Methylene blue-mediated photodynamic therapy: a possible alternative treatment for oral lichen planus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, methylene blue-mediated photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT) was used as a possible alternative method for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with 26 OLP lesions were enrolled in this study. Patients were instructed to gargle a 5% methylene blue solution in water for 5 minutes. Ten minutes later, irradiation was performed by laser light (lambda = 632 nm, light exposure dose = 120 J/cm(2)). Lesions were evaluated pre and post-operatively and at follow-up sessions by changes in sign and symptom (pain) scores, and size of lesions. RESULTS: Improvement in sign scores was achieved in 16 lesions. Four keratotic lesions disappeared completely. There was a statistically significant decrease in sign and symptom scores 1 week after treatment and at follow-up sessions up to 12 weeks. Average reduction in size of lesions was 44.3%. CONCLUSION: MB-PDT seems to be an effective alternative treatment for control of OLP. In our opinion, this preliminary result warrant further studies in order to show the efficacy of MB-PDT in control of OLP for a longer period of time.     

A randomized controlled trial to compare steroid with cyclosporine for the topical treatment of oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of cyclosporine solution versus triamcinolone acetonide in orabase in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP) in reducing signs and symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred thirty-nine biopsy-proven OLP patients were randomly assigned to cyclosporine (68) or steroid (71) applied onto the target lesion and affected areas. Assessments were at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8 by clinical scoring and grid measurement of the target lesion (reticulation, erythema, ulceration). Patients ranked severity of pain and burning sensation using visual analog scales. RESULTS: Although clinical response, pain, burning sensation, area of reticulation, erythema, and ulceration at week 4 were all worse in patients receiving cyclosporine than in those receiving steroid, the differences were not statistically significant. Large patient-to-patient variability was evident over the observation period, with little evidence of marked changes in levels over time in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Topical cyclosporine appears no more effective than steroid in the treatment of oral lichen planus.     

A comparative treatment study of topical tacrolimus and clobetasol in oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Existing clinical trials have shown that topical corticosteroids are often effective in the management of oral lichen planus (OLP). However, tacrolimus has recently been shown to be an effective treatment of OLP. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of clobetasol and tacrolimus in the topical management of OLP. STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized comparative double-blind study, 30 consecutive patients with oral lesions consistent clinically and histologically with OLP were recruited.The patients were divided into 2 groups to receive clobetasol 0.05% or tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and were treated for 6 weeks. RESULTS: The profiles of mean lesion sizes and mean pain measures did not differ between the tacrolimus and clobetasol treatment groups. CONCLUSION: We found tacrolimus to be as useful as clobetasol in treatment of OLP. We believe that up-to-date evidence indicates the effectiveness of tacrolimus in treating OLP.     

Clinical assessment of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral lichen planus

The study objective was clinical assessment of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). There were 23 patients aged 31–82 included in the study with oral lichen planus diagnosed clinically and histopathologically. In all patients photodynamic therapy was performed with the use of chlorin e6 (Photolon^®), containing 20 % chlorin e6 and 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide as a photosensitizer. PDT was performed using a semiconductor laser, with power up to 300 mW and a wavelength of 660 nm. A series of illumination sessions was conducted with the use of superficial light energy density of 90 J/cm². Changes of lesion size were monitored at one, two, five, and ten PDT appointments from the series of ten according to the authors' own method. The sizes of clinical OLP lesions exposed to PDT were reduced significantly (on average by 55 %). The best effects were observed for the lesions on the lining mucosa (57.6 %). The therapy was statistically significantly less effective when masticatory mucosa was affected (reduction, 30.0 %). Due to substantial efficacy and noninvasiveness, PDT can be useful in the treatment of OLP lesions.     

