Randomised controlled trial with medical leeches for osteoarthritis of the knee

Stange, Rainer; Moser, Claudia; Hopfenmueller, Werner; Mansmann, Ulrich; Buehring, M.; Uehleke, Bernhard

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2011.10.006

Cited by 35 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Though mostly focused on treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, previous studies lend support to the hypothesis that LT causes pain relief (11,12,16,17,23). Michalsen et al conducted a clinical trial investigating the impact of LT versus topical diclofenac in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee; the outcome of the research showed that there was no significant difference in VAS pain score between the two groups at the end of the three-month treatment, but VAS pain scores were 12 points better in patients who received LT compared to the patients in the control group (12).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…Many clinical studies and case reports have examined the usage of LT against pain, but these were mainly focused on symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). A single course of LT has been shown to provide symptomatic relief and improvement in functional ability and quality of life in women with symptomatic arthritis in their carpometacarpal joint for at least two months (17).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Can Leech Therapy Be Used as an Alternative Treatment for Controlling Migraine Headache? A Pilot Study / Da li lečenje pijavicama može da se primenjuje kao alternativni način lečenja u kontroli migrenoznih glavobolja? Pilot studija

Bakhshi¹,

Jalalian²,

Valian³

et al. 2015

Acta Facultatis Medicae Naissensis

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Leech therapy is likely to cause symptomatic relief in migraine headache sufferers, but there is little clinical data in this field. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of leech therapy in the management of migraine headaches. This is a quasi-experimental pilot study with a three-month post-treatment follow-up. Twenty-six patients with migraine headaches were allocated into two groups to receive either routine drug therapy (Propranolol 80 mg/day and Amytriptyline 50 mg/day) as preventive therapy or leech therapy (1-3 leeches in a single session). The severity and duration of headache were measured before intervention, as well as at week 1, and at months 1, 2, and 3 after intervention. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the severity of headache.The mean severity and duration of headaches were significantly decreased within both groups during the study period, whereas there was no significant difference between the groups after three months. The declining trend of severity and duration of headaches was seen to be highly significant in the first week of the treatment in both groups.The results of this study showed that a single session of leech therapy offers benefits equal to drug therapy in reducing pain in women with migraine headache, and can provide great symptomatic relief, lasting for at least three months.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can Leech Therapy Be Used as an Alternative Treatment for Controlling Migraine Headache? A Pilot Study / Da li lečenje pijavicama može da se primenjuje kao alternativni način lečenja u kontroli migrenoznih glavobolja? Pilot studija

Bakhshi¹,

Jalalian²,

Valian³

et al. 2015

Acta Facultatis Medicae Naissensis

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show abstract

“…Several studies conducted between 2001 and 2003 reported that usage of leech therapy on knees and other periarticular tissues of osteoarthritis patients had resulted in pain relief, reduced joint stiffness and improved functional ability [47,48]. A recent study conducted on 52 outpatients suffering from active osteoarthritis of the knee also reported highly significant improvements in function and reduction in pain in patients treated with leech therapy, as compared to patients treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [49].…”

Section: Use Of Leeches In Synosteologymentioning

confidence: 94%

An overview of leech and its therapeutic applications

2015

J Coast Life Med

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“…[10] No serious adverse effects were reported by Stange et al from a randomized controlled trial applying leeches in knee osteoarthritis. [11] Stefan A reported no adverse effects or local complications in 34 patients out of total 73 patients who received leeches either once or repeatedly at 4 week interval. However 39 patients developed a local irritation at the site of application, with moderate itching which receded in 4 weeks in all cases.…”

Section: World Journal Of Pharmaceutical Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The study concluded that a single session of leech therapy showed significant, relevant and sustained effects, comparable to other trials with leeches. [11] Evaluating single and double application of leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) application in Knee and surgical treatment modes. [12] Applying three leeches on the tender points of the affected knee in knee osteoarthritis patients, Zaidi et al, conducted a randomized controlled trial on 40 knee OA patients.…”

Section: Effectiveness Of Leech Therapymentioning

confidence: 99%