[Efficacy and tolerability of pantogam activ in patients with partial epilepsy]

Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine efficacy and tolerability of pantogam activ as an add-on drug in patients with partial epilepsy was conducted. 20 patients received pantogam activ, 20 patients - placebo. Good tolerability and no advers event were detected in the dose of 1800 mg/d. The reduction in the frequency of epileptic seizures was achieved in 72,1% in the group receiving pantogam activ and in 16,7% in the group placebo. Significant improvement in long-term memory and manifestations of anxiety were found in patients using pantogam activ. Quality of life in scale QOLIE-31 improved after taking pantogam and did not change after placebo.

[Efficacy of pantogam in the treatment of hyperkinetic disorders in children]

We have analyzed the efficacy of nootropic drug pantogam in the treatment of hyperkinetic disorders in children aged 6-12 years. The results of the randomized placebo-controlled trial demonstrated the decrease of major symptoms of hyperkinetic disorders (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity), comorbid mental and behavior disorders, the improvement of cognitive functions in the group of children treated with pantogam during 6 weeks and the absence of significant changes in the placebo group. It has been concluded that pantogam is effective in the treatment of hyperkinetic disorders in children.

[Pantogam in the treatment of patients with organic brain lesions of different genesis]

We studied 35 patients with organic brain lesions caused by secondary brain harmful factors (group 1) and 33 patients with organic brain diseases of vascular genesis (group 2). Mean age of patients was 45.5±2.3 years. Asthenic, cerebroasthenic, psychoorganic syndromes in the combination with dissomnic, psychoautonomous, depressive, hypochondriac disorders predominated in the clinical picture of patients. Pantoham was prescribed in dose 1.0 g 3 times daily during 45 days. The effect of the drug on cognitive and mental disorders was found. The drug was most effective in patients of group 1. Pantoham was well-tolerated.

[Pantogam active in the complex treatment of dystonic hyperkineses]

Efficacy of pantogam active in the complex treatment of facial and cervical dystonic hyperkineses was studied in 37 patients (25 women, 12 men) with dystonic torticollis, blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia with illness duration more than 6 months. In these patients, the previous treatment had no positive effect. Pantogam active was prescribed in dose 900-1800 mg/day during 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed with the TWSTRS, the HADS and the CGI-I. Pantogam active as add-on to basic treatment led to the reduction of severity in dystonic hyperkineses on the average 2-2,5 months from baseline. The best effect was seen in patients with short disease duration. The prescription of this drug allowed to increase the dose of drugs traditionally used in treatment of dystonia (clonazepam, cyclodole, tiapridal, baclofen) due to the decrease of their side-effects.

[Asthenic disorders in children]

The present study comprised two parts. In the first part, authors attempted to work out the systematics of asthenic disorders based on our own observations of 189 children aged 7-14 years. The following clinical variants of asthenic states in children were singled out: cerebrogenic asthenia (14.3%), somatogenic (13.8%), residual (16.4%), dysontogenetic (20.1%) and neurasthenia (35.4%). In the second part, we summarized the results of treatment of neurasthenia with adaptol (32 patients) compared to pantoham (30 patients). The efficacy of adaptol was higher: the improvement was seen in 71.9% of cases compared to pantoham (56.7%). The good tolerability of adaptol which clinical efficacy is confirmed by neurophysiological and psychological studies is discussed.

Efficacy of vitamin supplementation in situations with wound healing disorders: results from clinical intervention studies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review evaluates the efficacy of vitamin supplementations for prevention and treatment of pressure ulcer and surgical wounds on the basis of recent clinical intervention studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Intervention studies show that an energy and protein-rich oral nutritional supplement providing high doses of vitamin C and zinc in combination with arginine may prevent the development of pressure ulcers. This measure seems to improve the healing of pressure ulcer, which is questionable for vitamin C alone. For surgical wounds, data from randomized controlled studies are scarce, but results on the use of vitamin C in combination with pantothenic acid are promising.

SUMMARY

Considerable evidence suggests that supplementation of vitamin C together with zinc by an oral nutritional supplement rich in energy, protein and arginine may be an efficient tool for pressure ulcer healing in contrast to single vitamin C. The evidence for prevention of pressure ulcer by such an oral nutritional supplement is comparably low. This fits also for single vitamin C supplementation in the healing of surgical wounds. Further, well designed and well powered studies on the benefit of antioxidant vitamins for wound healing within a diet providing adequate energy and protein are necessary.

