EVALUATING THE PROGRESS OF MID-PORTION ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY DURING REHABILITATION: A REVIEW OF OUTCOME MEASURES FOR MUSCLE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION, TENDON STRUCTURE, AND NEURAL AND PAIN ASSOCIATED MECHANISMS

INTRODUCTION

Alterations in tendon structure and muscle performance have been suggested as mechanisms driving improvement in pain and function with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT). However, few trials have used consistent outcome measures to track differences in muscle structure and function, tendon structure and neural and pain associated mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES

1) Identify the outcomes measures used in trials utilising loading protocols for mid-portion AT that assess muscle structure and function, tendon structure and neural and pain associated mechanisms in order to report on the reliability of the identified measures, and 2) Propose a summary of measures for assessment of muscle structure and function, tendon structure and neural and pain associated mechanisms in patients with AT.

DESIGN

Literature Review.

DATA SOURCES

Three electronic databases were searched from inception until May 2016 for studies using loading protocols for mid-portion AT.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomized and non-randomized trials of loading protocols for mid-portion AT.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included; seven assessed muscle, 21 assessed tendon and two assessed neural and pain associated mechanisms. Evidence suggests that isokinetic dynamometry, eccentric-concentric heel raise tests, single leg drop counter-movement jumps or hopping are the most reliable ways to assess muscular adaptation. Assessment of tendon structure is unlikely to have any benefit given it does not appear to correlate to clinical outcomes. The neural and pain associated mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated.

CONCLUSION

Further research needs to be done to determine the role of muscle, tendon and neural adaptations using reliable outcome measures during the management of mid-portion AT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level Five.

Prospective real-world analysis of OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine post-National Institute for Health and Care Excellence UK technology appraisal

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK recommends the use of OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNTA, Botox^® ) in the management of chronic migraine (CM) following specific guidelines within the National Health Service. In view of the lack of data on the efficacy of this therapy following implementation of these guidelines in clinical practice and on the evaluation of guidance compliance, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BoNTA in patients with CM following the NICE guidelines.

METHODS

This was a prospective real-life audit study.

RESULTS

After two treatments, 127 of 200 patients (63.5%) obtained at least a 30% reduction in headache days. Those who continued the treatment up to 3 years reported a stable beneficial effect compared with baseline. Amongst responders, 68 patients (53.5%) were reclassified as episodic migraineurs. A total of 57 of these patients (83.8%) converted to an episodic migraine pattern at 6-month follow-up. The majority of those whose migraine became episodic after BoNTA extended the treatment intervals beyond 3 months (range 4-8 months) before noticing any worsening of headache. We observed no significant differences in the efficacy measures in patients treated with 155 U BoNTA compared with those treated with >155 U BoNTA.

CONCLUSIONS

When administered according to the NICE guidance, BoNTA produced a clinically meaningful effect in the long-term management of CM with and without medication overuse headache. Treatment discontinuation when CM becomes episodic may be useful in clinical practice to identify those who may benefit from extended treatment intervals. Our clinical experience indicates a lack of additional benefit from using the 'follow-the-pain' paradigm.

Is heavy eccentric calf training superior to wait-and-see, sham rehabilitation, traditional physiotherapy and other exercise interventions for pain and function in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy?

