REAC-induced endogenous bioelectric currents in the treatment of venous ulcers: a three-arm randomized controlled prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Endogenous bioelectric fields (EBFs) play a fundamental role in promoting repair and regeneration processes, including in leg venous ulcers (LVUs). Unfortunately, the mechanism underlying the production of EBFs is easily altered by infectious, traumatic, and epigenetic factors. This alteration is one of the determining factors for the chronicity of LVUs. This study investigates how radioelectric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology treatments, specifically designed to optimize EBFs, and in particular tissue optimization-reparative (TO-RPR) treatment, can improve the results of standard dressing with and without elastic compression in LVU patients. METHODS: A total of 30 patients were enrolled (12 males and 18 females) and randomized into three groups. All patients completed the study. Group A was treated with standard dressing, elastic compression, and REAC TO-RPR treatment; Group B was treated with standard dressing and REAC TO-RPR treatment; and Group C was treated with standard dressing and elastic compression. RESULTS: The results show that the combination of REAC treatment and standard dressing associated with elastic compression has the greatest therapeutic efficacy in promoting the healing process for ulcers, reducing perceived pain, and improving the quality of life of the patients treated. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies will be useful to investigate these prospective results.

Gradenigo's syndrome with lateral venous sinus thrombosis: successful conservative treatment.

Gradenigo's syndrome (GS) is a rare disease characterised by the triad otitis media, pain in the region innervated by the first and the second division of trigeminal nerve and abducens nerve palsy. Septic sinus thrombosis is one of the most frequent and relevant complication of GS; it is often due to persistent damage and late diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow the correct diagnosis in most cases. Surgical therapy may be necessary for a better and more rapid resolution of the disease. We report the case of a 4-year-old child that was admitted for facial nerve palsy and abducens nerve palsy subsequent to a 2-week persistent pain in the right ear. MRI showed infective acute process of the right mastoid and partial ipsilateral sinus thrombophlebitis. The child was treated with high-dose intravenous antibiotics and with oral anticoagulants. A complete resolution of symptoms and radiological alterations were observed within 7 weeks. In conclusion, lateral sinus thrombosis and Gradenigo's syndrome are rare but potential fatal complications of otitis media and mastoiditis. High-dose intravenous antibiotics and a low dose of anticoagulant can achieve a complete recovery without surgery.