ABSTRACT
Anal fissure is common and painful disease of anorectum. In this study, microparticles containing nifedipine and lidocaine HCl were prepared by spray drying and applied to bio-degradable and bio-stable tampons. Characterization of microparticles was determined by visual analyses, mass yield, particle size measurement, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading and in vitro drug release. Mass yield was between 5.5 and 45.9%. The particle size was between 15.1 and 26.8 µm. Encapsulation efficiency were 96.142 ± 5.931 and 85.571 ± 3.301; drug loading were 65.261 ± 3.914% and 37.844 ± 4.339% of L2 and N1, respectively. Well-separated, mainly spherical microparticles with suitable properties were obtained. Optimum microparticles were applied to tampons. Physical properties and visual characteristics of tampons were investigated before and after binder application. In vitro drug release from tampons were also examined. According to the results, textile-based carrier systems loaded microparticles containing nifedipine and lidocaine HCl will be an effective and promising alternative for current anal fissure treatment.
Subject(s)
Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Fissure in Ano/drug therapy , Lidocaine/administration & dosage , Nifedipine/administration & dosage , Tampons, Surgical , Vasodilator Agents/administration & dosage , Alginates/chemistry , Anesthetics, Local/pharmacokinetics , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Liberation , Glucuronic Acid/chemistry , Hexuronic Acids/chemistry , Humans , Lidocaine/pharmacokinetics , Nifedipine/pharmacokinetics , Textiles/analysis , Vasodilator Agents/pharmacokineticsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the exercises administered to stroke patients with the balance trainer (BALANCE-trainer, art.nr. 07001-001(TM)) on balance, level of independence and ambulation parameters. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty patients with hemiplegia were randomized into either study group or control group. Patients in the control group received 30 sessions of conventional rehabilitation program and patients in the study group were trained with balance trainer in addition to conventional rehabilitation program. Balance level and postural control were evaluated with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed-Up and Go Test (TUG). Their functional statuses were evaluated using Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Evaluations were repeated following the six-week rehabilitation program. RESULTS: Of the 50 participants, 19 were women (38%) and 31 were men (62%). The mean age was 57.1 ± 9.2 years. The time that elapsed after stroke was 87.3 ± 26.3 days. Statistically significant improvements were noted in BBS, TUG and FIM in intra-group evaluations for both groups. Statistically significant improvements were documented in BBS and TUG levels for inter-group evaluation (respectively p =0.038, p =0.025), while the difference in FIM levels was not statistically significant (p >0.05). CONCLUSION: Positive impact of balance trainer on balance and postural control was demonstrated in stroke patients in the current study. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (2):125-130.