BACKGROUND

Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is prevalent amongst athletic and non-athletic populations with pain, stiffness and impaired function typically reported. While different management options exist, loading protocols remain the best available intervention and have been shown to be effective in the management of AT. Trials investigating loading in AT have used a variety of different protocols, and recent narrative reviews suggest that no protocol is superior to another when comparing outcomes in pain and function. However, there has been no systematic review or meta-analysis completed to determine this. Furthermore, the narrative review did not consider wait-and-see or sham interventions, thus a systematic review and met-analysis which includes wait-and-see or sham interventions is warranted.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analyses will be conducted as per the PRISMA guidelines. The databases PUBMED, CINAHL (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCO) will be searched for articles published from inception to 31 December 2017. Our search focuses on studies examining the improvement of pain and function when completing a loading program for mid-portion AT. Only randomised/ quasi-randomised trials will be included while case reports and case series will be excluded. The primary outcome assessing pain and function will be the Victorian Institute Sports Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A). Two reviewers will screen articles, extract data and assess the risk of bias independently with a third reviewer resolving any disagreements between the two reviewers. A meta-analysis will then be performed on the data (if appropriate) to determine if the traditional heavy load calf training protocol described by Alfredson is superior to wait-and-see, sham intervention, traditional physiotherapy, and other forms of exercise rehabilitation.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis will allow us to investigate if there are difference in pain and function when comparing wait-and-see, sham interventions, traditional physiotherapy and different exercise interventions to the traditional heavy eccentric calf training protocol for mid-portion Achilles tendon pain.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42018084493 .

EVALUATING THE PROGRESS OF MID-PORTION ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY DURING REHABILITATION: A REVIEW OF OUTCOME MEASURES FOR SELF- REPORTED PAIN AND FUNCTION

INTRODUCTION

Management of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy is a challenge for both clinicians and researchers. Alteration in tendon structure, muscle performance and pain processing mechanisms have been suggested as mechanisms driving improvement in pain and function. However, few trials have used consistent outcome measures to track changes in pain and function.

OBJECTIVES

1) To identify all outcomes measures used in trials utilizing exercise-based interventions for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT) that assess self-reported pain and function and to report on the reliability and validity of the identified measures, and 2) Propose measures to optimally assess self-reported pain and function in patients with AT.

DESIGN

Literature Review.

DATA SOURCES

Three major electronic databases were searched from inception until May 2016 for studies using isometric, eccentric or isotonic loading protocols for mid-portion AT.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomized and non-randomized trials of isometric, eccentric or isotonic loading in people with mid-portion AT.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were included and all outcome measures assessing self-reported pain and function were extracted. While a variety of outcome measures have been used, few have provided reliability data. There is evidence to suggest that the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment- Achilles (VISA-A) is the only valid and reliable measure of self-reported pain and function for people with mid-portion AT. No other outcome measures have been validated in mid-portion AT.

CONCLUSION

The VISA-A remains the gold standard for assessing pain and function in mid-portion AT. However, while the validity or reliability of the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of pain during a functional task has not been established it may be a better measure of immediate treatment effect.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Disordered eating behaviour in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

The combination of eating disorders and diabetes is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of disordered eating behaviour (DEB) in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus to a sample of non-diabetic controls, and to examine the relationship of DEB to glycaemic control.

METHODS

The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was administered to 51 individuals aged 18-30 years attending an outpatient diabetic clinic in a large university teaching hospital. Glycaemic control was assessed by the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The control group comprised a consecutive sample of 236 male and female students aged 18-30 years attending a university primary health care service.

RESULTS

The mean global EDE-Q score for the diabetes group was 0.82 ± 1.1 (mean ± SD) and the mean for the control group was 1.4 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD). The diabetes group was significantly more likely to have a lower global EDE-Q score compared to the control group. There was no association between the global EDE-Q score of the diabetes group and HbA1c level.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find increased levels of disordered eating behavior (DEB) in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared to a non-diabetic control sample.

Effects of a targeted blood management programme on allogeneic blood transfusion in abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of a dedicated cell salvage practitioner team on blood loss and allogeneic transfusion in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery.

BACKGROUND

Cell salvage reduces allogeneic transfusion in AAA surgery, but is commonly performed by the anaesthetic nurse. At our hospital, a dedicated patient blood management practitioner is present for all elective open AAA repairs.

METHODS/MATERIALS

Data were collected on 171 AAA patients operated on at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford over a 3-year period, looking at the Patient Blood Management processes, including: blood loss, cell salvage, near-patient testing (thrombelastography) and transfusion rates of allogeneic blood products.

