Observation of Microcirculation Impairment in Patients With Lepromatous Leprosy Using Orthogonal Polarization Spectral (OPS) Imaging and Laser Doppler Iontophoresis

Evaluation with OPS:

After acclimatization, the microcirculation of patients and controls was assessed by OPS in three different points, according to criteria recommended by De Backer(De Backer et al., 2007). Images were recorded for 10 seconds at each point and evaluated afterwards using Cap-Image v7.2software.

Evaluation with laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF):

Skin blood perfusion was measured in conventional perfusion units (PU) by means of a LDF apparatus (Periflux PF4, Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden), equipped with a non-heated probe (PF408), fixed to the medial surface of the right forearm. Laser characteristics were: 780 nm wavelength, 10-19 kHz bandwidth, 0.1 s time constant and 32 Hz sampling frequency. Skin blood perfusion was expressed in conventional perfusion units (PU: 1 PU=10 mV) and LD signal was recorded continuously by an interfaced computer (Sony VaioVGN-CR160A) equipped with Perisoft dedicated software. Exams were performed in two steps:

First, to register vasomotion, a probe (Probe 481-1: Single Iontophoresis Probe - Perimed, Stockholm, Sweden) was placed, after the skin was cleaned with a wipe of 70° alcohol and left to air dry, in the dorsal face of the distal phalanx of the 2nd finger. The probes were positioned at least 10 cm apart, avoiding superficial veins and broken skin areas. This probe may be used for both vasomotion and iontophoresis. Basal blood perfusion was continuously recorded during 20 min. Skin temperature was continuously measured.