[The use of pantogam in patients with moderate cognitive disorders of vascular genesis]

Forty-five patients with discirculatory encephalopathy, I-II stages, and moderate cognitive disorders of vascular genesis were examined. All patients were stratified into 2 groups: 25 patients of the main group received pantoham in the complex therapy in dose 250 mg 3 times a day during 2 months; 20 patients of the comparison group received only a unified therapy (antihypertensive drugs and, if necessary, coronarolytics and glucose-decreasing drugs. The clinical/neurological and instrumental examinations and neuropsychological testing were performed before the treatment and after 8 weeks. The subjective improvement of the state of patients treated with pantoham, together with the significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the performance of cognitive tests (a battery of frontal dysfunction tests, the Clock drawing test, generalization ability) was found. No positive changes in the performance of cognitive tests were observed in the comparison group. None of the patients had side-effects that led to a change of the therapeutic scheme.

Comparison on the efficacy of dexpanthenol in sea water and saline in postoperative endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of dexpanthenol spray and saline irrigation in the postoperative care of sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

One hundred twenty eight sinusitis patients undergoing ESS were randomly allocated to receive dexpanthenol spray (Mar plus) or saline irrigation twice a day for 4 weeks after the operation. Total nasal symptom score, crusting, infection, compliance, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at 1, 2-3, 4-6, and 12 weeks. Mucociliary clearance was assessed with the saccharin test before ESS and at the last visit. One hundred ten patients remained at the present study termination. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were employed.

RESULTS

Total nasal symptom score, mucociliary clearance, and infection improved in both groups after the operation. The dexpanthenol group resulted in a better mucociliary clearance than saline irrigation (9.93 +/- 6.04 vs. 12.38 +/- 9.32 min, p = 0.43). Saline irrigation resulted in a greater reduction of post nasal drip than dexpanthenol at the first visit (74% vs. 87%, p = 0.04). Compliance and patient satisfaction were comparable.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of dexpanthenol was comparable to nasal saline irrigation in the postoperative care of sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery. Dexpanthenol is an alternative treatment, which may be useful in young children and complicated cases.

Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study

Published clinical experience with hamamelis ointment in children is limited. This observational study included children (age 27 days to 11 years) with minor skin injuries, diaper dermatitis, or localized inflammation of skin. The children received either hamamelis ointment or dexpanthenol ointment in groups at a 3-to-1 ratio. Baseline and post-treatment assessments compared the total scores of predefined signs and symptoms for each condition. Physicians and parents were asked for a global assessment of efficacy and tolerability of the respective treatments at the end of therapy. A total of 309 children were treated (hamamelis n = 231; dexpanthenol n = 78). The treatment groups were comparable regarding demographic data and baseline total scores of signs and symptoms. In all three diagnosis groups, the efficacy of hamamelis and dexpanthenol was shown by a statistically significant and clinically relevant decrease of total scores from baseline to endpoint (p < 0.0001 for each group, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Overall, the results for the hamamelis and the dexpanthenol groups were similar. Descriptive advantages for the hamamelis group were observed for a number of parameters and diagnosis groups. Both treatments were well tolerated. Ratings of the tolerability of hamamelis were "excellent" or "good" in 99.1% (physicians) and 98.2% (parents) of cases, respectively. The corresponding ratings for dexpanthenol were 97.4 and 92.3%. In conclusion, hamamelis ointment is an effective and safe treatment for certain skin disorders in children up to the age of 11 years. The observed effects are similar to dexpanthenol.

Efficacy of Tonimer gel spray on postoperative nasal care after endonasal surgery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of the addition of Tonimer gel spray into nasal mucosa care on nasal mucosal findings and patient comfort in the postoperative period of endonasal surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

40 patients who underwent endonasal surgery were included in the study. For the postoperative nasal care, isotonic saline was applied to both nasal cavities, and subsequently, Tonimer nasal gel spray was additionally applied to the right nasal cavity. Patients were examined on the 2nd, 7th, and 15th postoperative days. The findings of the examinations were scored with respect to crusting and the patient nasal comfort was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

The VAS values which measure patient comfort and crusting were significantly lower on the Tonimer side compared to control (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Tonimer and saline combination was found to be superior to saline per se in decreasing crusting and improving patient nasal comfort in the postoperative period.