RESULTS

Blood loss ranged from 3-108% of estimated blood volume (EBV) (median 25% = 1500 mL). In seven patients who lost 70-110% of their EBV, none reached the thrombelastography intervention threshold for R time (11 min) or MA (48 mm) despite such massive blood loss. Overall, only 7/171 (4%) patients received intra-operative allogeneic blood, all of whom had a mean baseline haemoglobin concentration < 106 g L^-1 (median 98, range 95-105 g L^-1 ). In terms of other blood products, only 4/171 (2·3%) received one unit of platelets each intra-operatively. None received FFP or cryoprecipitate.

CONCLUSIONS

Such low levels of allogeneic transfusion have not been reported previously. We hypothesise that this is due to the additional blood management contributions of the specialised cell salvage practitioners and collaboration with the rest of the vascular surgical team. These results support the development of pre-operative anaemia clinics. Overall the service runs at a profit to the trust.

A cross-sectional epidemiological study of hidradenitis suppurativa in an Irish population (SHIP)

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects apocrine gland–bearing skin, has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Estimates of the epidemiologic prevalence of HS are highly variable, and clinical data on disease characteristics and patient burden of disease remain limited.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to determine the number of patients with HS attending dermatology clinics in a hospital setting in Ireland (within a 6‐month time period). Secondary objectives included the assessment of disease characteristics and the collection of patient responses on disease burden and work productivity.

Methods

This was an epidemiologic, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional study across four dermatology clinics in Ireland over a 6‐month time period. The disease prevalence was estimated by calculating the percentage of total patients with a diagnosis of HS (the primary population) across the selected sites. Secondary analyses were performed using the full analysis set, which consisted of eligible adults (≥18 years of age) from the primary population who provided informed consent. Data from these analyses are presented as descriptive summary statistics, with the use of an analysis of covariance for continuous endpoints.

Results

The prevalence of HS across the four selected sites was estimated at 1.4% (95% CI, 1.24–1.62). One hundred and fifty eligible patients comprised the full analysis set. The majority of participants were white (95.3%), female (70.0%), cigarette smokers (56.0%) and overweight or obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m², 81.8%). Most patients for whom data were available presented with Hurley stage II (50.4%), and more than a third of the full analysis set had a relative with HS (34.7%). Questionnaire responses revealed a profound impact on quality of life, including diminished work productivity and various psychological comorbidities.

Conclusion

This study offers insight into the clinical features and disease burden of hidradenitis suppurativa in an Irish population.

"Prostate cancer is far more hidden…": Perceptions of stigma, social isolation and help-seeking among men with prostate cancer

The purpose of this study was to provide in-depth insight into men's experiences of prostate cancer, specifically: perceived stigma and self-blame, social isolation, unmet need and help-seeking. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, and thematic analysis was undertaken. Some participants perceived a stigma associated with prostate cancer and cancer in general, which sometimes acted as a barrier to disclosure. Self-blame and internalisation of cause was not a prominent issue. Participants' descriptions of emotional distress, social isolation and anxiety demonstrated the impact of prostate cancer. Social isolation was most commonly reported as a physical consequence of treatment and/or side effects. Participants felt both support and ongoing care were limited at post-treatment. Most did not seek or receive help for emotional or psychosocial problems from a formal source due to anticipated awkwardness, autonomous coping, not burdening others, unwanted sympathy and retaining privacy. Prostate cancer can cause considerable emotional and social burden for some men, and many are unlikely to seek or receive help. Men, and their support networks, require active encouragement throughout diagnosis, treatment and follow-up to overcome barriers and access additional support, particularly for sexual, emotional and psychosocial issues.

Adipose stromal cells mediated switching of the pro-inflammatory profile of M1-like macrophages is facilitated by PGE2: in vitro evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To define if adipose mesenchymal stromal cell (ASC) treatment mediated switching of the pro-inflammatory profile of M1-like macrophages as a means to develop a tailored in vitro efficacy/potency test.

