collected from all patients. Droplet digital ploymerase chain reation (ddPCR) was employed to detect the TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations. Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyze the impact of TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations on postoperative recurrence. The predictive performance of TERT mutations for postoperative recurrence was further assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:The prevalence of TERT C228T and C250T mutations in tumor tissues was 43.9% (29/66) and 3.0% (2/66), respectively. Patients were stratified into a TERT promoter mutation group ( n=31) and a non-mutation group ( n=35). Those harboring C228T/C250T mutations exhibited significantly lower recurrence-free survival compared with non-mutated cases ( χ2=10.10, P=0.002). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TERT promoter C228T mutation ( HR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.18-4.25, P=0.013) and TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations in tumor tissue ( HR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.31-4.75, P=0.006) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence in patients with HCC. ROC analysis demonstrated the predictive accuracy for recurrence, with an area under the curve of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.55-0.81) for TERT C228T mutation and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.58-0.84) for combined C228T/C250T mutations. Conclusion:TERT promoter C228T/C250T mutations in tumor tissues of HCC patients detected by ddPCR are risk factors for postoperative recurrence and may serve as indicators for predicting recurrence.
3.Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (version 2025)
Aijun XU ; Shuixia LI ; Bo CHEN ; Mengyuan YE ; Lejiao LANG ; Ning NING ; Lin ZHANG ; Changqing LIU ; Zhonglan CHEN ; Weihu MA ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoning WANG ; Dongmei BIAN ; Jiancheng ZENG ; Xin WANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yaping CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Yun HAN ; Xiuting LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaojing SU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Tianwen HUANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Hua LIN ; Xingling XIAO ; Ruifeng XU ; Fanghui DONG ; Bing HAN ; Luo FAN ; Yanling PEI ; Suyun LI ; Xiaoju TAN ; Rongchen GUO ; Yefang ZOU ; Xiaoyun HAN ; Junqin DING ; Yi WANG ; Shuhua DENG ; Jinli GUO ; Yinhua LIANG ; Yuan CEN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Junru CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Lunlan LI ; Ying REN ; Yunxia LI ; Jianli LU ; Ying YING ; Lan WEI ; Yin WANG ; Qinhong XU ; Yanqin ZHANG ; Yang LYU ; Shijun ZHANG ; Sui WENJIE ; Sanlian HU ; Shuhong YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Jingjing AN ; Baorong HE ; Leling FENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):530-541
Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.
4.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
5.Combining proprioceptive training with core stability training improves the balance and lower limb motor functioning of burns patients
Haiyang ZHAO ; Juntao HAN ; Jiaqi LIU ; Dahai HU ; Qin ZHOU ; Chan ZHU ; Jin XU ; Bowen ZHANG ; Zongshi QI
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(5):425-429
Objective:To observe any influence of combining proprioceptive training with core stability training in rehabilitation motor functioning and balance after extensive burns.Methods:Sixty patients with lower limb motor and balance disorders after extensive burns were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups underwent skin grafting on the lower limbs. After the wounds had healed, both groups were given routine rehabilitation treatment, including joint stretching and muscle strength training, but the treatment group was additionally provided with proprioception and core stability training. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, both groups′ lower limb motor function and walking ability were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (L-FMA), and static and dynamic balance were quantified using Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The duration of standing on one leg with the eyes closed was recorded, along with Timed " Up & Go" Test (TUGT) times. After the treatment, each patient′s satisfaction was assessed using a self-designed questionnaire.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average L- FMA and FAC scores after the treatment, as well as in the ability to stand on one leg with the eyes closed. The average TUGT time in both groups was shorter, but there had been significantly greater improvement of the treatment group than among the controls. Reported satisfaction was significantly higher among the treated group than among the controls.Conclusions:Supplementing basic rehabilitation with proprioception training and core stability training can further improve the motor functioning, balance and walking of persons who have suffered extensive burns.
