An open prospective pilot study of a herbal combination "Relief" as a supportive dietetic measure during alcohol withdrawal

OBJECTIVE

A herbal combination (saffron extract, passion flower herb extract, cocoa seed extract, radish extract and black cumin extract) called "Relief" was designed as a supportive therapy of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). This combination was based on the scientific evidence of each constituent effect on AWS-like symptoms. In addition, our preclinical studies have shown the effectiveness of Relief on AWS detoxification. The rationale of the study was to document whether the oral intake of the designed content of Relief could have a positive effect on the course of alcohol detoxification by reducing some of the AWS in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

This pilot study was performed as non-interventional, open, single-armed, prospective on 32 hospitalized patients entered for detoxification of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Each patient received daily three capsules of Relief for 15 days, and AWS parameters were monitored, in addition to serum liver enzymes and quality of life which was evaluated using the Befindlichkeits-Skala (Bf-SR) scaling system.

RESULTS

Relief administration significantly reduced the percentage of patients with hyperhidrosis (r=0.815, p<0.001), reduced serum liver enzymes by ~50-80% (p<0.05), and increased normalization of appetite (r=0.777, p<0.001). Besides, before the treatment began the Bf-SR scale was 28.3±4.3, which was typical for neurological syndromes such as depression or insomnia, and during Relief administration the Bf-SR scale significantly dropped to 15.6±2.4 (p<0.001). As for the safety, four, but not serious, adverse events were observed; two of them may be product related. Finally, 84.4% of patients' assessed Relief treatment as good to excellent and 87.5% of the patients declared an interest in reusing Relief for the next detoxification period.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limitations of the present study, the findings showed the potential of Relief for the improvement of the clinical situation of patients with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and therefore, justify a full-scale well-controlled study design to be implemented.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a common and serious medical condition that causes considerable psychosocial morbidity. Diagnostic and effective management strategies can improve patients' quality of living dramatically.

Control of palmar hyperhidrosis with a new "dry-type" iontophoretic device

BACKGROUND

Palmar hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating on the palm, and among the various treatment modalities, tap water iontophoresis has been widely used.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a new "dry-type" iontophoretic device that was locally manufactured and did not use tap water to control sweating.

METHODS

Ten subjects with palmar hyperhidrosis were enrolled in this study. To be treated the patients were instructed that they only have to grasp the device. Only one palm was treated for 2 weeks, and then the treatment was discontinued the following next 2 weeks. The other palm was not treated as a control. At the end of second week, biopsy specimens were obtained from untreated and treated palm, respectively, and examined histologically.

RESULTS

Nine of 10 patients were satisfied with this therapy reducing their sweat outputs from 33% to 51% of baseline at the end of 2 weeks' treatment, and after 2 weeks of discontinuation of treatment sweat productions returned to near baseline. The pathologic examinations showed some occlusions and destruction of intraepithelial eccrine ducts only in the treated palm.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that dry-type iontophoresis could reduce palmar sweating more conveniently than other conventional methods.

The effect of tibolone in postmenopausal women receiving tamoxifen after surgery for breast cancer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of tibolone on climacteric symptoms, endometrium and serum lipid/lipoproteins in postmenopausal women receiving tamoxifen after surgery for breast cancer.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre pilot study.

SETTING

Hospital outpatient clinic.

SAMPLE

Seventy postmenopausal women receiving tamoxifen following surgery for early breast cancer.

METHODS

Women received 20 mg/day oral tamoxifen plus either 2.5 mg/day oral tibolone or placebo for 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequency and severity of hot flushes (diary cards); intensity of hot flushes and sweats (Landgren scale); interference of hot flushes and sweats with normal life; frequency and intensity of other climacteric symptoms; endometrial thickness and histology; vaginal bleeding; breast cancer recurrence and serum lipid/lipoproteins.

RESULTS

Daily card data showed no change in the daily number of hot flushes with either tibolone or placebo (P= 0.219) after three months. There was a significant reduction in the severity of flushes with tibolone compared with placebo (-0.4 vs 0.2, P= 0.031). The Landgren scale showed a mean change in the number of hot flushes of -0.6 with tibolone and +1.1 with placebo after 12 months (P= 0.022). Endometrial biopsies were normal and vaginal bleeding was similar in both groups. A significant decrease in triglycerides (-23% vs 1.4%) and HDL (-12% vs 19%) was seen with tibolone compared with placebo after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Tibolone prevented an increase in hot flushes in postmenopausal women given tamoxifen following surgery for breast cancer without untoward effects on the endometrium. Beneficial effects on serum lipid profile were noted.

Effect of a yearlong, moderate-intensity exercise intervention on the occurrence and severity of menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of moderate-intensity exercise on the occurrence and severity of menopause symptoms.

