Evaluation of microvascular disturbances in rheumatic diseases by analysis of skin blood flow oscillations

Abstract Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), tissue reflectance oximetry (TRO) and pulse oximetry (PO) and cold pressor test (CPT) were used to assess the microcirculation parameters and the activation of regulatory mechanisms. LDF and TRO samples wavelet transform in the frequency bands 0.01–2 Hz was used to evaluate microvascular disturbances in rheumatic diseases and to assess the vascular involvement in the pathological process. The spectral components of LDF and TRO signals associated with endothelial, adrenergic, intrinsic smooth muscle, respiratory and cardiac activities were analyzed. Significant difference between healthy and rheumatology subjects was identified in perfusion parameters. Spectral analysis of the LDF signal revealed significant difference between two group of high (<0.1 Hz) frequency pulsations. Based on the analysed of the perfusion and amplitudes oscillation in the frequency band the decision rule for detection microvascular disturbances were synthesized. The perfusion parameter and amplitude oscillation associated with cardiac activities included in the decision rule. Based on the measured parameters and the result of wavelet transform LDF- and TRO-signals the parameters for detection of complications associated with microvascular disturbances and their possible causes were proposed

A complex approach to noninvasive estimation of microcirculatory tissue impairments in feet of patients with diabetes mellitus using spectroscopy

The possibility of a complex approach for studying changes in the system of blood microcirculation and metabolic processes in the biotissue of lower extremities using optical noninvasive methods of laser doppler flowmetry (LDF), fluorescence spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in combination with different modes of heating tests has been assessed. Seventy-six patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with 14 patients having visible trophic foot impairments, and 48 healthy volunteers have been examined. The parameters of LDF signals and spectra of fluorescence intensity and diffuse reflectance for foot skin have been analyzed. Statistically significant differences in the recorded parameters between the groups under study have been found. It has been concluded that combined application of noninvasive methods of spectroscopy could be used for diagnostics of complications both upon the occurrence of preliminary symptoms of diabetes, when pathological changes are still reversible, and in the presence of impairments to prevent aggravation of the disease and select an adequate correction of the treatment