Clinical efficacy of medicinal leech therapy in treating third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids / Eficácia clínica da hirudoterapia no tratamento de hemorroidas de terceiro e quarto graus

Abstract Objectives Hemorrhoids are characterized by bleeding, mucous discharge, itching, pain, and prolapse. This condition is known as bawaseer in Unani medicine, and Hirudinaria granulosa has been used for its treatment in Irsal-e Alaq, or medicinal leech therapy (MLT), for centuries. Hirudinaria granulosa with antithrombotic and antiinflammatory action is used in the treatment of chronic venous disease and hemorrhoids. The present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of MLT in third and fourth-degree hemorrhoids. Methods A single-centre prospective, clinical trial with a pre and postanalysis design was conducted at the hospital of the National Institute of UnaniMedicine. Twenty male and female patients, with a mean age of 38 years, presenting moderate symptoms assessed with the colorectal evaluation of clinical therapeutics scale (CORECTS) questionnaire were included in the study. Hirudinaria granulosa were applied around the pile mass for 15 minutes weekly, for 4 weeks. The efficacy of the treatment was measured by an objective and subjective assessment using the CORECTS. Results When analyzed by the clinician, MLT reduced the symptoms' severity score in the following domains: pain (55% improvement; p < 0.001); anorectal itching (30% improvement; p < 0.10); and bleeding (10% improvement; p < 0.7963). Significant improvement (p < 0.001) was reported in the CORECTS score in relation to pain (44.09% improvement; p < 0.001), itching (38.55% improvement; p < 0.001), swelling (44% improvement; p < 0.001), bleeding (17.28% improvement; p < 0.007), discomfort (34.01% improvement; p < 0.001), and wellbeing (32.35 % improvement; p < 0.001), giving an average overall opinion on the therapy of 4/10. Conclusion The results of the study albeit smaller in sample size show that MLT is an effective and safe therapeutic option in reducing the symptoms of 3rd and 4th degree haemorrhoids.

Resumo Objetivos As hemorroidas são caracterizadas por sangramento, secreção mucosa, prurido, dor e prolapso. Esta condição é conhecida como bawaseer namedicina Unani, e a Hirudinaria granulosa tem sido usada para seu tratamento na Irsal-e Alaq, ou hirudoterapia, há séculos. A H. granulosa, devido à sua ação antitrombótica e antiinflamatória, é utilizada no tratamento de doenças venosas crônicas e hemorroidas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a eficácia da hirudoterapia em hemorroidas de terceiro e quarto graus. Métodos Este ensaio clínico prospectivo e unicêntrico com delineamento pré e pósanálise foi conduzido no hospital do National Institute of Unani Medicine. Foram incluídos no estudo 20 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com média de idade de 38 anos, que apresentavam sintomas moderados avaliados pelo questionário colorectal evaluation of clinical therapeutics scale (CORECTS). Espécimes de H. granulosa foram aplicadas em volta da área afetada por um período de 15 minutos semanais, durante 4 semanas. A eficácia do tratamento foi medida por uma avaliação objetiva e subjetiva usando o questionário CORECTS. Resultados Quando analisada pelo clínico, a hirudoterapia reduziu o escore de gravidade dos sintomas nos seguintes domínios: dor (55% de melhora; p < 0,001); prurido anorretal (melhora de 30%; p < 0,10); e sangramento (melhora de 10%; p < 0,7963). Melhora significativa (p < 0,001) foi relatada no escore CORECTS em relação à dor (44,09% de melhora; p < 0,001), prurido (38,55% de melhora; p < 0,001), inchaço (44% de melhora; p < 0,001), sangramento (17,28 % de melhora; p < 0,007), desconforto (34,01% de melhora; p < 0,001) e bem-estar (32,35% de melhora; p < 0,001), o que resultou em uma opinião geral média sobre a terapia de 4/10. Conclusão Os resultados do estudo, embora com tamanho de amostra pequeno, mostram que a hirudoterapia é uma opção terapêutica eficaz e segura na redução dos sintomas de hemorroidas de terceiro e quarto graus.