6.Evaluation of Ice Hockey Helmet Protective Performance Grade Based on Entropy Weight Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution Combined with Rank Sum Ratio Method
Rui LIN ; Haiyang HU ; Xinglong ZHOU ; Ronghui WANG ; Xianglin WAN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(3):527-536
Objective The combined entropy weight technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS)and rank sum ratio(RSR)methods were utilized to rate the protective performance of ice hockey helmets,and the effectiveness and influencing factors of the rating system,as well as the relationship between protective performance and purchase price were explored.Methods The linear acceleration data during impact drops of twenty-four ice hockey helmets were collected using a uniaxial accelerometer in a collision test machine after low and ambient temperature treatments.The protective performance of ice hockey helmets was rated using the STAR model combined with the entropy weight TOPSIS and RSR methods.One-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis H test was employed to assess the differences in protective performance among helmets across different grade groups.The correlation between different indicators was analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results The comprehensive protective performance ratings of the CCM TACKS 310,IBX,BAUD,and WARRIORS COVERT RS PRO helmets were classified as poor,whereas the BAUER REAKT 150,HYPERLITE,and REAKT 200 helmets were rated as excellent.The remaining helmets were rated as moderate.There was a moderate to high positive correlation between the ambient temperature STAR(A)and Rowson's STAR values,the comprehensive Ti and low temperature Ti,the comprehensive T,and ambient temperature Ti(P<0.05).The comprehensive Ti satisfied the homogeneity of variance(P>0.05)and exhibited significant differences among groups(P<0.05).Significant differences were found in the low temperature indicators among different groups(P<0.05),and their weight coefficients ranked among the top three.The ambient temperature indicators were not affected by the protective performance grade(P>0.05).A weak positive correlation existed between the comprehensive Ti and purchase price(P<0.05).Conclusions According to the energy absorption test protocol,the combined entropy weight TOPSIS and RSR methods can efficiently rate the comprehensive protective performance of ice hockey helmets.The effectiveness of using low temperature indicators for the comprehensive evaluation and rating of ice hockey helmet protective performance is superior to that of ambient temperature indicators and purchase price.Consumers are advised not to use price as a criterion for evaluating the comprehensive protective performance of ice hockey helmets.
7.Early PCSK9 Inhibitor Therapy Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PERFECT): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Jiachun XIA ; Zhengguang XIAO ; Luyao WU ; Haiyang YU ; Yanan PANG ; Shan HU ; Lei HOU
Cardiology Discovery 2025;05(1):62-68
Objective::This study aimed to assess the impact of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor treatment immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the myocardial salvage index (MSI) in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 5-10 d after the procedure.Methods::The early PCSK9 inhibitor thERapy Following pErcutaneous Coronary inTervention (PERFECT) trial is a prospective randomized controlled trial. From January 2021 to December 2023, 32 patients with anterior STEMI from Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital were enrolled in the PERFECT trial. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the PCSK9 inhibitor group ( n = 16) or the control group ( n = 16), and their baseline data were collected. Patients in the PCSK9 inhibitor group (ie, alirocumab group) received a subcutaneous injection of PCSK9 inhibitor (alirocumab, 75 mg) immediately after PCI based on conventional treatment. In the control group, patients received only conventional treatment. The primary endpoint was the MSI measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance 5-10 d after PCI. The secondary endpoints included the left ventricular ejection fraction measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance 5-10 d after PCI and the time to peak of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. Safety endpoints included any clinical adverse events that occurred during the 6-month follow-up period. Results::Baseline data during admission showed no intergroup significance. No significant difference in MSI (55.54% ± 14.80% vs. 44.72% ± 15.42%, P = 0.056) and left ventricular ejection fraction (51.24% ± 8.91% vs. 44.99% ± 8.84%, P = 0.060) was observed. Additional, there was no significant difference in the time to peak of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB ((12.97 ± 5.67) h vs. (14.31 ± 7.04) h, P = 0.557) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T ((21.03 ± 12.46) h vs. (21.44 ± 9.99) h, P = 0.920) between the 2 groups. During the 6-month follow-up period, only 1 patient in the PCSK9 inhibitor group developed cerebral hemorrhage 6 months after PCI. Conclusions::Early treatment with alirocumab did not exhibit a significant increase in MSI at 5-10 d in patients with anterior STEMI. Larger trials are necessary to evaluate the impact of early administration of PCSK9 inhibitors after myocardial infarction.