Candida in oral lichen planus patients undergoing topical steroid therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, intensity, and species of Candida in the oral cavity of oral lichen planus (OLP) patients who were being treated with a topical steroid. STUDY DESIGN: The incidence and intensity of oral Candida carriage were assessed by salivary and imprint cultures. Cytological smears were used to investigate the presence of Candida spores and hyphae in the OLP lesions. Candida species were identified by a chlamydospore formation test and the API 20C system. RESULTS: The salivary cultures were positive in 76.7% of the OLP patients and 43.3% of the controls (P = .008), whereas the imprint cultures were positive in 76.7% of the OLP patients and 40% of the controls (P = .004). A high-level Candida count in saliva was more frequently found in the OLP patients than in the controls (73.9% vs. 38.5%; P = .004). The mean scores of Candida growth from imprint cultures were higher in OLP patients than in the controls (P = .002). The mean scores of Candida growth were also higher in OLP patients who were taking xerogenic or immunosuppressive drugs (P = .038) and in OLP denture wearers (P = .022). Spores and hyphae were detected in 83.3% of the OLP lesions. Candida albicans, the most frequently isolated yeast, was found in 76.7% OLP patients and 40% of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that topical steroids induce Candida growth and the associated risk factors are age, medication use, and the wearing of dentures.     

Toluidine blue-mediated photodynamic therapy of oral wound infections in rats

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of toluidine blue (TB)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on oral wound infections in rats. The study called for a combination treatment of a 1mg/ml solution of TB with a red light at three intensity settings of 12 J/cm², 24 J/cm² and 48 J/cm². In the group that was given the highest light dose of 48 J/cm², an average kill rate of approximately 97% was achieved. A lesser killing effect was achieved in the group that was subjected to the lowest light dose of 12 J/cm², where an average of approximately 25% of the bacteria survived. After PDT, the lesions were allowed to develop, and the peak size of the lesions was larger in the control group than in the test groups, especially for the 48 J/cm² group. We also observed that in the 24 J/cm² and 48 J/cm² groups the lesions were of significantly smaller size. Our study demonstrated that combined TB-PDT therapy can successfully treat oral wound infections in rats. These promising results recommend the use of this treatment as a possible alternative to topical anti-microbials in future clinical applications.     

Long-term clinical effect of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in periodontal treatment: a randomized clinical trial

Lasers in Medical Science - Mechanical removal of microbial biofilm dental plaque from tooth surfaces is important for treatment of periodontal diseases. However, the effectiveness of conventional...     

The adjunctive effect of photodynamic therapy for residual pockets in single-rooted teeth: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Residual pockets are challenging sites that require additional periodontal therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) in residual pockets in single-rooted teeth. A blind, split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in systemically healthy subjects presenting at least two residual pockets (probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm with bleeding on probing (BoP)) in single root teeth in supportive periodontal therapy. The selected sites were assigned to receive (1) PDT + SRP or (2) SRP. In sites treated by PDT as adjunctive to SRP, the laser system included a handheld battery-operated diode laser with a wavelength of 660 nm, a power output of 60 mW, and energy density of 129 J/cm², together with methylene blue as a photosensitizer (10 mg/ml). Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 months post-therapies. Clinical parameters improved significantly after both therapies (p?<?0.05), whereas higher probing pocket depth reduction and clinical attachment level gain were observed in the PDT + SRP group at 3 months (p?<?0.05). In addition, sites treated by the combined approach yielded a significant reduction in the number of sites with PPD <5 mm without BoP after 3 months compared to sites treated by conventional SRP alone (p?<?0.05). PDT as an adjunctive to mechanical debridement demonstrated additional clinical benefits for residual pockets in single-rooted teeth and may be an alternative therapeutic strategy in supportive periodontal maintenance.     

Comparison of intralesional verapamil versus intralesional corticosteroids in treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are due to overgrowth of dermal collagen following trauma to the skin that usually cause major physical, psychological and cosmetic problems.

Oral versus topical tamoxifen in cyclical mastalgia—A randomized controlled trial