Periorbital ecchymosis and subconjunctival hemorrhage due to leech therapy for headache / Equimose periorbital e hemorragia subconjuntival devido à terapia com sanguessugas para dor de cabeça

ABSTRACT A 62-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with the complaints of periorbital ecchymosis and subconjunctival hemorrhage that are visible, especially on the right eye. We noted that her complaints began the day after she underwent leech therapy on the glabella area for headache. On the glabella, 2 leech bites were observed close to the right side. Examination revealed ecchymosis on the bilateral eyelids and subconjunctival hemorrhage on the inferolateral and medial limbus on the right eye. No treatment was initiated, rather control measures were recommended. The follow-up after 1 month revealed that the patient's complaints had disappeared.(AU)

RESUMO Uma paciente de 62 anos procurou nosso ambulatório com queixas de equimose periorbital e hemorragia subconjuntival, visíveis principalmente no olho direito. Descobrimos que suas queixas começaram no dia seguinte a um tratamento para dor de cabeça com sanguessugas na área da glabela. Na glabela, 2 mordidas de sanguessuga foram encontradas próximas ao lado direito. Durante os exames da paciente, foram detectadas equimoses nas pálpebras bilaterais e hemorragia subconjuntival no limbo ínfero lateral e medial do olho direito. Nenhum tratamento foi iniciado, sendo recomendado apenas controle. No acompanhamento, observou-se que as queixas da paciente desapareceram em cerca de um mês.(AU)

Aluminum toxicity to bone: A multisystem effect?

Aluminum (Al) is the third most abundant element in the earth's crust and is omnipresent in our environment, including our food. However, with normal renal function, oral and enteral ingestion of substances contaminated with Al, such as antacids and infant formulae, do not cause problems. The intestine, skin, and respiratory tract are barriers to Al entry into the blood. However, contamination of fluids given parenterally, such as parenteral nutrition solutions, or hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or even oral Al-containing substances to patients with impaired renal function could result in accumulation in bone, parathyroids, liver, spleen, and kidney. The toxic effects of Al to the skeleton include fractures accompanying a painful osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, microcytic anemia, cholestatic hepatotoxicity, and suppression of the renal enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1 alpha hydroxylase. The sources of Al include contamination of calcium and phosphate salts, albumin and heparin. Contamination occurs either from inability to remove the naturally accumulating Al or from leeching from glass columns used in compound purification processes. Awareness of this long-standing problem should allow physicians to choose pharmaceutical products with lower quantities of Al listed on the label as long as this practice is mandated by specific national drug regulatory agencies.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Following Leech Application at a Congested Flap after a Mastectomy

Medical leech therapy is a treatment for the venous congestion of tissue flaps, grafts, and replants. We report a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) following leech application at a congested flap after mastectomy. A 45-year-old woman had an invasive ductal carcinoma. Modified radical mastectomy was performed. The chest wall defect was reconstructed with a local rotation flap. On postoperative day (POD) 1, congestion and color change were observed, and 10 medical leeches were applied to the congested area. On POD 4, another 10 medical leeches were applied. On POD 12, wound necrosis progressed and a pus-like discharge appeared. A wound swab culture revealed MRSA. Debridement was carried out on POD 15. From POD 16, vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam were injected for 18 days. The wound culture on POD 18 also revealed MRSA. A split-thickness skin graft was performed on POD 28. MRSA has not been clearly identified in the literature as a leech enteric bacterium. Although MRSA may have come from another source, the present case raises the possibility of MRSA infections following leech application at congested flaps. When medical leeches are applied at the congestion site of a flap, an aseptic cradle will be helpful. Vancomycin irrigation may be needed if infection occurs.

Leech induced pyoderma gangrenosum in an ulcerative colitis patient: a case report

Pyoderma gangrenosum [PG] is a painful skin lesion that results from excessive inflammatory response to a host of traumatic, inflammatory, or neoplastic processes in susceptible individuals. A clear pathogenetic mechanism as well as an exhaustive list of potential triggers for PG is yet to be fully characterized. This case documents the occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum following leech-therapy in a patient who is a known case of ulcerative colitis and it deserves attention because leeches have been part of medical armamentarium since ancient times and have re-emerged in the last century relying on their ancient charm and modern research revealing potential benefits of several bioactive substances in their saliva

Treatment of Complete Scalp Avulsion with the Conditions of Unstable Vital Signs: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Scalp avulsion is a life-threatening injury that may cause trauma to the forehead, eyebrows, and periauricular tissue. It is difficult to treat scalp avulsion as it may lead to severe bleeding. Therefore, emergency scalp replantation surgery is necessary, and we must consider the function, aesthetics, and psychology of the patients. A case of scalp avulsion leading to massive bleeding was encountered by these authors, which led to a failure to achieve the proper operation conditions in an adequate time period. METHODS: A 49-year-old female was hospitalized due to having had her head caught in a rotatory machine, causing complete scalp avulsion which included the dorsum of the nose, both eyebrows, and ears. Emergent microsurgical replantation was performed, where a superficial temporal artery and a vein were anastomosed, but the patient's vital signs were too unstable for further operation due to excessive blood loss. Three days after the microanastomosis, venous congestion developed at the replanted scalp, and a medicinal leech was used. Leech therapy resolved the venous congestion. A demarcation then developed between the vitalized scalp tissue and the necrotized area. Debridement was performed 2 times on the necrotized scalp area. Finally, split-thickness skin graft with a dermal acellular matrix(Matriderm(R)) was performed on the defective areas, which included the left temporal area, the occipital area, and both eyebrows. RESULTS: The forehead, vertex, right temporal area, and half of the occipital area were successfully replanted, and the hair at the replanted scalp was preserved. As stated above, two-thirds of the scalp survived; the patient could cover the skin graft area with her hair, and could wear a wig. CONCLUSION: Complete scalp avulsion needs emergent replantation with microsurgical revascularization, but it often leads to serious vital conditions. We report a case with acceptable results, although the microanastomosed vessel was minimal due to the patient's unstable vital signs.

