Non-pharmacological approach to pain in endometriosis / Abordagem não farmacológica da dor em endometriose

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis is a gynecological condition primarily characterized by chronic pain and infertility. To treat endometriosis-induced pain, the focus is still based on conventional approaches. However, non-pharmacological therapies are new options, but there is still no consensus about the use of such therapies as effective resource for pain control. In light of the above, this study aimed at contributing to the knowledge in this area and at analyzing the literature about the application of such techniques to treat endometriosis pain. CONTENTS: Pubmed database was queried, without period restriction, using the word endometriosis crossed with acupuncture, massage, Pilates and cognitive behavioral therapy. Electronic query has identified 61 scientific studies and, according to preestablished inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven were selected for reading. Three of them have used acupuncture, two have used massage and two cognitive behavioral therapy to relieve endometriosis pain. Pilates method was not applied to control endometriosis pain. All studies have shown effectiveness of the techniques used to improve endometriosis chronic pain. CONCLUSION: It was clear that knowledge about this subject is scarce, suggesting the need for additional studies. Also, such options should be incorporated to traditional approaches offered to patients with endometriosis for having low cost, few adverse effects and for presenting satisfactory results for pain relief. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A endometriose é uma condição ginecológica caracterizada principalmente por dor crônica e infertilidade. Para tratamento da dor associada à endometriose, o foco ainda é baseado no tratamento convencional. No entanto, as terapias com abordagem não farmacológica constituem novas opções, mas ainda não há consenso sobre a utilização dessas terapias como recurso efetivo no controle da dor. Diante do exposto, este estudo teve como objetivo contribuir com os conhecimentos nesta área e analisar a produção bibliográfica a respeito da aplicação dessas técnicas no tratamento da dor em endometriose. CONTEÚDO: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, no Pubmed, sem restrição de período, utilizando o termo endometriosis cruzado com acupuncture, massage, Pilates e cognitive behavioral therapy. Foram identificados na busca eletrônica 61 artigos científicos e, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão pré-estabelecidos, sete foram selecionados para leitura. Três deles empregaram acupuntura, dois massagem e dois terapia cognitiva comportamental para alívio da dor em endometriose. O método Pilates não foi aplicado para controle da dor em endometriose. Todos os estudos mostraram eficácia das técnicas empregadas na redução da dor crônica nessa doença. CONCLUSÃO: Ficou evidente que a produção de conhecimento sobre a temática é escassa, o que sugere a necessidade de estudos adicionais. Ainda, tais opções deveriam ser incorporadas ao tratamento convencional oferecido a pacientes com endometriose por serem de baixo custo, exibirem poucos efeitos adversos e apresentarem resultados satisfatórios para o alívio da dor. .

Neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. Recent evidence suggests that intraocular pressure (IOP) is only one of the many risk factors for this disease. Current treatment options for this disease have been limited to the reduction of IOP; however, it is clear now that the disease progression continues in many patients despite effective lowering of IOP. In the search for newer modalities in treating this disease, much data have emerged from experimental research the world over, suggesting various pathological processes involved in this disease and newer possible strategies to treat it. This review article looks into the current understanding of the pathophysiology of glaucoma, the importance of neuroprotection, the various possible pharmacological approaches for neuroprotection and evidence of current available medications.

Pharmacological Treatment of Depression

This paper is to summarize the specific form of pharmacological treatments that have been developed to deal with depressive disorder. Specific antidepressants including monoamine oxidase inhibitors(MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants(TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake blockers(NDRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin-2 antagonist/reuptake inhibitors (SARI), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) and selective serotonin reuptake enhancer (SSRE) are reviewed. There are several side effects of antidepressants that should be considered, such as dizziness, sedation, anticholinergic effect, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular effect, insomnia, anxiety, etc. Treatment courses of depressive disorder can be divided into remission in acute phase, continuation phase, and maintenance period, so that medication of antidepressants should be optimized for each phases.