Topical Heparin: A Better Sanative For Burns Patient than Conventional Treatment.

Background: Burns trauma represents a major cause ofmorbidity and mortality. Tackling the pain andproviding a better healing with conventional therapieshave been compared to that by using topical heparinapplication in < 40% burns. Aim and Objectives: Tocompare pain score, healing, duration of hospital stayafter applying topical heparin and conventionaltreatment for burns < 40%. Material and Methods: Atotal of 80 patients were included in the study anddivided into 2 groups Heparin (H) and Control (C)group with 40 patients in each group. H group receivedunfractioned Heparin 25,000 IU / 5ml and C groupreceived silver based antimicrobial cream and paraffingauze. Results: Maximum number of patients belongedto the age group (15-35years = 65.5%). The maximumnumber of patients who sustained thermal injuries wasfrom 11-20% (23 patients) and 31-40% (22 patients).The patients in H group had a significant decrease intheir pain score (p <0.001) when compared to C group.The days of hospitalization was reduced significantlyin patients receiving topical Heparin therapy whencompared with the C group. Majority of the patients inH group (36 patients, 90%) had only 1-2 doses/day ofanalgesic medication administered to them. Patients inC group (26 patients, 65%) had to be given 3-4 divideddoses/day of analgesia. Conclusions: From this study itwas concluded that topical application of Heparinreduces pain, duration of hospital stay, rates of woundinfection, cost and time required for dressing

Inhibition of chemically induced carcinogenesis by drugs used in homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathy is considered as one modality for cancer therapy. However, there are only very few clinical reports on the activity of the drugs, as well as in experimental animals. Presently we have evaluated the inhibitory effects of potentized homeopathic preparations against N'-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats as well as 3-methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas in mice. We have used Ruta, Hydrastis, Lycopodium and Thuja, which are commonly employed in homeopathy for treating cancer. Administration of NDEA in rats resulted in tumor induction in the liver and elevated marker enzymes such as gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in the serum and in liver. Concomitant administration of homeopathic drugs retarded the tumor growth and significantly reduced the elevated marker enzymes level as revealed by morphological, biochemical and histopathological evaluation. Out of the four drugs studied, Ruta 200c showed maximum inhibition of liver tumor development. Ruta 200c and phosphorus 1M were found to reduce the incidence of 3-methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas and also increase the life span of mice harboring the tumours. These studies demonstrate that homeopathic drugs, at ultra low doses, may be able to decrease tumor induction by carcinogen administration. At present we do not know the mechanisms of action of these drugs useful against carcinogenesis.

Anti-tumour activity of Ruta graveolens extract.

An extract of Ruta graveolens was found to be cytotoxic to Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA), Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and L929 cells in culture (IC100=16 mg/ml) and also to increase the lifespan of tumour bearing animals. The extract further decreased solid tumours developing from DLA and EAC cells when given simultaneously with elongation of the lifespan of tumour-bearing animals. A homeopathic preparation of Ruta graveolens (200 c) was equally effective. Neither was effective for reducing already developed tumours. The Ruta graveolens extract was found to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation at low concentrations. However, at higher concentrations the extract acted as a prooxidant as inhibition of lipid peroxidation and scavenging of hydroxyl radical was minimal. These data indicates that the prooxidant activity of Ruta graveolens may be responsible for the cytocidal action of the extract and its ability to produce tumour reduction.

Chronic granulomatous disease.

A 2(1/2)-year-old child presented with multiple discrete granulomatous lesions on the face and flexural regions since the age of 2 months along with lymphadenopathy. The patient also had recurrent bouts of pyodermas and respiratory tract infections. Biopsy of the lesion showed necrosis of tissue with suppuration and histiocytes but no evidence of tuberculosis, fungal infections or atypical mycobacteria. Lymph node biopsy also showed necrosis with suppuration but no infective organism. Nitroblue tetrazolium test was negative indicating that the neutrophils failed to oxidize the dye. We are reporting here a rare case of chronic granulomatous disease.