DESIGN

We firstly performed immunohistochemical analysis of CD68, CD80 (M1-like) and CD206 (M2-like) macrophages in osteoarthritic (OA) synovial tissue. ASC were co-cultured in contact and in transwell with activated (GM-CSF + IFNγ)-M1 macrophages. We analyzed IL1β, TNFα, IL6, MIP1α/CCL3, S100A8, S100A9, IL10, CD163 and CD206 by qRT-PCR or immunoassays. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) blocking experiments were performed using PGE2 receptor antagonist.

RESULTS

In moderate grade OA synovium we did not always find a higher percentage of CD80 with respect to CD206. M1-like-activated macrophage factors IL1β, TNFα, IL6, MIP1α/CCL3, S100A8 and S100A9 were down-modulated both in contact and in transwell by ASC. However, in both systems ASC induced the typical M2-like macrophage markers IL10, CD163 and CD206. Activated-M1-like macrophages pre-treated with PGE2 receptor antagonist failed to decrease secretion of TNFα, IL6 and to increase that of IL10, CD163 and CD206 when co-cultured with ASC confirming a PGE2 specific role.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that ASC are responsible for the switching of activated-M1-like inflammatory macrophages to a M2-like phenotype, mainly through PGE2. This evidenced that activated-M1-like macrophages may represent a relevant cell model to test the efficacy/potency of ASC and suggests a specific role of ASC as important determinants in therapeutic dampening of synovial inflammation in OA.

Gender determinants of smoking practice in Indigenous communities: an exploratory study

Despite the need to urgently reduce smoking rates among Indigenous Australians, in order to close-the-gap in life expectancy, little is known regarding how this can be achieved. This study aimed to explore whether a focus on gender specific determinants of smoking among Indigenous Australians could be identified, thus providing a potentially novel approach to underpin future efforts at intervention. A qualitative research design was employed. Eighty-two participants, comprised of 43 Indigenous women (mean age 32.15, SD, 12.47) and 39 Indigenous men (mean age 34.91, SD, 11.26), participated in one of 12 focus groups held in metropolitan, regional and rural locations in South Australia. Facilitators prompted discussion in response to the question: 'What is it like being a smoker these days?' Two experienced coders assessed data for themes using Attride-Stirling's (2002) method of analysis. Two global themes emerged for men and women. The first theme, 'It's Harder to Smoke Nowadays', encompassed sub-themes capturing changed smoking practices in response to tobacco control strategies implemented in Australia. Sub-themes of 'smoking in secrecy' coupled with an 'awareness of the effects of passive smoking' were identified among women. Among men, sub-themes that depicted tension between 'a desire to be a role model' and 'guilt about smoking' emerged. The second theme, 'Push and Pull Factors', identified a range of gender specific determinants of smoking. While similar reasons for smoking ('pull factors') were identified in men and women (e.g. addiction, boredom, stress, pleasure, mood stabiliser), different 'push factors' (reasons for not wanting to smoke) emerged. For men, sport, fitness and children were identified as reasons for not wanting to smoke, whereas women identified factors such as respect for non-smokers, and body image concerns. The current findings suggest that there may be fundamental differences in the determinants of smoking (pull factors) as well as reasons for wanting to quit (push factors) between Indigenous men and women. A focus on interventions that target gender specific determinants, or motivators of smoking, offers a novel, and potentially efficacious approach to reduce smoking rates among Indigenous Australians.

Comparison of glycated haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes in a cohort of obese patients

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has historically been diagnosed by measurement of blood glucose concentrations. More recently, the use of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has been advocated in the diagnosis of diabetes, complementing its existing role in the monitoring of glycaemic control. A recent study has shown that obesity is an important problem in the UK Armed Forces. Obese patients are at increased risk of diabetes and intermediate hyperglycaemia (pre-diabetes). It is unclear whether the application of diagnostic criteria based on HbA1c would produce different categorisation of obese patients compared with standard glucose-based criteria. In the current study, we compared HbA1c with fasting plasma glucose in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycaemia in a cohort of obese patients.

