Randomised controlled trial with medical leeches for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Objectives: To evaluate the possible efficacy of medical leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) in the treatment of patients with active osteoarthritis of the knee.

Design: Unblinded, randomised controlled trial with outpatients in a crossover design with single interventions of either leeches or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as comparator.

Main Outcome Measures: Change in Lequesne's combined index for pain and function and change (L.

Validation of questionnaires from several medical fields regarding the constitution of patients.

Introduction: To consider or determine an individual's 'warm and cold' constitution is common part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Indian medicine (Ayurveda), anthroposophic medicine and classical natural medicine.

Objective: Common psychometric characteristics of 4 questionnaires should be examined.

Methods: 110 cancer patients and 110 non-cancer patients were asked to answer these questionnaires twice 4 weeks apart.