8.Early PCSK9 Inhibitor Therapy Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PERFECT): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Jiachun XIA ; Zhengguang XIAO ; Luyao WU ; Haiyang YU ; Yanan PANG ; Shan HU ; Lei HOU
Cardiology Discovery 2025;05(1):62-68
Objective::This study aimed to assess the impact of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor treatment immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the myocardial salvage index (MSI) in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 5-10 d after the procedure.Methods::The early PCSK9 inhibitor thERapy Following pErcutaneous Coronary inTervention (PERFECT) trial is a prospective randomized controlled trial. From January 2021 to December 2023, 32 patients with anterior STEMI from Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital were enrolled in the PERFECT trial. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the PCSK9 inhibitor group ( n = 16) or the control group ( n = 16), and their baseline data were collected. Patients in the PCSK9 inhibitor group (ie, alirocumab group) received a subcutaneous injection of PCSK9 inhibitor (alirocumab, 75 mg) immediately after PCI based on conventional treatment. In the control group, patients received only conventional treatment. The primary endpoint was the MSI measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance 5-10 d after PCI. The secondary endpoints included the left ventricular ejection fraction measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance 5-10 d after PCI and the time to peak of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. Safety endpoints included any clinical adverse events that occurred during the 6-month follow-up period. Results::Baseline data during admission showed no intergroup significance. No significant difference in MSI (55.54% ± 14.80% vs. 44.72% ± 15.42%, P = 0.056) and left ventricular ejection fraction (51.24% ± 8.91% vs. 44.99% ± 8.84%, P = 0.060) was observed. Additional, there was no significant difference in the time to peak of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB ((12.97 ± 5.67) h vs. (14.31 ± 7.04) h, P = 0.557) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T ((21.03 ± 12.46) h vs. (21.44 ± 9.99) h, P = 0.920) between the 2 groups. During the 6-month follow-up period, only 1 patient in the PCSK9 inhibitor group developed cerebral hemorrhage 6 months after PCI. Conclusions::Early treatment with alirocumab did not exhibit a significant increase in MSI at 5-10 d in patients with anterior STEMI. Larger trials are necessary to evaluate the impact of early administration of PCSK9 inhibitors after myocardial infarction.
9.The role of YAP1 in regulating mitochondrial function and ATP release in bladder dysfunction induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Lingchen KONG ; Conglei HU ; Zilong LIANG ; Haofeng PANG ; Haiyang DU ; Zudu FAN ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):134-140
Objective:To investigate the role of mechanosensor Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in urothelial cells in inducing bladder dysfunction in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) model.Methods:Ten female C57BL/6 mice were included in this study and randomly divided into pBOO and sham groups based on body weight using a stratified pairing method, with 5 mice in each group. The pBOO group underwent proximal urethral ligation surgery, while the sham group underwent a sham operation. Two weeks after surgery, the urinary pattern was analyzed using the urine spot test. The significant increase in urine spot numbers indicated the successful establishment of the pBOO model. The mice were then sacrificed, and bladder tissues were weighed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to observe morphological changes. The bladder urothelial layer was further isolated, and total cell proteins were extracted to detect the expression levels of YAP1 protein using Western blotting. Mouse immortalized bladder urothelial cells were divided into three experimental groups: the negative control (NC) group, which was treated with YAP1-NC lentivirus; the overexpression (OE) group, which was treated with YAP1-OE lentivirus to induce YAP1 protein overexpression; and the verteporfin treatment (VP) group, which was treated with verteporfin on the basis of the OE group. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the transcription and expression levels of YAP1 protein, the co-transcriptional activator TEAD4 protein, and the phosphorylated protein DRP1-616 (at serine 616) of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). An ATP detection kit was used to measure the ATP release concentration in the NC, OE, and VP groups. The interaction between YAP1 and TEAD4 was investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, and the expression of the mitochondrial marker translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (Tom20) was observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results:The results of the urine spot test showed that the number of urine spots on the filter paper in the pBOO group was higher than that in the sham group within 6 hours [(283.0±9.1) spots vs. (3.7±0.3) spots, P<0.01], and the urine spots were scattered. The bladder wet weight in the pBOO group was significantly higher than that in the sham group [(105.70±6.84) mg vs. (22.33±1.20) mg, P<0.01]. Histological observations revealed reduced bladder mucosal folds and increased detrusor muscle thickness in the pBOO group. The expression of YAP1 protein in the bladder urothelial cells of the pBOO group was significantly upregulated compared to the sham group [(1.26±0.08) vs. (0.50±0.04), P<0.01]. In vitro experiments showed that compared to the NC group, the OE group had significantly increased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.94±0.05) vs. (0.33±0.01), P<0.01] and higher ATP release concentration [(24.45±0.16) μmol/mg vs. (19.67±0.42) μmol/mg, P<0.01]. In contrast, the VP group had significantly decreased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.29±0.04) vs. (0.94±0.05), P<0.01] and lower ATP release concentration [(10.55±0.01) μmol/mg vs. (24.45±0.16) μmol/mg, P<0.01] compared to the OE group. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using YAP1 and TEAD4 antibodies showed that YAP1 and TEAD4 proteins could interact and form a transcriptional complex to regulate ATP release. Immunofluorescence staining revealed increased expression of Tom20 in the OE group compared to the NC group [(104.20±3.28) vs. (74.51±3.87), P<0.01]. Conclusions:In the pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction model, YAP1 is highly expressed in urothelial cells. YAP1 forms a transcriptional complex with TEAD4 to regulate ATP release by promoting mitochondrial fission via DRP1-616 expression, which is a key mechanism underlying pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction.
10.Effect of self-made static progressive braces in the stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury
Haiyang ZHAO ; Qin ZHOU ; Jiaqi LIU ; Wanfu ZHANG ; Chan ZHU ; Jing XU ; Juntao HAN ; Dahai HU ; Hao GUAN
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(2):155-162
Objective:To explore the effect of self-made static progressive braces in the stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2022 to March 2024, the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University admitted twenty-nine patients who met the inclusion criteria and used the self-made static progressive braces for stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture, including 23 males and 6 females, aged 16 to 55 years. The depth of burn on the back of the hand was deep partial-thickness to full-thickness. The self-made static progressive brace referred to the self-made static progressive joint distractor and the self-made static progressive hand flexion distractor. The stepwise treatment was adopted. In the first stage, in-hospital treatment for 2 to 4 weeks was selected. The treatment contents included conventional rehabilitation training and training on the application of the self-made joint distractors. When the active flexion range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was ≥60°, the second stage of treatment was carried out, that is, two weeks of home remote rehabilitation treatment. The treatment contents included individualized exercise training such as training with self-made static progressive joint distractors and training with self-made static progressive hand flexion distractors. Adverse events such as blister, brace compression, and tissue strain during the stepwise treatment were recorded. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion of the affected hand was observed. During follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was measured, and the extensibility of the scar and skin and soft tissue on the back of the affected hand and the patient's satisfaction with the therapeutic effect were evaluated. At the last follow-up, the function of the affected hand was evaluated according to the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:During the stepwise treatment, a small amount of blisters developed on the skin at the wrist joint in 2 patients, which was cured after symptomatic treatment; the other patients had no adverse events such as brace compression and tissue strain. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion function of the hand was better, and the fist could be basically clenched. After 1-3 months of follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was 200-245°; the scar on the back of the hand was soft and light-colored, and the skin and soft tissue was malleable. Twenty-two patients were very satisfied with the curative effect, 6 patients were satisfied, and 1 patient was dissatisfied. At the last follow-up, there were 20 cases with excellent hand function and 9 cases with good hand function.Conclusions:The stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury with self-made static progressive braces has a good effect and few complications. Moreover, the two self-made static progressive distractors are convenient in material acquisition, simple to make, cost-effective, and highly practical, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

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