METHODS

Patients were recruited from the NHS Tayside Specialist Weight Management Service. They were classified into three categories (normoglycaemia, pre-diabetes, and diabetes) according to their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c. The diagnostic criteria of three organisations were applied: the World Health Organisation (WHO); the American Diabetes Association (ADA); and the International Expert Committee (IEC). Glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, liver function tests and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured.

RESULTS

By WHO (fasting glucose) criteria, 102 subjects were classified as normal, 13 as having impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and 5 as having diabetes mellitus (DM). By IEC (HbA1c) criteria, 89 subjects were classified as normal, 21 as pre-diabetes and 7 as DM. By ADA (HbA1c) criteria, 69 subjects were classified as normal, 41 as pre-diabetes and 7 as DM. Alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in hyperglycaemic states compared with normal subjects, with ANOVA F statistics of 9.45 for WHO (p < 0.001), 9.24 for IEC (p < 0.001), and 6.87 for ADA (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Although the numbers were small, more obese patients were categorised as hyperglycaemic (pre-diabetes and diabetes) when HbA1c-based criteria were applied, compared with WHO (glucose-based) criteria. Further studies are required to confirm this preliminary observation.

ACUTE TEARING OF THE OBLIQUE ABDOMINAL WALL INSERTION ONTO THE ILIAC CREST IN AN AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL PLAYER: A CASE REPORT

BACKGROUND

Tears of the abdominal obliques have previously been reported in the vicinity of the lower ribs but they have not been reported in the vicinity of the iliac crest. The purpose of this case report is to describe the mechanism of injury and diagnosis of a distal abdominal oblique tear and subsequent rehabilitation programming.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 21-year-old male Australian football player experienced acute right-sided abdominal pain during a game while performing a commonly executed rotation skill. He was assessed clinically before being further examined with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging which revealed a rupture of the abdominal oblique wall at its insertion onto the iliac crest. The player then underwent a structured and graduated rehabilitation program with clear key performance indicators to optimize return to play and prevent recurrence.

OUTCOMES

The player was able to return to play at 35 days post injury and had no recurrence or complications at 12 month follow up post injury.

DISCUSSION

This is the first time an abdominal oblique wall rupture at its insertion onto the iliac crest has been reported. In players with acute abdominal pain following twisting an insertional oblique tear should be considered as a differential diagnosis. A structured rehabilitation program may also help optimize an athlete's return to play after distal abdominal oblique rupture.

Culture expanded primary chondrocytes have potent immunomodulatory properties and do not induce an allogeneic immune response

OBJECTIVE

Allogeneic cell therapies, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), which have potent regenerative and anti-inflammatory potential are being investigated as a therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) and cartilage injury. Here we describe another potential source of regenerative and anti-inflammatory allogeneic cells, culture expanded primary chondrocytes (CEPC). In direct comparison to allogeneic MSC, we extensively assess the immunological interactions of CEPC in an allogeneic setting.

METHODS

Chondrocytes were isolated from rat articular cartilage and cultured in normoxic or hypoxic conditions. In vitro co-culture assays with allogeneic lymphocytes and macrophages were used to assess the immunomodulatory capacities of the chondrocytes, followed by immune response analysis by flow cytometry, ELISA and qPCR.

RESULTS

CEPC showed reduced induction of proliferation, activation and cytotoxic granzyme B expression in allogeneic T cells. Importantly, exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines did not increase CEPC immunogenicity despite increases in MHC-I. Furthermore, CEPC had a potent ability to suppress allogeneic T cell proliferation, which was dependent on nitric oxide production. This suppression was contact independent in hypoxia cultured CEPC. Finally, chondrocytes were shown to have the capacity to modulate pro-inflammatory macrophage activity by reducing MHC-II expression and TNF-α secretion.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate the potential use of allogeneic chondrocytes in OA and cartilage defects. The lack of evident immunogenicity, despite exposure to a pro-inflammatory environment, coupled with the immunomodulatory ability indicates that these cells have the potential to evade the host immune system and suppress inflammation, thus potentially facilitating the resolution of OA induced inflammation and cartilage regeneration.