How RANK-L Testing Could Identify Acute Charcot
David G. Armstrong DPM MD PhD Could a better test for acute Charcot neuroarthropathy be right around the corner?
A recent study in the International Journal of Medical Sciences concludes that a test for receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANK-L) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells could be a complementary tool to use as a marker for Charcot.1 The study focused on nine patients with diabetes and researchers found that RANK-L was lower in patients with acute Charcot in comparison to nine patients with diabetes without Charcot and nine control patients. The study authors added that the expression of RANK-L increased at the time of healing in comparison with the values present during the acute phase of Charcot.
Right now, the diagnosis of Charcot arthropathy is problematic. We think we know it when we see it. However, we often detect Charcot too late at an acute stage when the therapeutic horse has already left the barn. It would be ideal if we had something better.
That is what makes this new blood test so very promising. Imagine a test that could give you an early warning or an indication of a propensity for risk. I think that is where we’re heading with compelling new study in terms of precision health. Let us hope this leads to new diagnostics and therapies.
Reference
1. Bergamini A, Bolacchi F, Pesce CD, et al. Expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with acute Charcot neuroarthropathy. Int J Med Sci. 2016; 13(11):875-880.
Read more at: David G. Armstrong DPM MD PhD’s blog
Comments
