Action Points  

• Note that this study was published as an abstract and presented at a conference. these data and conclusions should be considered to be preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Explain that a majority of patients with treatment-refractory interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (IC/CPPS) had clinically significant improvement in symptoms after treatment with the immunosuppressant cyclosporine.
• Note that adverse effects included muscle cramping, fatigue, gastrointestinal toxicity, abnormal liver function test results, and elevated creatinine.

WASHINGTON — A majority of patients with treatment-refractory interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (IC/CPPS) had clinically significant improvement in symptoms after treatment with the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, data from a small clinical study showed.

Fifteen of 22 patients had at least 75% improvement in global symptoms. On average, a 75% reduction in symptom scores occurred after 3.5 months of treatment.

Nocturia episodes decreased by more than half, according to a presentation here at the American Urological Association meeting.

“All the patients understood that this is off-label use of cyclosporine, but they were desperately symptomatic patients, and were more than happy with any symptomatic response they could get,” said John Forrest, MD, of Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma in Tulsa.

“From an observational standpoint, these are some of the most dramatic responses I have seen to any therapy for interstitial cystitis in this particular population. these were not mildly or moderately symptomatic patients. they were severely symptomatic,” he said at an AUA press briefing.

However, all patients had a return of symptoms following discontinuation of cyclosporine so the optimal treatment duration remains to be determined, Forrest added.

The clinical evaluation of cyclosporine in patients with IC/CPPS had its origin in two Finnish studies: one was a retrospective chart review and the other was a randomized comparison involving pentosan polysulfate. Both studies showed substantial symptom relief with the immunosuppressant (J Urol 2004; 171: 2138-2141, J Urol 2005; 174: 2235-2238).

Forrest reported results from a small cohort of patients with treatment refractory IC/CPPS. all of the patients had received no benefit from prior treatment with oral or instillation therapy, sometimes both.

The study population comprised eight men and 14 women with a mean age of 56. Their duration of IC/CPPS symptoms averaged 10.5 years, and their pretreatment Pain Urgency Frequency score averaged 25.

The patients had an average pretreatment anesthetic bladder capacity of 400 mL. the majority had bladder ulcerations, while six had documented autoimmune disease and three had recurrent severe hemorrhagic cystitis.

“These were patients who had run out of options,” Forrest said. “For most of them, the next step would have been a pain management program or cystectomy.”

Treatment with cyclosporine began at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day in divided doses. as symptoms improved, the dose was gradually titrated down. Additionally, dose adjustments were made in response to side effects and serum cyclosporine levels.

Symptom response occurred quickly and, in some cases, dramatically, according to Forrest. Nocturia episodes decreased from an average of five per night before treatment to two after treatment. all patients with hemorrhagic cystitis had complete resolution of bleeding. the patients with autoimmune disease had improvement in associated symptoms.

The seven nonresponders included three patients who stopped treatment because of adverse effects, which included muscle cramping, fatigue, gastrointestinal toxicity, abnormal liver function test results, and elevated creatinine.

“These observations raise more questions than answers,” Forrest said. “So far as I know, no one knows the answer to the question of how long to continue the therapy.”

“We would dose-reduce as patients responded to treatment, but every patient who discontinued treatment had recurrence of symptoms within three months,” he added. “Patients were fine with restarting the treatment.”

Higher doses of cyclosporine used in organ transplantation have been associated with a risk of secondary malignancy, Forrest continued. the risk associated with the low dose used to treat IC/CPPS is unknown.

Forrest had no relevant disclosures.

Homeopathy for kidney stone is a helpful alternative therapy. Kidney stones, acute as well as chronic, can be effectively cured with homeopathic medicines. Kidney stones homeopathic treatment can avoid surgery in many cases. Homeopathy is widely suggested in situations wherein the tendency of having recurrent stones is more. It has been proved useful in cases of kidney stones that cannot be treated with surgery or any other procedure due to various reasons. All homeopathic medicines are natural, safe and easy to administer and do not cause any adverse effects.

Kidney stone homeopathy treatment is a clinically proven therapy that can break the stones into gravel and eliminate them through the urine. the medicines used in homeopathy can cleanse the urinary tract. Kidney stones need to be completely broken down so that they can pass through the urine easily. Another method is to flush out all the dissolved particles and prevent the growth of microbes in the urinary tract. Homeopathic treatment can also decrease the recurrence of kidney stones. they step-up kidney resistance and continue the kidney function by allowing them to naturally keep the minerals dissolved in the urine.

Homeopathic medicines for kidney stone treatment

The following are some effective homeopathic medicines that are usually used in preventing and treating kidney stones and related symptoms such as pain.

Berberis Vulgaris: Berberis Vulgaris is one of the homeopathic medicines readily available in the market. It can effectively treat stones in the kidney and the urinary tract. This medicine is made from the bark of a plant known as barberry. It can be taken for kidney stones that produce pain around the bladder, thighs or testes.

Dioscorea: Kidney stones homeopathic treatment includes an medicine called dioscorea. This type of medicine is derived from a common plant root called wild yam. Dioscorea will be the most effective homeopathic medicine for treating kidney stones. you get relief from the pain as you arch your back or adjust your mid sections.