The protective effect of dexpanthenol on testicular atrophy at 60th day following experimental testicular torsion

Despite the prompt diagnosis and treatment of testicular torsion (TT), there are problems with fertility and atrophy after testicular salvage. Dexpanthenol (Dxp) is the biologically active alcohol of pantothenic acid (PA). Dxp is converted to PA in tissues. PA increases the content of reduced glutathione (GSH), Coenzyme A and ATP synthesis in cells. GSH and glutathione-dependent peroxidases (GPX) are the major defense systems against oxidative stress. GPX-4 is the major antioxidant in testicular tissue. However, the activity of GPX-4 appeared and increased only after puberty. We investigated the effect of Dxp on testicular atrophy after TT at the 60th day. Rats were separated randomly into four groups. Group C: control group, group Td: torsion + detorsion, group Sal: torsion + saline + detorsion, group Dxp: torsion + Dxp + detorsion. The left testis was rotated 720 degrees for 2 h. In group Sal, normal saline and in group Dxp, Dexpanthenol were injected intraperitonally, 30 min before detorsion. After 60 days, the testicular weights and volumes were measured. Histopathology of the left testis was evaluated with mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD) and mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS). The left (torsed) testicular weight and volume of groups Td and Sal were significantly lower compared to group Dxp. The MSTD and MTBS of group Td and Sal were significantly lower than group Dxp. Contralateral testicular weight and volume of groups Td, Sal and Dxp had no significant difference compared to the control group. Dxp significantly prevented testicular atrophy after 60 days of TT. Dxp has FDA approval, is safe, cost effective and readily available. Its relevance for clinical trials may especially be for the problem of testicular atrophy catastrophe, seen very frequently following testicular salvage.

Dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray for the prevention of post-operative sore throat

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray on the prevention of a sore throat.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty patients undergoing general anaesthesia, who were ASA I-II and with their ages ranging between 15 and 70 years, were randomly allocated to three groups, each consisting of 60 patients. For group B, four puffs of benzydamine hydrochloride were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation and repeatedly 5 min before anaesthesia induction. For group D, two pastilles of dexpanthenol were administered orally to be sucked 30 min before the operation. For group P, four puffs of distilled water were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation. Post-operatively, patients were evaluated for a sore throat for the duration of 24 h.

RESULTS

The incidence of a sore throat was significantly lower for group D when compared with group B and group P. The incidence of a sore throat was similar for group B and group P. According to the sore throat grading system, the number of patients experiencing no complaints was significantly higher for group D when compared with group B and group P. The number of patients achieving moderate scores was significantly higher for group B when compared with group D.

CONCLUSION

The administration of 200 mg of dexpanthenol prophylactically before endotracheal intubation is effective in the prevention of post-operative sore throat.

[Clinical evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of the ''NoAll Bimbi Pasta Trattante'' barrier cream in napkin dermatitis]

AIM

Napkin dermatitis or diaper dermatitis is one of the most frequent cutaneous disease in the pediatric age. The most common type of napkin dermatitis is the irritant contact form, which is frequently complicated by an overinfection with bacteria or Candida albicans.

METHODS

In this paper, 25 children (7 males and 18 females), aged between 1 month and 4 years and affected by napkin dermatitis, were treated with a barrier cream containing zinc oxide, vitamin E, panthenol (NoAll Bimbi Pasta Trattante, PSN Rottapharm, Milan, Italy). In 20 patients, a diagnosis of irritant contact diaper dermatitis was made, 3 patients suffered from atopic dermatitis, 1 patient was affected by psoriasis and 1 patient presented to a perianal streptococcal dermatitis. A candidal overinfection was diagnosed in 12 patients and was treated with a topical antifungal agent, applied twice daily for 2 weeks. NoAll Bimbi Pasta Trattante was applied at every diaper change. In all cases, we considered 2 subjective symptoms (burning and itching), and 3 objective parameters (erythema, oedema, exudation/vesiculation), at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

One patient withdrew the study. In 13 patients clinical healing was observed, 9 patients showed marked improvement, in 2 patients we did not observe improvement. Tolerability was considered excellent in 13 patients, good in 9 and sufficient in 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained demonstrated that NoAll Bimbi Pasta Trattante, applied at every change of the napkin, is very effective and well tolerated in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis. Moreover, NoAll Bimbi Pasta Trattante, applied in association with other pharmacological treatments, may accelerate healing in case of overinfection due to Candida albicans and in case of inflammatory dermatoses localized in the gluteo-perineal area.

Efficacy of Slim339® in reducing body weight of overweight and obese human subjects

A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study has been carried out in order to evaluate the effect of orally self-administered Slim339, a proprietary fixed combination of Garcinia cambogia extract with calcium pantothenate (standardized for the content of hydroxycitric acid and pantothenic acid) and extracts of Matricaria chamomilla, Rosa damascena, Lavandula officinalis and Cananga odorata, on body weight in overweight and obese volunteers. During a 60-day treatment period, the average reduction in body weight for the group receiving Slim339 (n = 30) was 4.67% compared with 0.63% for the placebo group (n = 28) (p < 0.0001). Weight losses of >or=3 kg were recorded for 23 subjects in the treatment group and only one in the placebo group. It is concluded that Slim339 represents a potential therapy for obesity.

