Clinical Trial: Microcirculatory Impairment in Patients With Leprosy

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Observation of Microcirculation Impairment in Patients With Lepromatous Leprosy Using Orthogonal Polarization Spectral (OPS) Imaging and Laser Doppler Iontophoresis

Brief Summary: In this study the investigators have aimed to evaluate morphology and reactivity of cutaneous microcirculation in patients with lepromatous leprosy. Ten patients, without any other comorbidity were compared to ten controls without leprosy or any other comorbidity, using the Cytoscan® [orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging], Fourier analysis of laser Doppler signal to evaluate vasomotion (rhythmic spontaneous oscillation of arteriolar diameter) and laser Doppler flowmetry associated to iontophoresis of vasoactive substances (acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside).

Detailed Summary:

Evaluation with OPS:

After acclimatization, the microcirculation of patients and controls was assessed by OPS in three different points, according to criteria recommended by De Backer(De Backer et al., 2007). Images were recorded for 10 seconds at each point and evaluated afterwards using Cap-Image v7.2software.

Evaluation with laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF):

Skin blood perfusion was measured in conventional perfusion units (PU) by means of a LDF apparatus (Periflux PF4, Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden), equipped with a non-heated probe (PF408), fixed to the medial surface of the right forearm. Laser characteristics were: 780 nm wavelength, 10-19 kHz bandwidth, 0.1 s time constant and 32 Hz sampling frequency. Skin blood perfusion was expressed in conventional perfusion units (PU: 1 PU=10 mV) and LD signal was recorded continuously by an interfaced computer (Sony VaioVGN-CR160A) equipped with Perisoft dedicated software. Exams were performed in two steps:

First, to register vasomotion, a probe (Probe 481-1: Single Iontophoresis Probe - Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden) was placed, after the skin was cleaned with a wipe of 70° alcohol and left to air dry, in the dorsal face of the distal phalanx of the 2nd finger. The probes were positioned at least 10 cm apart, avoiding superficial veins and broken skin areas. This probe may be used for both vasomotion and iontophoresis. Basal blood perfusion was continuously recorded during 20 min. Skin temperature was continuously measured.

To avoid residual effects of previously used drugs, the probe position for combined iontophoresis and LDF recordings were placed in untreated fingers [2nd for acetylcholine (Ach) and 3nd for sodium nitroprussid
Sponsor: Curt Treu

Current Primary Outcome: Laser-Doppler flowmetry [ Time Frame: 0 - 20 min. ]

perfusion units (PU: 1 PU=10 mV)


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Cytoscan [ Time Frame: 0 - 5min ]

Using the Cystoscan, we have evaluated functional capillary density, diameter of the dermal papilla, capillary diameter, capillary handle diameter and capillary morphology


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Rio de Janeiro State University

Dates:
Date Received: March 2, 2014
Date Started: March 2006
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 10, 2014
Last Verified: March 2014