Belladonna: Belladonna, another type of homeopathic medicine, treats stones in the right kidney. Symptoms could manifest if the pain occurs suddenly and increases with every movement that you will make. High fever and high body temperature are other signs.

Sarsaparilla officinalis (Sars): It is an effective homeopathic remedy for those who suffer from kidney stones with almost unbearable pain. the urine of such patients may be white with gritty or sandy particles. Homeopathic doctors usually suggest sars to people who are depressed about having stones at all, in addition to having physical symptoms. Usual dose of this medicine is four pellets of 6x to 30x potency taken many times a day. an extract of sars is also available.

Cantharis 30: other medications recommended in kidney stones homeopathy treatment include cantharis 30. It can prevent violent, stabbing or cutting pain. the pain that shoots of in different directions is the most important symptom.

Ocimum 30 and Lycopodium 30: Kidney stone homeopathy remedies suggest consumption of Ocimum 30 and Lycopodium 30. both can prevent right-sided kidney stones with cramps in the loins. If urine has must-like odor and contains sand-like particles, Ocimum is considered for stones of uric-acid salts.

Pareira brava 30: This medicine can cure the symptoms of ceaseless urge to urinate. the patient experiences a great pain in the bladder region that continues into the thighs during his or her effort to urinate.

Sarsaparilla 30: It is another homeopathic medicine that can cure right-renal colic, the pain shooting downwards from the right kidney. the patient experiences a severe and unbearable pain after urination as soon as the urine stops to flow.

Choice of kidney stones homeopathic treatment is based upon the symptoms presented by the patient. the patient should also follow lifestyle medications such as drinking more fluids and regulating diet to prevent the stones.

A large number of ladies are diagnosed with ovarian cysts but not absolutely everyone understands the best way to greatest take care of it. Naturally, females ask their medical doctors for medical suggestions on the way to be treated. Medical doctors would typically put you on a hormone therapy and prescribe you with analgesics. in uncommon situations, surgical procedures are recommended to present immediate relief and avoid further complications.

Cysts usually are not constantly life-threatening however the symptoms that come with it could be upsetting. a number of the things you are going to experience when having cysts are painful, heavy and irregular menstruation, strained urination, weight gain, bloating, and pain across the pelvic region in the course of sex. you do not need to put up with these signs and symptoms, thanks to Ovarian Cyst Cures.

When you have already been diagnosed with cysts, probabilities are you already know the medical and surgical therapies offered for you. most ladies discover surgery intimidating and costly that they would just resort to other treatments. Medicines might be handy but bear in thoughts that drugs have adverse effects to your general well being.

For this reason, professionals like Laura Hennings have come up with a systematic method to combat the symptoms of cysts and ultimately do away with this problem. the most beneficial issue about this system is the fact that it’s all organic and for that reason is not going to have adverse effects to your body. It is possible to benefit from the very effective measures Ovarian Cyst Cures critique by just downloading it.

The very first chapters of this book critique the various varieties and indicators of cysts also because the treatment options accessible for women. the author also explained why most procedures proposed by physicians usually do not guarantee a hundred percent remedy.

The succeeding chapters of this book evaluation the causes of the cysts so it is possible to optimize your treatment. most ladies are surprised to seek out out that their life-style is closely linked to their cysts. Feelings, tension, and environmental circumstances are just a number of the seemingly inconsequential points cited as root causes of cysts.

Other notable points about this book are the seven things females should know concerning the food they consume to obtain rid of cysts also as other ailments. also presented are five things women need to prevent in any respect fees to help the physique grow to be more capable of healing. there is also a fascinating chapter in Ovarian Cyst Cures that tackle the potential of the thoughts to heal cysts.

Laura Hennings, a well being consultant and medical researcher has also suffered from ovarian cysts. For this cause, you’ll be able to make sure that the technique of Ovarian Cyst Cures critique confirmed tactics to help you totally free your self from this problem.

Get Far more Details on Ovarian Cyst Cures at this time!

There’s no greater surprise for a woman than learning she is pregnant for the first time… except for the first time she experiences one of mother nature’s unkindest pregnancy symptoms. Heartburn!

Reflux, as heartburn is commonly called, can be one of the most frightening moments of early pregnancy, especially when the woman is unaware that it may occur at any time. the searing pain often arrives without warning and the burn can grow even more intense very quickly. Then, just when she feels about to ignite, the pain crests and fades gently away… only to rear it’s fiery head again a few minutes later. Heartburn should never come as a surprise to a pregnant woman, and that’s why I am writing about the syndrome in great detail today.

Gastro-esophageal reflux, the flow of gastric content back from the stomach into esophagus is associated with heartburn and is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. the symptoms are generally limited to pregnancy and other than the associated discomfort, have no adverse effects on the mother or the developing fetus.

Incidence of Heartburn in Pregnancy

• this condition is extremely common and affects an estimated 80% of all pregnant women.• In the majority of cases reflux appears for the first time during pregnancy. In some however pregnancy exacerbates a pre-existing condition.• the incidence of heartburn is similar in the first or subsequent pregnancies.• Women with previous reflux during a pregnancy are more likely to have it again.• Caucasian women are likely to experience reflux earlier than black women.

