[Uncontrolled clinical study of the efficacy of ambulant fasting in patients with osteoarthritis].

Objective: To study the efficacy of fasting therapy according to Buchinger on pain, state of health, and articular function in patients with osteoarthritis.

Patients And Methods: Uncontrolled pilot study in which 30 patients (22 women, 8 men) with osteoarthritis (Kellgren stages I-III) of the hand (N = 10), hip (N = 8) and knee (N = 12) underwent ambulant fasting therapy according to Buchinger for 2 weeks with 3 pre-fast days, 8 fast days (300 kcal) and 4 re-feed days as well as follow-up 4 and 12 weeks afterwards. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: Global intensity of pain (visual analogue scale, VAS); joint pain with activity, with start of walking, at rest (VAS); pressure pain threshold; articular function; health-related quality of life (SF-36 including Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score); Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Arthrose Index (WOMAC); painDETECT-questionnaire (Pfizer); analgesics; weight; body mass index (BMI); waist circumference; blood pressure; pulse and a variety of serological parameters.

Metabolic stress response patterns in urinary compositions of idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers, patients with chronic bowel diseases and controls.

Emotional stress is associated with e.g. increased hormone release, high blood-sugar level and blood pressure.

The effect of mild whole-body hyperthermia on systemic levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Serial mild whole-body hyperthermia is a widely used balneotherapy modality for clinically inactive ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in rehabilitative medicine. Thus far, the mechanisms of its favorable influence on the symptoms of AS are not completely understood. We therefore analyzed the effect of mild whole-body hyperthermia on the systemic levels of pivotal proinflammatory cytokines.

Dercum's disease (Lipomatosis dolorosa): successful therapy with pregabalin and manual lymphatic drainage and a current overview.

Dercum's disease which is also termed lipomatosis dolorosa is a rare and relatively unknown disease. In this entity the upper arms, elbows, stomach wall, buttocks, thighs and knees are predominantly affected showing painful subcutaneous adipose tissue deposits. In addition severe hyperalgesia can be triggered by light pressure and touch.

[Serial whole-body cryotherapy in the criostream for inflammatory rheumatic diseases. A pilot study].

Background And Purpose: Local as well as whole-body cryotherapy is used to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatic diseases. In comparison with a chamber-based whole-body cryotherapy, the novel criostream whole-body therapy (single-person cabin with cold air cooled by liquid nitrogen) as an innovative technique offers not only a rapid therapeutic effect but also a considerable reduction in costs. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of whole-body cryotherapy in the criostream on pain reduction, disease activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-[TNF-]alpha and interleukin-[IL-]1), and improvement in functional scores.

[Repeated cold water stimulations (hydrotherapy according to Kneipp) in patients with COPD].

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often suffer from exacerbations caused by infections of the bronchial tract.

Objective: What effects do hydrotherapeutic applications according to Kneipp have on lung function, blood gases, immune system and quality of life of patients with COPD?

Patients And Methods: 20 patients with COPD (17 males, 3 females); mean age: 64; forced expiratory volume (FEV1): 62 of 100% (on average); no acute exacerbations, no oral corticosteroids. Measurements were performed (I) at 10 weeks pre-treatment, (II) immediately before therapy (I-II: baseline-period), (III) after 10 weeks treatment with 3 cold affusions and 2 cold washings of the upper part of the body (self-treatment) per week each, (IV) 3 months after completion of the treatment (follow- up).

[Does garlic influence rheologic properties and blood flow in progressive systemic sclerosis?].

Background: According to traditional European naturopathy garlic is an agent that increases perfusion. In studies with healthy subjects and in-vitro research garlic has shown influences on erythrocyte and thrombocyte aggregation as well as on vasoregulation. However, data on its effects in clinical populations are still lacking.

Therapeutic ultrasound in lower extremity wound management.

In medical practice, ultrasound (US) is used for diagnosis and therapy. High-frequency (1-4 MHz) and low-frequency (20-120 KHz) therapeutic US are relevant to wound healing. The heating effects of high-frequency US are important, whereas the mechanical effects of low-frequency US must be considered.

Transdermal CO2 application in chronic wounds.

Chronic wounds are a challenge to treatment. In this retrospective study, the effect of transdermal CO2 application on wound healing in chronic ulcers was investigated and compared to the effect of CO2 on acute surgical wounds. Eighty-six patients (52 females and 34 males) with chronic wounds of different origin except arterial occlusive disease were included.