New Treatment: Undoing Dupuytrens In a Snap | Medical News and Health Information

Reported June 20, 2011
UNew Treatment: Undoing Dupuytrens In a Snap -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's contracture is a localized formation of scar tissue beneath the skin of the palm of the hand. The scarring accumulates in a tissue (fascia) that normally covers the tendons that pull the fingers to grip. As Dupuytren's contracture progresses, more of the fascia becomes thickened and shortened. Dimpling and puckering of the skin over the area eventually occurs. (SOURCE: Medicinenet.com)

SYMPTOMS: Dupuytren's contracture typically progresses slowly over several years. Occasionally, it can develop over weeks or months. In some people, it progresses steadily, and in others, it may start and stop. Dupuytren's contracture usually begins as a thickening of the skin on the palm of the hand. As Dupuytren's contracture progresses, the skin on the palm of the hand may appear puckered or dimpled. A firm lump of tissue may form on the palm. This lump may be sensitive to the touch but usually isn't painful. In later stages of Dupuytren's contracture, cords of tissue form under the skin on the palm and may extend up to the fingers. As these cords tighten, the fingers may be pulled toward the palm, sometimes severely. The ring finger and pinky are most commonly affected, though the middle finger also may be involved. Only rarely are the thumb and index finger affected. Dupuytren's contracture can occur in both hands, though one hand is usually affected more severely than the other. (SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

CAUSES: The precise cause of Dupuytren's contracture is not known. However, it is known that it occurs more frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus, seizure disorders (epilepsy), and alcoholism.

REGULAR TREATMENT: If the disease progresses slowly, causes no pain and has little impact on your ability to use your hands for everyday tasks, you may not need treatment. Instead, you may choose to wait and see if Dupuytren's contracture progresses. Treatment involves removing or breaking apart the cords that are pulling the fingers in toward the palm. This can be done in several different ways. The choice of procedure depends on the severity of your symptoms and any other health problems you may have. (SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

NEW TREATMENT: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) as the first drug to treat Dupuytren's contracture. Xiaflex is a biologic drug made from the protein product of a living organism. It works by breaking down the excessive buildup of collagen in the hand. This enzyme weakens the cord, which then, in a next step, can be pulled and mechanically broken. Bent fingers thus become straight and functional again. One of the early studies proposes enzyme injection as a safe and effective method as an alternative to surgical fasciectomy. The most common adverse reactions in patients treated with Xiaflex were fluid buildup, swelling, bleeding, and pain in the injected area. (SOURCE: FDA.gov) MORE [UNew Treatment: Undoing Dupuytrens In a Snap -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information] and [Undoing Dupuytrens In a Snap -- In Depth Doctor's Interview | Medical News and Health Information]

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Craig Henry, Practice Administrator
Hand Surgical Associates
Metairie, LA
info@handsurgical.com
http://www.handcenteroflouisiana.com


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New Treatment: Undoing Dupuytrens In a Snap | Medical News and Health Information