DESIGN

A yearlong, randomized, clinical trial, conducted in Seattle, WA, with 173 overweight, postmenopausal women not taking hormone therapy in the previous 6 months. The intervention was a moderate-intensity exercise intervention (n = 87) versus stretching control group (n = 86). Using logistic regression, odds ratios comparing exercise with controls were calculated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for menopause symptoms and their severity.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in hot flash severity and decreased risk of memory problems in exercisers versus controls over 12 months, although the numbers affected were small. No other significant changes in symptoms were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise does not seem to decrease the risk of having menopause symptoms in overweight, postmenopausal women not taking hormone therapy and may increase the severity of some symptoms in a small number of women.

Developing an Instrument to Measure Quality of Life of Patients With Hyperhidrosis

Quality of life (QOL) is an index of the state of wellness of an individual. The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. With a multi- dimensional model of QOL as the conceptual framework for instrument development, the study started from literature review which was followed by interviews with patients, staff nurses, and doctors to generate the original items for the instrument. The validity and reliability then were assessed. Six experts performed content validity (CVI =.70). Internal consistency and construct validity assessment followed. A quantitative research method was used in this study. During March 2002 to April 2003, 85 patients from the surgical outpatient clinic at a teaching hospital in southern Taiwan were purposively recruifed as subjects. Written consent was obtained before subjects answered a questionnaire that should take 8-10 minutes to finish. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows 8.0. Mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, Cronbach ' s alpha, Pearson ' s correlation, and factor analysis were used to analyze the data. Exploratory factor analysis identified five factors. They were functional, social interaction, personal affective, psychological and physical function. The coefficients of Cronbach ' s alpha for these five factors ranged from 0.71 to 0.94. These five factors explained 68.90 % of the variance in QOL among the patients with hyperhidrosis. The results showed that the instrument had satisfactory validity and reliability. Implications of these results for future studies were discussed.

Thoracoscopic limited T-3 sympathicotomy for primary hyperhidrosis: prevention for compensatory hyperhidrosis

OBJECT

Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a major and troublesome complication of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis. The incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis has been reported to be as high as 50 to 97% in the patients who underwent sympathetic ganglia resection. In this study the authors evaluate the role of thoracoscopic T-3 sympathicotomy for primary hyperhidrosis and the prevention of compensatory hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

Thoracoscopic T-3 sympathicotomy was performed in 27 patients with either isolated palmar hyperhidrosis (24 cases) or that in combination with axillary hyperhidrosis (three cases) during a 3-year period. In the cases of combined palmar/axillary hyperhidrosis, the T-4 sympathetic ganglion also was coagulated. The mean follow-up period was 19.7 months. Surgery-related results were determined on the basis of complications, compensatory hyperhidrosis, and patient-related satisfaction. In the immediate postoperative period all 24 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis reported complete alleviation of their symptoms. One patient with palmar/axillary hyperhidrosis in whom axillary hyperhidrosis did not completely resolve underwent a repeated T-4 sympathicotomy 1 month after the initial surgery. Another patient suffered mild compensatory hyperhidrosis of the trunk 1 month postoperatively. The long-term satisfaction rate in all 27 patients was high. One patient required placement of a chest tube to treat pneumothorax. Other complications such as Homer syndrome, intercostal neuralgia, gustatory hyperhidrosis, and pulmonary edema were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopic limited T-3 sympathicotomy is an effective method to treat primary hyperhidrosis, its rate of compensatory hyperhidrosis is low, and its rate of long-term patient satisfaction is high.

Safe control of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis with direct electrical current

BACKGROUND

Primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis is a benign disease of unknown etiology, leading to the disruption of professional and social life and emotional problems. A variety of treatment methods have been used to control or reduce the profuse sweating. In this study, we report the efficacy of direct current (d.c.) administration in the treatment of idiopathic hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

One hundred and twelve patients with idiopathic hyperhidrosis were enrolled in the study. Initial sweat intensities of the palms were measured by means of the pad glove method. The patients were treated in eight sessions with d.c. administration using a complete regulated d.c. unit based on tap water iontophoresis. The final sweat intensities of responders were determined 20 days after the last treatment. Nonresponders returned earlier than 20 days, with final sweat intensities measured at least 5 days after the last treatment. In 26 responders, plantar hyperhidrosis was also treated. After the first remission period, the second of eight treatments was applied to the palms of 37 responders.

RESULTS

This therapy controlled palmar hyperhidrosis in 81.2% of cases. The final sweat intensities of the palms of responders were significantly reduced after eight treatments (P < 0.001). The first average remission period was 35 days. Minimal undesirable effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique appears to control hyperhidrosis on the palms and soles only if regular treatment is applied. Plantar hyperhidrosis appeared to resolve simultaneously when palmar hyperhidrosis was successfully treated.

Intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier's block) for botulinum toxin therapy of palmar hyperhidrosis is safe and effective

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been shown to be highly effective in reducing palmar hyperhidrosis. Since palmar injections is a painful procedure, the use of an anesthesia method is recommended.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) for painless treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with BTX-A compared to topical application of a local anesthetic agent.

METHODS

Thirty patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with BTX-A injections, using a total dose of 100 U BTX-A for each hand. One palm was pretreated with a topical application of local anesthetizing cream (EMLA cream), while the other palm was anesthetized with IVRA. Sweat secretion was visualized with Minor's test and quantified by corneometer analysis before and after BTX-A therapy.

RESULTS

BTX-A therapy was significantly less painful in palms anesthetized with IVRA than in palms pretreated with EMLA cream (P < 0.0001, paired Wilcoxon rank test). Two weeks after the BTX-A injections, corneometer measurements showed that spontaneous sweat production had declined significantly, from 115 +/- 16.25 (left hand) and 114 +/- 17.58 (right hand) before therapy to 81.5 +/- 27.33 (left hand) and 74 +/- 28.08 (right hand) after therapy (P < 0.001, paired t test).

CONCLUSION

IVRA safely and effectively alleviates the pain associated with BTX-A treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Quantitative analysis with the corneometer showed that BTX-A significantly reduces sweat production. We conclude that IVRA is a suitable method for providing pain relief in the treatment of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.

Prevention of compensatory hyperhidrosis after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Compensatory hyperhidrosis is a troublesome complication of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis. After extensive resection of the second through the fourth ganglion (T2-4), as well as after limited resection of the second ganglion (T2), the reported incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis ranges as high as 50-97%. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis can be reduced by limiting the thoracoscopic sympathectomy to another level, the third ganglion.

METHODS

We analyzed 28 thoracoscopic sympathectomies for palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis. In all patients, the sympathetic chain was transected cranially and caudally to the third ganglion (T3 dissection). Long-term follow-up was conducted by interviewing patients using standardized questionnaires.

RESULTS

The surgery was effective in all patients. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, compensatory hyperhidrosis was not recorded in any of the patients. There were no recurrences of hyperhidrosis.

CONCLUSION

Limited thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the level of the third ganglion is effective and seems to prevent compensatory hyperhidrosis.

Hygiene problems of residual limb and silicone liners in transtibial amputees wearing the total surface bearing socket

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether washing the residual limb and silicone liner reduces the associated skin problems in transtibial amputees who wear a total surface bearing (TSB) socket.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

General community.

PATIENTS

Eighty-three transtibial amputees (65 men, 18 women; mean age, 53.4 yr) in western Japan who used or had used a TSB socket with a silicone liner in the previous 5 years.

INTERVENTION

Participants took a self-administered questionnaire that included items concerning their personal profile, daily life activities, period of TSB use (yr), hours of TSB use daily, washing frequency of the residual limb and silicone liner, the method of washing, and any associated hygiene problems.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Logistic regression analysis was applied to examine factors related to hygiene problems. Predicted values include hygiene problems (perspiration, eruptions, itching, odor) and explanatory values include TSB use, daily life activity, and washing of limb and prosthetic.

RESULTS

Fifty-five subjects washed the residual limb, and 44 subjects washed the silicone liner every day. Itching, perspiration, eruption, and odor were frequent hygiene problems. Perspiration was noted less by women, eruption more by older subjects, and itching and odor more by younger subjects. Washing the silicone liner every day was associated with fewer reports of skin eruption.

CONCLUSION

Keeping the residual limb and silicone liner clean is important to reduce skin problems, but hygiene problems of the residual limb and silicone liner still remain to be resolved.

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis presenting with unilateral symptoms: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Two cases of primary palmar hyperhidrosis are presented. T2-T3 sympathetic ganglionectomy of the affected side completely alleviated perspiration of the palms, but oversweating of the contralateral palms appeared a few weeks later. A similar sympathetic ganglionectomy of the second side, 1 month and 1 year later, resulted in renewed oversweating of the palm on the first operated side within 3 months of the second operation. During the same period, 127 other patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis underwent a bilateral upper dorsal sympathectomy, though the condition did not recur in any of these patients. The possible mechanism(s) of why overperspiration of the second hand developed after the first sympathectomy in these two patients, and why it recurred in the first hand after the second operation are examined, but remain obscure.

Hand protection for car-painters

In a single blind cross-over study, the skin compatibility and comfort of cotton inner gloves were compared with a special astringent cream in 64 car painters. 38/64 (59%) painters preferred cream under disposable polyethene gloves, while 20/64 (33%) preferred cotton gloves under polyethylene gloves. This difference was not statistically significant. Persons with a tendency to hyperidrosis under gloves tended to prefer cotton inner gloves. According to preference, a special astringent cream may be a suitable alternative to cotton inner gloves. Such creams should not contain sensitizing components.