Treatment of Achilles tendinopathy with platelet-rich plasma.

Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy commonly impedes the functioning of active persons. Treatment methods vary, as do their results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy treatment with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Autologous PRP was injected into the affected Achilles tendon of 14 prospectively selected patients (15 Achilles tendons). Before PRP administration, all patients were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale for the hind foot, and the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A) scale. Ultrasonography (US) and Power-Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) of the area was also performed. Identical physical and imaging evaluations were performed at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 18 months after injection. During follow up, a significant improvement was observed in the clinical and imaging results. The AOFAS scale improved from a baseline median of 55 points to 96 points at 18 months (p=0.000655), while the VISA-A scale improved from a baseline of 24 to 96 (p=0.000655) in the final evaluations. During the final evaluation, one subject experienced minor pain following prolonged daily activity, while another subject complained of pain following overloading activity. Local, accurate PRP administration improved symptoms of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

[Concentrations of bile acids in serum, urine and feces in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Effect of peptide diet in comparison with a normal diet]. / Gallensäuren-Konzentrationen in Serum, Urin und Stuhl bei Patienten mit gastrointestinalen Erkrankungen. Einfluss einer Peptiddiät im Vergleich zur Normalkost.

The influence of a peptide diet on the concentration of bile acids in serum, urine and stools of patients with gastro-intestinal diseases was investigated. The concentration of bile acids in the samples from the patient group treated with a peptide diet showed no significant differences to the control group, who received a normal diet. Therefore, it can be ascertained, that a peptide diet, in comparison to a normal diet, has no reducing or stimulating effect on the composition and concentration of bile acids in serum, urine or stools; both parameters, i.e. the composition and concentration of bile acids, remain unchanged.