The translational implications of the science behind the overactive bladder and the role of OnabotulinumtoxinA.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a very common condition that can affect patients of all ages and the commonest cause is an overactive bladder (OAB). Most patients with OAB were treated with pharmacotherapy and major surgery. Over 25 years ago, Dasgupta, Fowler et al. studied the presence and role of C fibres in the human bladder which are highly sensitive to capsaicin, the active ingredient of chillies. When capsaicin was instilled into patients' bladders as a synthetic solution, it was found to be highly effective in some patients. Capsaicin was later replaced by Resiniferatoxin. Both toxins desensitised C-fibres through the capsaicin receptor, TRPV1, without any lasting damage to the bladder itself. The discovery of botulinum toxin and its use in the treatment of OAB represents a major breakthrough, in the treatment of OAB. Another key innovation was the development of technique to administer the drug under local anaesthesia which allowed numerous patients to benefit from treatment who would otherwise have been precluded because of the need for injection under general anaesthetic. After extensive trials over many years Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) is now licensed for use in OAB. Compared to other treatments for overactive bladder, OnabotulinumtoxinA is more cost-effective and less invasive. It is thought to have changed the quality of life of an estimated 5 million patients worldwide.

Hyperbaric and topical oxygen therapies in thermal burn wound healing: a review

OBJECTIVE: This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the two most commonly used oxygen delivery methods for the treatment of thermal burn wound healing: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and topical oxygen therapy (TOT). METHOD: The PubMed database was searched for articles discussing the use of HBOT or TOT in the treatment of thermal burns. RESULTS: The search yielded 43,406 articles, of which 28 (23 HBOT, 5 TOT) met the inclusion criteria. Both experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated conflicting results after treating thermal burns with HBOT or TOT. Overall, 14/23 studies demonstrated positive results for HBOT on the healing of burn wounds and associated complications, such as oedema and pain. Findings from these studies showed it can reduce morbidity and mortality in certain high-risk groups such as those with diabetes or extensive burns. Although the five studies (one human and four animal trials) reviewing TOT showed promising outcomes, this therapeutic modality has not been well investigated. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic use of HBOT in thermal burns has been popular in the past but its use remains controversial due to inconsistent results, serious side-effects, lack of convenience and high costs. The use of TOT in the management of burns needs further exploration by scientists and clinicians alike, in addition to the implementation of a standardised treatment protocol.