• Title/Summary/Keyword: Medical leech

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A Study of Clinical Applications of Leeches (Hirudo) (수질의 임상적 활용에 대한 문헌적 고찰)

  • 한동하;정희재;정승기;이형구
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.23 no.2
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    • pp.151-163
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    • 2002
  • Traditionally, the Leech (Hirudo) has been used for the treatment of cerebral vascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, women's diseases, etc. In Chinese medicine, usually Chinese medical doctors use Whitmania pigra Whitman among several species in their clinics. Because it was considered as toxic animal medicine according to related books, they used it in a parched form with Talcum powder, and this is the most general type for medication. Nowadays, however, many clinical doctors regard it as secure, so they tend to use it naturally in a capsule, in large quantities, and more frequently. We have no doubt that it is useful for diseases connected with blood stasis, especially including pulmonary diseases and allergic diseases, so we urge that many Korean oriental medical doctors use it practically in their clinics.

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The Relationship between Explanation and Patient Compliance in Hirudotherapy

  • Kim, Kwang Seog;Sim, Ho Seup;Shin, Jun Ho;Hwang, Jae Ha;Lee, Sam Yong
    • Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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    • v.18 no.3
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    • pp.179-185
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    • 2017
  • Background: The use of leeches can effectively increase the salvage rate of flap congestion. However, the first reaction from patients and carers in using leeches in clinical fields is strong aversion. This can be due to the fact that development of our culture from agriculture to industrial society, coming across leeches became fairly rare. Also because of the biological traits that leeches carry; staying attached to a leg or other body parts of the host, sucking blood, and leaving wounds. Methods: This study was conducted through questionnaires, divided into many subgroups. We scaled the compliance of the two therapies, with or without leech. Maximum scale of 10 showing no rejective response to the therapy and minimum scale of 0 showing the greatest rejective response. Results: Overall subjects' compliance was improved after explaining the benefits of hirudotherapy. Irrelevant to the explanation, there was no significant difference in general compliance between male and female. Young-aged group and medical personnel or people studying medicine showed higher compliance over older-aged group and the general public. Conclusion: In the terms of general social cognition, recognizing leech as a therapeutic material may not be welcomed at first, but provided with proper information and explanations, overall compliance of patients and carers can be improved and consequently result in superior outcomes in flap salvage.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments of Psoriasis in Persian Medicine a Narrative Review

  • Rasanan, Farshad Mohammadian;Kenari, Hoorieh Mohammadi;Ghassemi, Mohammadreza;Sabbagh, Ali Jabbari;Aliasl, Jale;Ghobadi, Ali
    • Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.1-6
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    • 2022
  • Psoriasis is a chronic disease that has no definitive cure. In this review study, the main sources of Persian Medicine (PM) such as the Canon of Medicine (by Avicenna) and Al-Havi (by Rhazes) were assessed to identify non-pharmacological treatments for psoriasis. Several treatments that are recommended for this disease include nutritional advice, lifestyle modifications, and manipulation therapy such as wet cupping (Hijamah), leech therapy, and phlebotomy (Fasd). These recommendations may help to prevent recurrence and be useful in improving psoriasis. The efficacy of PM recommendations to improve psoriasis should be evaluated in future studies.

Reconstruction of Defect Adjacent to the Buttock with Gluteal Perforator Flap: Free Style Flap Design (둔부천공지피판의 둔부 인접 부위로의 적용: 둔부천공지피판의 자유로운 작도)

  • Lee, Muyoung;Choi, Jong-Woo;Hong, Joon-Pio;Koh, Kyung-S;Eom, Jin Sup
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.35 no.6
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    • pp.692-697
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: Gluteal perforator flap has evolved to one of the standard tools for coverage of pressure sore. We used this flap to cover the defect adjacent to the buttock. Methods: From September 2004 to August 2006, gluteal perforator flaps were performed in 3 patients with sore and 9 patients with tumor. We made the rule for free style design of the flap. First, the defect should be covered fully regardless of the shape or area. Second, the location of perforators was decided to maximize flap mobility. Third, the donor-site should be closed directly. Results: Successful reconstruction was fulfilled. In 2 cases, initial flap congestion was observed but medical leech was applied and it was resolved. Partial flap loss occurred in one case. Infection was observed in one case. But there were no major complications. Conclusion: Gluteal perforator flap is very good option for the reconstruction of the defects adjacent to the buttock.

The Effects of Live Leech (Hirudo Medicinalis) Therapy on Diabetic Foot: a Clinical Case Report

  • Na, Hyun-Jong
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.136-138
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    • 2003
  • Purpose : A clinical case of diabetic foot-wound repair using Hirudo medicinalis therapy and its application is reported and discussed. Methods : The subject was a sixty-six-year-old woman diagnosed with a non-healing wound indicating the amputation of her right diabetic foot. Instead, Hirudo medicinalis therapy was performed twelve times over forty days, twice a week. The transition of wound closure was observed with the naked eye, and the plethysmogram was measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. Results : The wound contracted with decreased exudate, collagen-like connective tissue sprouted, and then the wound gradually closed. The initial value (-0.08) of the dicrotic elastic index rose to -0.03. Conclusion : Hirudo medicinalis therapy had a positive effect on the wound repair, without a negative effect on the circulation, allowing the foot to be saved. It is necessary to investigate its wound repair mechanism for the further development of the Sahyul method.