[Pantogam in daily psychiatric practice]

Pantogam was used as a corrector of the side-effects of neuroleptic therapy. The adverse effects were assessed psychometrically with several scales. Attention was focused on the unwanted signs (pathological movements of different groups of muscles). Fifty patients were studied, 37 of them completed the treatment course. Pantogam was administered in dosage 750-3000 mg per day along with traditional and atypical neuroleptics. The drug was effective against the most prevalent side-effects. The mild sedative effect of pantogam, absence of negative influence on myocardial vessels and possibility of its combination with most pharmacological drugs make its possible to use the drug in patients of different age groups.

[Effects of nootropic agents on visual functions and lacrimal antioxidative activity in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma]

The paper presents the results of an investigation of the effect of the nootropic agents pantogam and nooclerine on visual functions in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. These agents have been found to have a beneficial effect on the functional activity of the retina and optic nerve, light sensitivity, hemo- and hydrodynamics of the eye.

Comparison of dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment with ointment base in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis from diarrhea: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Severity of irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) from diarrhea varies from patient to patient depending on the nature of feces and the number of bowel movements. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment with ointment base in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis from acute diarrhea in children by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Forty-six children with diarrhea were prospectively, block randomized, investigator-blinded to receive dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment on one side and ointment base on the other side. TEWL was measured before and on days 1, 3, and 7 of treatment together with the assessment of severity score. The efficacy of treatment was defined by complete clearance of the lesion.

RESULTS

TEWL in the treated and control side was not different before the application of the topical medication. In the present study, the efficacy of 5% dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment on D3 was 39% (18from 46 patients) compared to 32% in the ointment base side. On D7, the efficacy of the treated side was 58.7% and the ointment base side was 56%. The patients who still had skin lesions were those who had prolonged diarrhea. On the treated side, the mean of TEWL was lower than the control side on DI (p = 0.18) and had significant improvement on D3 (p = 0. 002). At the end of the present study, TEWL on the treated side was less than TEWL of the control side but it did not have statistical significance (p = 0.07). There was no rash or sign of abnormality on the treated side at the end of D7.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of lDD from acute diarrhea, 5% dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment significantly decreased TEWL in the treated side more than the ointment base on day 3 but the severity score was not significantly different on days 1, 3 and 7.

Folic acid and pantothenic acid protection against valproic acid-induced neural tube defects in CD-1 mice☆

In utero exposure to valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). Although the mechanism by which VPA mediates these effects is unknown, VPA-initiated changes in embryonic protein levels have been implicated. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of in utero VPA exposure on embryonic protein levels of p53, NF-kappaB, Pim-1, c-Myb, Bax, and Bcl-2 in the CD-1 mouse. We also evaluated the protective effects of folic acid and pantothenic acid on VPA-induced NTDs and VPA-induced embryonic protein changes in this model. Pregnant CD-1 mice were administered a teratogenic dose of VPA prior to neural tube closure and embryonic protein levels were analyzed. In our study, VPA (400 mg/kg)-induced NTDs (24%) and VPA-exposed embryos with an NTD showed a 2-fold increase in p53, and 4-fold decreases in NF-kappaB, Pim-1, and c-Myb protein levels compared to their phenotypically normal littermates (P<0.05). Additionally, VPA increased the ratio of embryonic Bax/Bcl-2 protein levels (P<0.05). Pretreatment of pregnant dams with either folic acid or pantothenic acid prior to VPA significantly protected against VPA-induced NTDs (P<0.05). Folic acid also reduced VPA-induced alterations in p53, NF-kappaB, Pim-1, c-Myb, and Bax/Bcl-2 protein levels, while pantothenic acid prevented VPA-induced alterations in NF-kappaB, Pim-1, and c-Myb. We hypothesize that folic acid and pantothenic acid protect CD-1 embryos from VPA-induced NTDs by independent, but not mutually exclusive mechanisms, both of which may be mediated by the prevention of VPA-induced alterations in proteins involved in neurulation.

Prevention of and Therapies for Nipple Pain: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on nipple pain and to delineate effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers.

