Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie

healthcare 📍 Cologne, Germany
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University Hospital Cologne
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Publications

[Neuropathic pain associated with Nav1.7 mutations: clinical picture and treatment].

Doppler K, Sommer C
Der Nervenarzt •

Voltage-gated sodium channels are essential for electrogenesis in excitable cells. The isoform Nav1.7 is primarily expressed in nociceptors. Mutations of the SCN9A gene, which codes for the α-subunit of Nav1.7, are the cause of primary erythromelalgia and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, two rare neuropathic pain conditions. Recent studies have shown that mutations in the SCN9A gene are the cause of a subgroup of idiopathic small fiber neuropathies and that polymorphisms of SCN9A are associated with an increase in susceptibility to pain. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain but also offer targets for a more specific pain therapy.

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[Raynaud phenomenon in dermatology. Part 1: Pathophysiology and diagnostic approach].

Sunderkötter C, Riemekasten G
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete •

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is characterized by recurrent spasms of small digital arterioles/arteries at fingers and toes, usually triggered by cold and emotional stress. Clinically a sudden pallor of individual digits is followed by reactive hyperemia, in severe cases also by cyanosis. One distinguishes between primary RP, i.e. RP without an underlying disease or drug intake, and secondary RP, which is causally related to an underlying disease or to intake of certain drugs (e.g. interferon, cisplatin). Primary RP is frequent (prevalence of about 13-20% in northern or central Europe), while secondary RP is rare, but the major presenting symptom for systemic sclerosis (SSc). Differential diagnosis includes cold-induced pallor, acute embolic events, paroxysmal hematoma of the finger or erythromelalgia. Vasoconstrictive mechanisms outweigh vasodilatory ones in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle. Although soluble mediators such as endothelin or certain prostaglandins have been exploited successfully for therapy, the extent of their involvement in the initial pathophysiology of RP is unclear. Secondary RP (associated with SSc) additionally features morphological alterations with compromise of the vessel lumen. As RP can result in severe discomfort and complications, timely diagnosis and treatment is essential.

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