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Microsurgical Replantation of Very Distally Amputated Finger (수지 첨부 절단의 재접합술)

  • Kang, Hong-Dae;Kim, Johng-Jin;Lee, Nae-Ho;Yang, Kyung-Moo;Moon, Ji-Hyun
    • Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.75-81
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    • 2007
  • Introduction: Microsurgical replantation of amputated digit have become common procedure in recent years. However replantation of fingertip amputation, Zone I by Yamano classification, is still difficult because digital arteries branch into small arteries and also digital veins are hard to separate from the immobile soft tissue. So, fingertip amputation was covered by volar V-Y flap, composite graft, cross finger flap and groin flap. But patients who have been treated by these methods experience shortening of digit, nail deformity, excessive tenderness and persistent pain. Replantation could solve most of these problems. Material & Methods: In our department, from March 2004 to August 2007, 36 digits in 32 patients with complete amputation at distal to nail base were replanted using a microsurgical technique. Results: The overall survival rate of the replanted finger was 75%. Venous anastomosis was possible in 8 cases and impossible in 28 cases. In latter cases external bleeding technique was applied with medical leech. Conclusion: After replantation, a few patient complained decreased sensibility, nail deformity and cold intolerance. But most of patients were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic appearance of the viable replanted digits. We believe the replantation should be the first choice in fingertip amputation.

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Identification of Lactoferrin as a Human Dedifferentiation Factor Through the Studies of Reptile Tissue Regeneration Mechanisms

  • Bae, Kil Soo;Kim, Sun Young;Park, Soon Yong;Jeong, Ae Jin;Lee, Hyun Hee;Lee, Jungwoon;Cho, Yee Sook;Leem, Sun-Hee;Kang, Tae-Hong;Bae, Kwang-Hee;Kim, Jae Ho;Jung, Yong Woo;Jun, Woojin;Yoon, Suk Ran;Lee, Sang-Chul;Chung, Jin Woong
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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    • v.24 no.6
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    • pp.869-878
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    • 2014
  • In this study, we performed two-dimensional electrophoresis with protein extracts from lizard tails, and analyzed the protein expression profiles during the tissue regeneration to identify the dedifferentiation factor. As a result, we identified 18 protein spots among total of 292 spots, of which proteins were specifically expressed during blastema formation. We selected lactoferrin as a candidate because it is the mammalian homolog of leech-derived tryptase inhibitor, which showed the highest frequency among the 18 proteins. Lactoferrin was specifically expressed in various stem cell lines, and enhanced the efficiency of iPSC generation upto approximately 7-fold relative to the control. Furthermore, lactoferrin increased the efficiency by 2-fold without enforced expression of Klf4. These results suggest that lactoferrin may induce dedifferentiation, at least partly by increasing the expression of Klf4.

Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Poncirus trifoliate (L.) Raf. in Stroke Patient with Constipation (뇌졸중환자의 변비에서 지실 열수 추출물의 효과)

  • Moon, Hyo Jeong;Lee, Su Kyung;Noh, Se Eung;Joo, Min Cheol
    • Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.97-103
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    • 2016
  • Objectives To evaluate the effects and safety of the aqueous extract of the dried, immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliate (L.) Raf. (Rutaceae) (PF) in stroke patients with constipation. Methods A total of 22 patients were recruited. Patients were interviewed about the clinical informations, constipation score and Bristol stool form scale at twice, before intake PF and after intake PF 2 weeks. The total and segmental colon transit time (CTT) were measured by using radio-opaque markers (Kolomark$^{(R)}$). The degree of stool retention was evaluated by the plain abdominal radiography and was scored by Leech score. Results Before intake PF, constipation scores ranged from 3 to 12, average $6.54{\pm}2.87$ and Bristol stool form scale ranged from 1 to 6, average $3.86{\pm}1.21$. CTTs were $9.05{\pm}6.89hours$, $14.29{\pm}10.68hours$, $12.11{\pm}7.19hours$ and $35.40{\pm}19.5hours$ in the right, left, rectosigmoid and total colon, respectively. Stool retention score was $2.45{\pm}0.61$, $2.3{\pm}0.86$, $1.9{\pm}0.85$, $6.65{\pm}1.56$ in the right, left, rectosigmoid and total colon, respectively. After 2 weeks, constipation scores ranged from 2 to 8, average $4.28{\pm}2.05$ and Bristol stool form scale ranged from 1 to 6, average $4.17{\pm}1.04$. CTTs were $7.41{\pm}8.86hours$, $11.12{\pm}9.12 hours$, $8.83{\pm}8.75hours$ and $27.3{\pm}20.2$ hours in the right, left, rectosigmoid and total colon, respectively. Stool retention score was $1.9{\pm}0.64$, $2.2{\pm}0.69$, $1.4{\pm}0.88$, $5.5{\pm}1.39$ in the right, left, rectosigmoid and total colon, respectively. There were statistically significant difference in the total and rectosigmoid colon CTT and constipation score, Stool retention score in right and rectosigmoid colon (p<0.05) after PF therapy. Conclusions These results suggest potential for PF therapy in stroke patient with constipation.