Mastalgia affects premenopausal in which cyclical mastalgia affects up to 40% of women. In approximately 8% of these women, pain will be severe and interfere with their normal activities. oral tamoxifen widely used in the treatment of mastalgia is associated with a wide range of side effects. Topical tamoxifen has the potential to be a more efficacious and safer alternative with lower blood drug levels hence having lower systemic side effects. To compare reduction in the pain, nodularity and blood drug levels of tamoxifen using topical verus oral tamoxifen in cyclical mastalgia. Patients who presented to the surgery outpatient department with complaints of breast pain were provided with a breast pain evaluation questionnaire. Patients were randomized using a computer generated sequence into two groups with 75 participants in each group. In Group 1, the participants received topical tamoxifen gel and a placebo tablet for 3 months, and in Group 2, the participants received Oral Tab Tamoxifen 10 mg OD and a placebo gel for 3 months. They were provided with a Cardiff Breast Pain assessment chart and asked to mark the severity of their pain and response to treatment in the following month and asked to report to the investigator. Patients were called for review every month, and the pain chart was monitored and documented. The response to therapy (relief of pain) was assessed after 3 months of treatment and once more at the end of 6 months for recurrence. After completion of 1 month of treatment, blood sample was drawn to check for the blood drug levels. There is a significant difference of mean pain score between oral and topical tamoxifen groups (P < .001) at the end of 1 month, 3 months (P < .001), and 6 months (P < .001). There is a significant difference in the Nodularity found between oral and topical groups at presentation (P = .004), at 1 month (P = .003) and at 6 months (P < .001). There is a significant difference of mean blood tamoxifen level (ng/mL) in oral and topical tamoxifen groups (P < .001). From this study, we conclude that topical tamoxifen is more effective than oral tamoxifen treatment in reducing cyclical breast pain and decreasing breast nodularity with lesser side effects and lower recurrence rates.     

Endoscopic versus open hydrocelectomy for the treatment of adult hydroceles: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Objective

To compare outcomes of endoscopic treatment of hydrocele with conventional open hydrocelectomy regarding complications and patient satisfaction.

Methods

Patients with clinically significant hydroceles were prospectively enrolled into two treatment groups. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of patients who underwent endoscopic (n = 27) and open surgical treatments (n = 27), respectively. Outcome measures were perioperative and postoperative complications and recurrence rates.

Results

Hydrocele recurred in the first two cases in Group 1 during the initial phase of the learning curve of the technique. No recurrence was encountered in Group 2. As a complication, moderate to severe edema occurred in 4 cases in the endoscopic group. In the open surgery group, significant edema and hematoma occurred in 8 and 2 cases, respectively. On the first and tenth postoperative days, endoscopic procedure was found more cosmetically acceptable and covered a more comfortable convalescence period when compared to open surgical group (P < 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, 88 and 70% of the patients, respectively, declared that they would recommend this procedure to their friends (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Endoscopic method is a viable option in the treatment of hydrocele. Outstanding feature of the endoscopic method is an earlier achievement of a better cosmetic outcome and a comfortable postoperative period when compared with the conventional treatment.     

Adjunctive effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in smokers: a randomized clinical trial

Lasers in Medical Science - The aim of this study was to investigate the adjunctive effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to scaling and root planing (SRP) in smokers with chronic...     

Trabucco versus Rutkow versus Lichtenstein techniques in the treatment of groin hernia. A controlled randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study is to compare the results of the 3 most common tension-free techniques usually performed (Trabucco vs Rutkow vs Lichtenstein). METHODS: From January 1993 to December 1995 we selected 150 patients to undergo elective surgery for primary monolateral inguinal hernia. The patients were randomized into 3 groups: in group A (53 patients) we used the original plug and patch technique proposed by Rutkow and Robbins; in group B (47 patients) we introduced a modification to the technique originally described by Trabucco, anchoring the plug to the internal ring, fixing the patch on the pubic tubercle and on the tails of the mesh; in group C (50 patients) the Lichtenstein technique was employed. The study was performed using a randomized single blind controlled trial (RCT). The statistical analysis of our data was performed by c2 test and confirmed by the Fisher exact test. The mean follow-up was 73 months (range:58-94). RESULTS: We had no statistically significant differences in the results of the 3 groups. Otherwise the patients of group C showed a significantly higher incidence of suprapubic or more rare inguino-scrotal haematoma (p<0.0033 C vs B; p <0.0038 C vs A). The mean recovery time was between 12 and 14 days in the 3 groups, with no significant statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: The only difference observed is a higher incidence of postoperative haematoma in group C.     

