Role of tacrolimus in return of hand function after brachial plexus injury in a lung transplantation patient

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. e233788
Author(s):  
Tiam M Saffari ◽  
Christopher J Arendt ◽  
Robert J Spinner ◽  
Alexander Y Shin
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Bilateral Lung Transplantation ◽  
Bilateral Lung ◽  
Transplantation Patient

We report a patient who has been on tacrolimus for bilateral lung transplantation and presented with a brachial plexus injury (BPI), with unusual improvement of lower trunk innervated hand function. The lower trunk injury with resultant left hand paralysis had developed after his sternotomy 18 months ago. He has been treated with tacrolimus as part of his immunosuppression protocol since the surgery, without severe side effects. Physical examination at 18 months demonstrated unusual excellent grip pattern and full opposition of his thumb with slight claw deformity of his ulnar two digits. While the neurotoxic effects of tacrolimus are more emphasised, the neuroregenerative properties have been recently explored. The recovery in this patient is unique and unusual after BPI and is most likely as a result of the low dose tacrolimus treatment.

RESTORATION OF HAND FUNCTION AFTER BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY

Hand Clinics ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-656
Author(s):  
Chantal Bonnard ◽  
Algimantas Narakas
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Hand Function

scholarly journals Bilateral lung transplantation during pregnancy after ECMO for influenza‐A caused ARDS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Foessleitner ◽  
Konrad Hoetzenecker ◽  
Alberto Benazzo ◽  
Katrin Klebermass‐Schrehof ◽  
Anke Scharrer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Bilateral Lung Transplantation ◽  
Bilateral Lung

scholarly journals Tracheobronchoplasty followed by bilateral lung transplantation for Mounier-Kuhn syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 400-402
Author(s):  
Ben Dunne ◽  
Philippe Lemaître ◽  
Marc de Perrot ◽  
Cecilia Chaparro ◽  
Shaf Keshavjee
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Bilateral Lung Transplantation ◽  
Bilateral Lung

Lung transplantation for silicosis and recovery: an Australian case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-183
Author(s):  
Kate McEwen ◽  
Lyndell Brodie
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
Bilateral Lung Transplantation ◽  
Transplantation Surgery ◽  
Australian Case ◽  
Bilateral Lung ◽  
End Stage

Lung transplantation is a well-established treatment for a variety of end-stage pulmonary diseases. However, the journey of a lung transplant recipient is complex and multifaceted. Silicosis is a rare indication for lung transplantation, but no other treatment is yet available for this disease in its end stages. This Australian case study presents a 52-year-old man with silicosis who received bilateral lung transplantation. The patient was frequently noncompliant with noninvasive ventilation therapy and experienced the complication of type 2 respiratory failure. Patient education and support provided, particularly around medication management following transplantation surgery, are discussed here. The patient's social situation and its implications for both him and his family are also considered.

Trends in Brachial Plexus Surgery: Characterizing Contemporary Practices for Exploration of Supraclavicular Plexus

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110146
Author(s):  
J. Ryan Hill ◽  
Steven T. Lanier ◽  
Liz Rolf ◽  
Aimee S. James ◽  
David M. Brogan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Technical Difficulty ◽  
Nerve Grafting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Nerve Transfers ◽  
Case Vignettes ◽  
Distal Nerve

Background There is variability in treatment strategies for patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI). We used qualitative research methods to better understand surgeons’ rationale for treatment approaches. We hypothesized that distal nerve transfers would be preferred over exploration and nerve grafting of the brachial plexus. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with BPI surgeons to discuss 3 case vignettes: pan-plexus injury, upper trunk injury, and lower trunk injury. The interview guide included questions regarding overall treatment strategy, indications and utility of brachial plexus exploration, and the role of nerve grafting and/or nerve transfers. Interview transcripts were coded by 2 researchers. We performed inductive thematic analysis to collate these codes into themes, focusing on the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI. Results Most surgeons routinely explore the supraclavicular brachial plexus in situations of pan-plexus and upper trunk injuries. Reasons to explore included the importance of obtaining a definitive root level diagnosis, perceived availability of donor nerve roots, timing of anticipated recovery, plans for distal reconstruction, and the potential for neurolysis. Very few explore lower trunk injuries, citing concern with technical difficulty and unfavorable risk-benefit profile. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that supraclavicular exploration remains a foundational component of surgical management of BPI, despite increasing utilization of distal nerve transfers. Availability of abundant donor axons and establishing an accurate diagnosis were cited as primary reasons in support of exploration. This analysis of surgeon interviews characterizes contemporary practices regarding the role of brachial plexus exploration in the treatment of BPI.

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