DATA SOURCES

Computerized searches on MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles from indexed journals relevant to the objective were reviewed from January 1983 to April 2004. Preference was given to research-based studies in English.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted and organized under two headings: prevention of nipple pain or trauma and treatment of nipple pain or trauma. The Critical Appraisal Form by J. Briggs was used to extract the data from research-based articles.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and infant are well documented; however, nipple pain is a common reason reported by women for the early termination of breastfeeding. Several studies have compared various treatments for either the prevention of or treatment for nipple pain. These treatments include warm water compresses, tea bag compresses, heat, application of expressed mother's milk, lanolin, vitamin A, collagenase, dexpanthenol, hydrogel therapy, glycerin gel therapy, moist occlusive dressing, education regarding proper latch-on and positioning, and no treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

No one topical agent showed superior results in the relief of nipple discomfort. The most important factor in decreasing the incidence of nipple pain is the provision of education in relation to proper breastfeeding technique and latch-on as well as anticipatory guidance regarding the high incidence of early postpartum nipple pain.

Power and sample size determination when assessing the clinical relevance of trial results by 'responder analyses'

A fundamental issue in regulatory decision making is the assessment of the benefit/risk profile of a compound. In order to do this, establishing the existence of a treatment effect by a significance test is not sufficient, but the clinical relevance of a potential benefit must also be taken into account. A number of regulatory guidelines propose that clinical relevance should be assessed by considering the rate of responders, i.e. the proportion of patients who are observed to achieve an apparently meaningful benefit. In this paper, we present methods for planning clinical trials that aim at demonstrating both statistical and clinical significance in superiority trials. Procedures based on analytical calculations are derived for normally distributed data and the case of a single endpoint as well as multiple primary outcomes. A bootstrap procedure is proposed that can be applied to non-normal data. Application is illustrated by a clinical trial in Alzheimer's disease.

Konservative und chirurgische Therapie der neurotrophen Keratopathie

Neurotrophic keratopathy is one of the most challenging conditions among the disorders of wound healing of the ocular surface. In addition to bilateral assessment of corneal sensitivity, tear status and lid function must be analyzed and treated by unpreserved artificial tears and adequate lid surgery. Further conservative treatment options include hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol as well as autologous serum. Application of recombinant growth factors (especially NGF) represents an interesting perspective. Concerning surgical interventions, temporary or permanent occlusion of the lacrimal punctum may be accompanied by lateral tarsorrhaphy which is easy to perform, potentially reversible, and in most cases successful. Depending on the type of wound healing disorder amniotic membrane transplantation may be helpful either as basal membrane transplant (graft) or as a patch, or in combination (sandwich). A tectonic keratoplasty a chaud should typically be combined with a simultaneous amniotic membrane patch and/or a lateral tarsorrhaphy to avoid persistent epithelial defects.

Mitochondrial decay, a major cause of aging, can be delayed

Mitochondrial decay due to oxidant byproducts is a principal underlying contributor to aging, including the degenerative diseases of aging such as brain degeneration [15,23,32]. The energy for basic metabolic processes comes from mitochondria, and their decay with age impairs cellular metabolism and leads to cellular decline. Our progress over the last decade in delaying the mitochondrial decay of aging is briefly reviewed.

Evaluation of protective and therapeutic effects of dexpanthenol on nasal decongestants and preservatives: results of cytotoxic studies in vitro

BACKGROUND

More than 600 million units of nasal decongestants are sold worldwide annually. The cytotoxic and ciliary toxic potential of decongestants, as well as the preservatives of these products, in particular benzalkonium chloride (BKC), is well established. Recently, a beneficial effect of dexpanthenol on the tolerability of the alpha-sympathomimetic xylometazoline and BKC has been described; however, it was unclear if this effect, resulting in significantly higher cell counts in a cytotoxicity study and an increase in ciliary beat frequency in a ciliary toxicity study was of protective or therapeutic nature. The objective of this study was (a) to evaluate whether dexpanthenol would be a useful additive to nasal decongestants to counter the cytotoxic and ciliary toxic effects of the active ingredient and the preservative and (b) to find out whether this beneficial effect is of protective or therapeutic nature.

METHODS

Systematic cytotoxic in vitro tests were performed. After exposure to xylometazoline (0.1%), the effect of dexpanthenol (5%) and BKC (0.01%) was determined by placebo-controlled assessment of cell growth in a human amniotic cell line.

RESULTS

Dexpanthenol significantly reduces the toxic effects of xylometazoline regarding cell growth (p < 0.001) when applied in advance. When BKC is eliminated from the nasal sprays, a further significant increase of cell growth was found (p < 0.001). When dexpanthenol is therapeutically applied after xylometazoline, effects on cell growth are only one-half of those of the protective approach.

CONCLUSION

The additive application of dexpanthenol (5%) given before nasal decongestants or preserved nasal sprays is able to improve the tolerability of these substances and to counteract the toxic effects.