Tension-free vaginal tape versus transobturator tape for treatment of stress urinary incontinence: A comparative randomized clinical trial study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to evaluate short- and mid-term results of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator tape (TOT) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in Imam Reza Academic Hospital.MethodsA total of 100 women with SUI treated using TVT (n = 50) or TOT (n = 50) between March 2008 and October 2010 were included in this prospective randomized clinical trial study. Preoperative workups, including case history, clinical examination, cough test, urodynamic study with abdominal leak point pressure and postvoiding residue measurements, pad test, transvaginal scan, and evaluation with International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI) and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire–Quality of Life (ICIQ-QOL), were performed. During hospitalization, the type of anesthesia, operative time, hospital stay, and catheter indwelling time were recorded. Postoperatively, continence status and subjective patient satisfaction were evaluated using a cough test and in some patients by a pad test also; transvaginal scan and ICIQ-UI and ICIQ-QOL evaluations at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of follow-up were performed for all patients.ResultsThe mean age was 52.02 ± 7.37 years in the TVT group and 52.27 ± 7.34 years in the TOT group. The rate of complications was similar in both groups. The operative time was 14.50 ± 7.40 and 15.00 ± 7.48 minutes (p = 0.86), hospital stay time 1.56 ± 0.51 and 1.52 ± 0.47 days (p = 0.76), and catheter indwelling time 1.58 ± 0.41 and 1.55 ± 0.47 days (p = 0.651) in the TVT and TOT groups, respectively. At 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after intervention, ICIQ-UI and ICIQ-QOL were completed for all the patients and no significant difference was found between them.ConclusionOur study results showed that TVT and TOT methods have similar efficacy and safety for SUI, although the catheter indwelling time was significantly longer in the TVT group.     

Dextrose prolotherapy versus radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: A randomized,controlled clinical trial

In the recent years, prolotherapy is increasingly being used in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. However, few studies have investigated its effectiveness in plantar fasciitis (PF). The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dextrose prolotherapy with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of chronic PF. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 59 patients with chronic PF. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups receiving three sessions of radial ESWT (29 patients) vs. two sessions of ultrasound-guided intrafascial 2 cc dextrose 20% injection (30 patients). The following outcome measures were assessed before and then six weeks and 12 weeks after the treatments: pain intensity by visual analog scale (VAS), daily life and exercise activities by Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the plantar fascia thickness by ultrasonographic imaging. The VAS and FAAM scales showed significant improvements of pain and function in both study groups 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the treatments. A significant reduction was noted for plantar fascia thickness at these intervals (all p < .05). The inter-group comparison revealed that except for the FAAM-sport subscale which favored ESWT, the interaction effects of group and time were not significant for other outcome measures. Dextrose prolotherapy has comparable efficacy to radial ESWT in reducing pain, daily-life functional limitation, and plantar fascia thickness in patients with PF. No serious adverse effects were observed in either group.Level of evidenceLevel I, randomized controlled trial.     

Tacrolimus powder in Orabase 0.1% for the treatment of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions: an open clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profile of a novel compound, Tacrolimus powder in Orabase 0.1% in patients with LP and LL. STUDY DESIGN: Seven patients with LP and 3 with LL were asked to participate. All patients received a 1 week treatment of Fluconazole, prior to entering the study, and on follow up visit were provided with a 15 g container of the study medication. Patients were asked to treat the most symptomatic site, three times a day for two weeks. RESULTS: Disease control (signs) was achieved in most patients by the end of two weeks (from 1.58 to 0.55); all patients experienced a high degree of discomfort (pain) at baseline, which dropped quickly by the end of the second week of treatment (from 1.95 to 0.45); none developed yeast during the course of treatment. Recurrent headaches were reported by one patient with erosive LP, and transient burning by a patient with reticular LP. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus powder in Orabase 0.1% appears to have a relatively safe profile, and represents a likely alternative to topical steroids in the treatment of LP and LL, especially in those at risk for oral candidiasis.     

High-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain relief and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 53 male patients participated in this study, with a mean (SD) age of 54.6 (8.49) years. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups and treated with HILT and exercise (HILT?+?EX), LLLT and exercise (LLLT?+?EX), and placebo laser plus exercise (PL?+?EX) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The outcomes measured were pain level measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and knee function measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the differences between baseline and posttreatment measurements. The level of statistical significance was set as P?<?0.05. The result showed that HILT and LLLT combined with exercise were effective treatment modalities in decreasing the VAS and WOMAC scores after 6 weeks of treatment. HILT combined with exercises was more effective than LLLT combined with exercises, and both treatment modalities were better than exercises alone in the treatment of patients with KOA.