Dermal papillae flattening of thigh skin in Conus Cauda Syndrome

Eur J Transl Myol, 2018 · DOI: · Published: November 12, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effect of spinal cord injury (SCI) on skin structure, specifically the flattening of skin in individuals with conus and cauda equina syndrome. Skin biopsies from SCI patients were analyzed to measure the Interdigitation Index, a marker of epidermal-dermal junction, to quantify skin flattening. The study also explores the potential of home-based Functional Electrical Stimulation (hbFES) to improve skin structure in SCI patients, based on previous findings that hbFES can rescue muscle size.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

18 SCI persons

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The Interdigitation Index of skin biopsies from SCI persons showed a significant linear correlation with the years from SCI (p < 0.001), indicating progressive skin flattening with longer SCI duration.
2
SCI persons with longer duration of injury (4.1 to 8.0 years) presented a statistically significant 22% decrease (p = 0.029) in the Interdigitation Index compared to those with shorter duration (1 to 3.9 years).
3
Counting dermal papillae did not provide the same strong quantitative evidence of skin atrophy as the Interdigitation Index.

Research Summary

This study evaluates skin biopsies from SCI patients to determine if the Interdigitation Index, a measurement of the epidermal-dermal junction, can provide quantitative evidence of skin flattening. The results indicate a significant linear correlation between the Interdigitation Index and the duration of SCI, suggesting progressive skin atrophy with increasing time since injury. The authors suggest that the Interdigitation Index could serve as a structural biomarker of skin atrophy in SCI and anticipate future analyses will show that hbFES can improve dermal layer structure.

Practical Implications

Biomarker for Skin Atrophy

The Interdigitation Index can serve as a quantitative structural biomarker of skin atrophy in SCI patients.

Potential for hbFES

Home-based Functional Electrical Stimulation (hbFES) may have potential to improve skin structure in SCI, warranting further investigation.

Relevance to Other Skin Conditions

The findings may be relevant to other skin conditions such as decubitus ulcers, metabolic diseases, and wound healing.

Study Limitations

1
Heterogeneity of gender and time from SCI of the 18 cases
2
Incoming analyses are providing statistical evidence that the atrophy and flattening of the skin is related more to extent of SCI years than the difference in age of the SCI persons (Albertin et al., personal communication).
3
Not specified

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Neurology