The Reverse Posterior Interosseous Island Flap for the Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects in the Wrist Injured by Electrical Arc (역혈행 후골간 도상피판을 이용한 전기아크손상으로 인한 손목부 결손의 재건)

  • Suh, Jeong Seok;Lee, Jong Wook;Ko, Jang Hyu;Seo, Dong Kook;Choi, Jai Koo;Chung, Chul Hoon;Oh, Suk Joon;Jang, Young Chul
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.34 no.5
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    • pp.580-586
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    • 2007
  • Purpose: High tension electrical injuries result in major tissue(eg. bones, tendons, vessels and nerves) destruction. Therefore, the management of mutilating wrist caused by electrical injuries still represents a challenge. There are various approaches to this problem including local and regional flaps as well as pedicled distant flaps and microsurgical free tissue transfer. Although it has not gained wide acceptance, because of the technically demanding dissection of the pedicle, posterior interosseous flap is now well accepted for the reconstruction of hand and wrist in hand surgery. The principal advantages of this flap are minimal donor site morbidity, minimal vascular compromise, one stage operation. This flap also offers the advantages of ideal color match and composition. In this report, we describe our experience with the reverse posterior interosseous island flap for reconstruction of mutilating wrist with main vessel injuries. Methods: From October, 2004 to June, 2006, we treated 11 patients with soft tissue defects and main vessel injuries on the wrist that were covered with reverse posterior interosseous island flap. Results: These 11 patients were all male. The ages ranged from 27 to 67 years(mean age 41.75) and the follow-up period varied from 4 to 19 months. Complete healing of the reverse posterior interosseous island flaps were observed in 11 patients(12 flaps). The majority of these flaps showed a certain degree of venous congestion, which in a flap was treated with medical leech. 1 flap has partial necrosis owing to sustained venous congestion, requiring secondary skin graft. flap size varied from $3.5{\times}8cm$ to $10{\times}12cm$(mean size $6.4{\times}8.9m$). The donor site defect was closed directly in 5 flaps, and by skin graft in 7 flaps. Conclusion: We found that the reverse posterior interosseous island flap is reliable and very useful for reconstruction of mutilating wrist and we recommend it as first choice in coverage of soft tissue defects in the wrist with electrical arc injuries.

Reconstruction of the Finger using Rerouting the Transverse Digital Palmar Arch in the Crushing or Avulsion Injured Finger (짓니긴 및 벗겨진 손상에서 가로손가락손바닥활을 이용한 손가락 재건)

  • Choi, Hwan-Jun;Lee, In-Soo;Choi, Chang-Yong;Kim, Mi-Sun;Kim, Jun-Hyuk
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.37 no.1
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    • pp.59-66
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    • 2010
  • Purpose: In the finger, there are three major palmar arches in the arterial system. The location of this arches are constant. The middle and distal transverse arches are consistently large (almost 1 mm) and may be used for arterial vessel repairs either proximally or distally, depending on the length and direction needed. This paper describes our experiences in reconstruction and replantation of the finger using rerouting the transverse digital palmar arch. Methods: 31 patients with injuries according to our classification were treated from March of 2005 to October of 2008. In this study the authors subdivided injuries into those with amputation distal to the insertion of the flexor digitorum profundus (Class I, 31 fingers); those with amputation distal to the insertion of the flexor digitorum superficialis (Class II, 4 fingers). Replantation was performed using the artery-only technique with neither vein nor nerve repair. Because the artery has been damaged, it is still possible to make a direct suture by transposing the arterial arch in an inverted Y to I arterial configuration or converting the arch. Venous drainage was provided by an external bleeding method with partial nail excision, medical leech, and repaired margin. Results: The success rate was 87% (n=27) in class I and 75% (n=4) in class II. The authors conclude that crushing and complete avulsion injuries & amputations are salvageable, with acceptable functional results in select patients, especially those with amputation distal to the insertion of the flexor digitorum superficialis. Conclusion: We performed replantation and reconstruction with only-arterial transposing anastomosis successfully, resulting in good recovery of aesthetic and functional outcome. Three major digital palmar arches, especially distal two branches, give us additional treatment options. In the finger replantation and reconstructive techniques using rerouting healthy the transverse digital palmar arch increase the survival rate of the finger.