[Compressive therapy of lymphedema].

Lymphedema is a simple complication after mastectomy. On current data there are two main methods of treatment of this disease that include different physical exercises, massage, compression of the edematous tissue and limb bandaging. One of this methods is based on the serial compression of the limb with an intermittent pump that is followed by physical exercises. Another method is known as the complex decongestive therapy (CDP) by Földi. Individual treatment program is worked out for each woman. The positive effect of treatment can be reached after a year of strict adherence to the program.

[Lymphedema: clinic-therapeutic aspect].

Lymphedema may be presented in mild or less severe form. Nowadays, accurate diagnosis and effective therapy are available. Wearing surgical bandage, massage, exercise, and pumps form the core program for most patients with lymphedema. The application of pharmacological therapies has been notably absent from the management strategies for lymphatic vascular insufficiency states but lately some progress has been made by applying wobenzym in the treatment. Surgical approaches to improve lymphatic flow through vascular anastamosis have been, in large part, unsuccessful, but controlled liposuction affords lasting benefit in selected patients.

[Influence of direct electric current on hydrodynamic diameter of human serum albumin].

The effect of the weak electric current (2 mA/cm2) on structural characteristics (hydrodynamic diameter and molecular weight) of the human serum albumin (HSA) was studied using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). The average diameter of initial HSA globule is approximately 7 nm (66.8 kDa). After electric current treatment during 2-5 min the diameter of HSA monomer increases to 7.5 nm. The duration of electric current treatment being increased to 20 min the size of HSA monomers decreases to 6.4 nm. The behaviour of HSA oligomers is close to that of monomers. Consequently, changes in the sizes of monomers and oligomers of HSA under the electric current treatment are caused by the change in the charge density stimulating change of tertiary structure of molecules and possible addition of ions from the buffer solution to them.

[Clinical and experimental aspects of the treatment effect of laser irradiation].

The article summarizes literature data and results of the authors' studies on clinical experimental aspects of the treatment effect of laser emission. The literature shows that among different therapeutic effects of laser emission, the most studied are neurotropic, methabolic, immunomodulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as its ability to stimulate the regeneration of wounds and bones. The authors stressed on biostimulative effect of laser therapy.

[Protein component in therapeutic effect of electric current].

Literature data and authors' own observation on the role of albumin in realization of curative effect of electric current are summarized in the article. Electric current action on albumin leads to physical and chemical changes (conformational ones, membrane process are also involved, development of free forms of biologically active substances) and biochemical changes (enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation). It furthers the normalization of function of body organs and systems. Curative effect of electric current depends on the dose, physical characteristic, functional specialization of tissues and peculiarities of a pathological process. Protein component is primary one in treatment effect of electric currents and should be further studied using physical, physical and chemical and biochemical techniques.

Acupuncture in the treatment of posttraumatic pain syndrome.

To test the hypothesis that classical Chinese acupuncture provides an additional benefit subjectively as well as objectively in patients suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective trial was performed. Fourteen patients suffering clinically and scintigraphically from acute CRPS of the upper limb lasting of more than one but less than 6 months were studied. Patients were randomly assigned to either the classical acupuncture (group A) or sham acupuncture (group S), which was applied five times a week for three weeks and required 30 minutes. Both groups received the same defined standard treatment. The current state of pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale. Subjective success of treatment was rated by the patients by means of a rating scale. Each patient underwent a clinical examination and was investigated by 5-phase bone scan in order to confirm the diagnosis. The current state of pain as well as clinical parameters were almost identical in patients of group A and of group S at the beginning. During therapy clinical parameters as well as pain improved in both groups and reached nearly normal levels after 6 months. Owing to the small number of patients in our study, no differences between sham and treatment group could be recognized. For a definitive statement the treatment of further patients in both groups is planned. Determinations of the effect of acupuncture on clinical parameters, based on long-term follow-ups are projected.

[Acupuncture in the treatment of a posttraumatic pain syndrome]. / Akupunktura v likuvanni pisliatravmatychnoho bol'ovoho syndromu.

Overall, fourteen patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (Sudeck's disease) presenting with pain syndrome were examined. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical symptomatology and was confirmed by thermographic and scintigraphic investigations. The patients were divided into two groups and they were administered double blind classical and sham acupuncture treatments, under the exposure to which treatments the pains began to subside in the above patients, with their general wellbeing having gotten improved.

[Wobenzyme and diuretic therapy in lymphedema after breast operation]. / Wobenzym- und Diuretikatherapie beim Lymphödem nach Mammaoperation.

The authors of this clinical study report the results of a controlled clinical trial in randomized parallel groups (Wobenzym vs. diuretics) of 55 female patients suffering from brachial arm lymph edema subsequent to ablatio mammae. All patients received manual and machine lymph drainage as well as gymnastics as concomitant therapy. After 7 weeks of therapy the results of the volometric assessments of the arm, the circumference of the arm and the skinfold thickness showed significant improvements compared to diuretics. In addition, the patients receiving Wobenzym reported a significantly higher proportion of patients free of pain compared to the diuretics patients. Overall safety assessment results are satisfactory thus resulting in a superior benefit/risk relation of the Wobenzym group.