Gastrointestinal bleed after leeching in a patient on aspirin therapy.

Leeches ( Hirudo medicinalis ) have been used in health care for their property of bloodletting. Bleed occurring from the site of leech attachment has been well documented. We report a 50-year-old man who was on aspirin therapy for coronary artery disease, and presented with GI bleed after leech treatment for his knee pain.

Sanguijuelas, parásitos presentes ayer y hoy / Leeches, today and yesterday present parasites

Las sanguijuelas son anélidos planos o gusanos segmentados que viven en aguas tibias y estancadas o en la tierra. Se alimentan de sangre o fluidos corporales. Las sanguijuelas en la medicina (Hirudo medicinalis) han sido utilizadas por miles de años para tratar un gran número de patologías. Hoy en día, son utilizadas exitosamente en medicina en el área de la microcirugía y la cirugía reconstructiva, específicamente para salvar injertos y colgajos cuya viabilidad se ve amenazada por la congestión venosa. Sin embargo; este anélido, ectoparásito temporal del hombre, también debe considerarse en el diagnóstico clínico en ciertas circunstancias. Este trabajo desea entregar información actualizada sobre un tema que es parte de la historia de la medicina.

Study of the effect of leeching on plasma endothelin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n = 20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n = 24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, (P < 0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment (P < 0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.</p>

Traditional healers in the Qazvin region of the Islamic Republic of Iran: a qualitative study

We identified and categorized by method of therapy 15 traditional healers in the recorded by actual patients or by observers simulating a medical condition. The treatment practices of the 15 healers [8 men and 7 women] included herbal remedies [four], bone-setting [five], traditional methods for the treatment of sore throat [two], massage therapy using plant oils [one], cupping [two], and leech therapy [one]. Despite an adequate number of physicians practising in the region, traditional healers continue to be consulted. We recommend that the efficacy of their treatments be further studied and that they be encouraged to contribute positively to the broader health objectives of Iranian society

Microsurgical Replantation of the Amputated Ear without Venous Repair: Clinical Experience with Leech

The application of microsurgical techniques to replant amputated ears has reliable outcome in ear salvage. However as the vessels available for anastomosis are relatively small, the technical success of the vascular repair is still challenging. In addition, avulsion amputations are a common occurrence and this makes ear vessels not available for use. Indeed, even when veins are identified and repaired or reconstructed, their relatively low flow state combined with postoperative swelling leads to a high rate of problems such as venous drainage. In these situations, either sticking the ear and allowing bleed freely or, more often, the leech therapy can be used as external decompression of the venous congestion in the replanted ear, which made the replantations successful. We present a successful result of microsurgical replantation in almost totally amputated ear which is anastomosed in the lower division of postauricular artery. No attempt was made to reestablish venous outflow microsurgically. Instead of venous repair, the leech therapy was applied immediately for the purpose of external decompression of postoperative venous congestion and the outcome was successful. This case provides the evidence that venous repair is not the requisite for successful replantation.

Microsurgical Replantation of the Amputated Ear without Venous Repair: Clinical Experience with Leech

The application of microsurgical techniques to replant amputated ears has reliable outcome in ear salvage. However as the vessels available for anastomosis are relatively small, the technical success of the vascular repair is still challenging. In addition, avulsion amputations are a common occurrence and this makes ear vessels not available for use. Indeed, even when veins are identified and repaired or reconstructed, their relatively low flow state combined with postoperative swelling leads to a high rate of problems such as venous drainage. In these situations, either sticking the ear and allowing bleed freely or, more often, the leech therapy can be used as external decompression of the venous congestion in the replanted ear, which made the replantations successful. We present a successful result of microsurgical replantation in almost totally amputated ear which is anastomosed in the lower division of postauricular artery. No attempt was made to reestablish venous outflow microsurgically. Instead of venous repair, the leech therapy was applied immediately for the purpose of external decompression of postoperative venous congestion and the outcome was successful. This case provides the evidence that venous repair is not the requisite for successful replantation.