Symptoms often begin early in pregnancy. However, reflux becomes notable in the 5th month and gradually worsens as pregnancy progresses due to the enlarging uterus.

In the last month as the fetal head descends into the pelvis, symptoms often improve. the majority of women experience complete resolution of their symptoms after delivery.

Causes of Heartburn in pregnancy

Reflux is caused by a combination of increased abdominal pressure and weakening of the muscle band constricting the lower esophagus (sphincter). the enlarging uterus compresses the stomach and increases the pressure within it. this increased pressure pushes fluid from the stomach into the esophagus. at the same time, the muscle band between the stomach and the esophagus, which normally prevents backward flow, becomes lax due to the effect of pregnancy hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and thus allows the stomach content to flow “backwards”.

Other more controversial explanations for reflux include:• Increased gastric acidity, making the gastric juice more irritating to the esophagus.• Increased stomach volume,• the emptying of the stomach is delayed during pregnancy,• Weakening of the muscle band between the stomach and intestine (pyloric sphincter) allowing bile to regurgitate from the small bowel into the stomach and from there into the esophagus.

Symptoms

Heartburn: the most common complaint. It presents as a sensation of burning in the chest that travels from the central part of the rib cage to the neck. Heartburn is more common and becomes more severe in the later months.Regurgitation: Passage of fluid from the stomach into the esophagus and occasionally into the mouth is extremely uncomfortable and causes significant distress. It worsens after eating and especially when reclining immediately after a meal.Less frequent symptoms include: Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, cough, wheezing, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma, ear, nose and throat abnormalities.

Diagnosis

Due to pregnancy and risk to the fetus, the diagnosis is often made by history alone. Endoscopy, telescopic visualization of the esophagus and stomach, which is usually done in the non-pregnant state, is deferred unless there are severe symptoms unresolved by routine measures. Severe symptoms may include bleeding, severe esophagitis, or strictures. (narrowing of the esophagus) other diagnoses that can present similarly such as peptic and duodenal ulcer disease, H. pylori infections, Zollinger Ellison syndrome, and gallbladder disease should all be ruled out. Women with GERD during pregnancy may be more susceptible to complications when anesthesia is administered during labor or for emergency situations due to chemical pneumonias that can occur from aspiration of gastric contents. Therefore, anesthesiologists will administer medication in labor for prevention.

Active management of heartburn can improve a pregnant woman’s quality of life, therefore my next blog will review several effective therapies.

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Tags: acid reflux, esophagus pain, gastric discomfort, heartburn

this entry was posted on Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 at 1:33 pm and is filed under Conditions & Diseases. you can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. you can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

The area below the ear and on the side of the head has a complex joint made up of tendons, muscles and bones and this joint is known as temporomandibular joint. This joint aids in opening and closing the mouth and if there is a problem in this area then every day habits like chewing, yawning and even speaking are affected. A number of TMJ symptoms are outlined here in this article.

The TMJ joint can become sore and painful due to many factors, namely stressing the jaw too much. Like most body parts constant stress on the joint can lead to various symptoms. Chewing gum constantly or grinding teeth while asleep can affect the jaw over a period of time. Even a simple habit like biting nails can have adverse effects on TMJ joints.

Apart from that troubles with teeth and trauma to the area can result in a TMJ problem. This could lead to difficulty in moving the jaw adequately. The TMJ symptoms are different for different people and often misdiagnosed. Although visiting the doctor can sooth your suspicions.

Many people complain of headaches similar to migraine due to TMJ disorders and they are sometimes misdiagnosed as such. The pain is concentrated on the temporal area hence the misconception. A radiating pain can affect the ear as well similar to an ear infection though a proper check can diagnose the problem correctly. The pain is around the ear area.

The face can become swollen and red. The mouth area can also be red and swollen due to trouble with the bite and chewing. The patient may hear popping and crunching sounds which may or may not be followed with pain in the same area. A number of patients may also feel dizzy though the reason for this is not clear.

The problems in the TMJ area can also cause speech impairment and this can severely affect a person’s life. The ear may feel muffled or compressed with air which will consequently create hearing problems. The symptoms include ringing in the ear as well.

The most uncomfortable symptom is the lock jaw where the jaws may lock in place as the muscles cease or the muscles tighten allowing little room for the mouth to open. This can affect in eating food and chewing. Sometimes the situation may need emergency care and the severe cases have their lives affected adversely.

The more severe situations can lead to patients eating soft foods for a while and avoiding biting hard and chewing tough foods. They need to control their bad habits like chewing nails and gum. They need to keep the stress of the jaw area. The doctor would normally give some medications and soothing agents that calm and relax the muscles though a change in lifestyle is important to keep the damage minimum.

The aches and pains are numerous from tongue to throat pain. Back pain and stiffness hence it is important to visit the physician for a proper diagnosis and air your suspicions freely.

If you have enjoyed everything you read here about a tmj dentist you will love everything else you will find at TMJ Toronto. Get a FREE Report on how to choose tmj relief by clicking on Toronto TMJ.

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