Exposure to an inhomogeneous static magnetic field increases thermal pain threshold in healthy human volunteers.

In the present experiment, the effect of a single 30 min inhomogeneous static magnetic field (SMF) exposure on thermal pain threshold (TPT) was examined in 15 young healthy human volunteers. The SMF had a maximum peak-to-peak amplitude of 330 mT with a maximum gradient of 13.2 T/m. In either of two experimental sessions (SMF or SHAM), four blocks of 12 TPT trials were carried out under SMF or SHAM exposure on all fingertips of the dominant hand, excluding the thumb. TPT and visual analog scale (VAS) data were recorded at 0, 15, and 30 min exposure time, and 30 min following exposure. SMF treatment resulted in a statistically significant increase in TPT during the entire exposure duration and diminished within-block thermal habituation, leaving pain perception unchanged. These results indicate that SMF-induced peripheral neuronal or circulatory mechanisms may be involved in the observed TPT increase by setting the pain fibre adaptation potential to higher levels.

[Metabolic therapy for early treatment of age-related macular degeneration]. / Metabolikus terápia az idoskori makuladegeneráció korai kezelésére.

Currently, age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common eye diseases causing severe and permanent loss of vision. This disease is estimated to affect approximately 300-500 thousand Hungarians. While earlier no treatment was available, in the recent decade an antioxidant therapy became very popular using combinations of high dosage antioxidant vitamins C, E, beta carotene and zinc. Based on theoretical concepts and mostly in vitro experiences, this combination was thought to be effective through neutralizing reactive oxygen species. According to a large clinical trial (AREDS) it reduced progression of intermediate state disease to advanced state, but did not influence early disease. This original combination, due to potential severe side effects, is not on the market anymore. However, the efficacy of modified formulas has not been proved yet. Recently, the metabolic therapy, a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and acetyl-L-carnitine has been introduced for treating early age-related macular degeneration through improving mitochondrial dysfunction, specifically improving lipid metabolism and ATP production in the retinal pigment epithelium, improving photoreceptor turnover and reducing generation of reactive oxygen species. According to a pilot study and a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial, both central visual field and visual acuity slightly improved after 3-6 months of treatment and they remained unchanged by the end of the study. The difference was statistically significant as compared to the base line or to controls. These functional changes were accompanied by an improvement in fundus alterations: drusen covered area decreased significantly as compared to the base line or to control. Characteristically, all these changes were more marked in less affected eyes. A prospective case study on long-term treatment confirmed these observations. With an exception that after slight improvement, visual functions remained stable, drusen regression continued for years. Sometimes significant regression of drusen was found even in intermediate and advanced cases. All these findings strongly suggested that the metabolic therapy may be the first choice for treating age-related macular degeneration. Currently, this is the only combination of ingredients corresponding to the recommended daily allowance, and at the same time, which showed clinically proved efficacy.

[Transpupillary thermotherapy for choroidal metastases]. / Chorioidealis metastasisok transpupillaris termoterápiája.

PURPOSE: To present three cases with choroidal metastases treated with transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five choroidal metastases of three patients were treated with infrared laser thermotherapy (TTT). In all cases the distorted vision, caused by serous retinal detachment joining the posterior pole metastasis, led the patients to an ophthalmologist. In our first case an intraductal breast carcinoma led to bilateral multifocal choroidal metastases. In the second case a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx caused a rapidly growing choroidal metastasis. The primary tumor of the third patient was urothelial carcinoma. The efficacy of treatment and systemic (general health) outcomes are discussed. RESULTS: Three of the tumors regressed to a flat scar, and led to improved vision after one session of treatment, one tumor needed two sessions of treatment to regress. The metastasis from the squamous cell carcinoma grew very fast and caused an early death not allowing follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: TTT can be a safe therapeutic option for small choroidal metastases. This one-session treatment leads to tumor regression, improves vision and positively affects quality of life of the patient suffering from metastatic cancer.