Biomedical subjects

E Ippolito

Publications and source records attributed to E Ippolito.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in treating chronic venous insufficiency: a prospective, controlled study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of oral Pycnogenol (Horphag Research Ltd., UK) in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in comparison to the combination of diosmin and hesperidin (Daflon, Servier, France). A group of 86 patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), venous hypertension, ankle swelling) and previous history of venous ulcerations received either oral Pycnogenol (capsules) 150 mg or 300 mg daily for 8 weeks or Daflon, 1,000 mg/day. All patients completed the study without dropouts. At the end of the study, microcirculatory results indicated: a progressive decrease of skin flux at rest (RF); a significant decrease in capillary filtration (RAS); an improvement in the symptomatic venous score (ASLS); a reduction in edema; a significant improvement (increase) in pO(2) and a decrease in pCO(2) in the Pycnogenol group. A significant level of improvement was reached after 4 weeks of treatment in most patients (p < .05) of the Pycnogenol group while clinical improvement was significant only in 6 subjects in the Daflon group. The positive effects of treatment with Pycnogenol after 8 weeks were significantly larger in comparison with the Daflon group. In conclusion, this study confirms the fast clinical efficacy of Pycnogenol in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous microangiopathy and its superiority-considering the evaluated parameters-to the combination of diosmin and hesperidin.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Diabetic ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with pycnogenol.

Diabetic microangiopathy leads to lower limb ulcers that are very slow to heal. Pycnogenol was evaluated on diabetic ulcers in a controlled trial. Ulcer medications were used in 4 groups (30 patients): (1) systemic Pycnogenol and local application; (2) local Pycnogenol only; (3) oral Pycnogenol; and (4) medications only (control group). Ulcerated areas and symptom scores were more reduced with the combined oral and local treatment (P < .05). Oral and local treatment were less effective, but still improved compared with the controls. Combined treatment produced 89% complete healing at 6 weeks versus 84% with local treatment and 85% with oral treatment; healing in controls was 61%. The combined treatment group and oral only group had better microcirculation after the combined treatment. Combined local and systemic application of Pycnogenol may offer a new treatment of diabetic ulcers. Local treatment also speeds ulcer healing.

Diabetes Complications↗

PubMed2005

Prevention of edema in long flights with Pycnogenol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevention of edema during long-haul flights with an oral, anti-edema and antithrombotic agent (Pycnogenol, Horphag, Research Management SA, Geneva, Switzerland) in asymptomatic subjects. The assessment of edema was performed by evaluating an analogue scale, the rate of ankle swelling by strain-gauge derived rate of ankle swelling (RAS), and by assessing the ankle circumference variation. The study included 211 subjects; 169 completed the study (88 in the control group and 81 in the Pycnogenol group). There were no important differences between the two groups (comparable for age, gender, weight, body mass index, and pattern distribution). The edema score, the RAS, and the circumference at inclusion were also comparable. After the flight in those treated with Pycnogenol, the edema score was increased only by 17.9% (vs. an increase of 58.3% in the control group) (p<0.05). The RAS, evaluated in 22 subjects in the Pycnogenol group (age 44.5; SD 8) and in 23 in the control group (age 45; SD 9) was increased on average by 91% in the control group and 36% in the Pycnogenol group (p<0.05). The variation on circumference at the ankle was 6% in the Pycnogenol group (11% in the control group; p<0.05). These results indicate a positive effect of Pycnogenol on edema during long flights when considering subjective and objective data. No unwanted effects were observed.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Arthrodesis of the toe joints with an intramedullary cannulated screw for correction of hammertoe deformity.

Twenty-four patients (37 feet, 51 toes) affected by hammertoe deformity of the lesser toes and treated surgically by arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, stabilized with an intramedullary titanium cannulated screw, were reviewed 1-4 years after the operation. At follow-up, the arthrodesis was fused in 48 toes; three toes showed an asymptomatic radiographic nonunion, and in one of them the screw was broken. In seven toes, the cannulated screw was removed because of persistent pain at the tip of the toe where the head of the screw was located. In one case only, there was a late infection, with toe malalignment. All the patients were able to use street shoes 2 weeks after surgery. The average AOFAS score at follow-up was 86.54 points. Compared to the conventional temporary stabilization with an intramedullary Kirschner wire, the stabilization with a cannulated screw decreases the risk of infection, of radiographic nonunion, and of mallet toe deformity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Prevention of venous thrombosis and thrombophlebitis in long-haul flights with pycnogenol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) and its prophylaxis with an oral anti-edema and antithrombotic agent (Pycnogenol, Horphag, Research Management SA, Geneva, Switzerland) in long-haul flights, in subjects at moderate to high-risk of DVT and SVT. The study pre-included 244 pre-selected subjects; 211 were included (33 were excluded for several reasons due to logistic problems) and 198 completed the study; 13 subjects were lost for follow-up at the end of the flight, all for non-medical problems (i.e., for difficult connections). All subjects were scanned within 90 minutes before the flight and within 2 hours after disembarking. Subjects were supplemented with 100 mg Pycnogenol per capsule. Treatment subjects received two capsules between 2 and 3 hours before flights with 250 mL of water; two capsules were taken 6 hours later with 250 mL of water and one capsule the next day. The control group received comparable placebo at the same intervals. The flight duration was on average 8 hours and 15 minutes (SD 55 min) (range, 7.45-12.33). In the control group there were five thrombotic events (one DVT and four superficial thromboses) while only nonthrombotic, localized phlebitis was observed in the Pycnogenol group (5.15% vs. no events; p<0.025). The ITT (intention to treat) analysis detects 13 failures in the control group (eight lost to follow up + five thrombotic events) of 105 subjects (12.4%) vs. five failures (4.7%; all lost, no thrombotic events) in the treatment group (p<0.025). No unwanted effects were observed. In conclusion, this study indicates that Pycnogenol treatment was effective in decreasing the number of thrombotic events (DVT and SVT) in moderate-to-high risk subjects, during long-haul flights.

Aviation↗

PubMed2004

Validity of the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle to assess congenital clubfoot correction.

OBJECTIVE: The anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle (Kite's angle) is still considered a common parameter for assessing clubfoot correction, although some dissenting opinions about its accuracy have been expressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle for assessing correction of congenital clubfoot in adults who received the treatment as children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. The anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle was measured in 48 treated idiopathic congenital clubfeet and 28 normal feet of 38 patients at the end of skeletal growth using both standing anteroposterior radiographs and 3D CT scan reconstructions. All the patients had been treated by manipulation, above-the-knee casting, and a complementary posteromedial release operation. RESULTS: The radiographic measurement of the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle corresponded to the measurement of the same angle on the 3D CT scan reconstructions in only the normal feet and 12 clubfeet. In the other 36 clubfeet, a statistically significant difference of a mean of 15 degrees between the two measurements was noted, and the 3D CT scan reconstructions showed a superimposition of the talus and calcaneus, which had lost their normal anatomic divergence. In these cases, the marked medial angulation of the talar neck allowed a positive measurement of the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle in the anteroposterior radiographic projection. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, the measurement of the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle on radiography was misleading for assessing the degree of hindfoot correction in 75% of the treated congenital clubfeet. We believe that other imaging parameters should be considered instead of this angle to evaluate clubfoot correction.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The influence of treatment on the pathology of club foot. CT study at maturity.

We performed CT to investigate how treatment may modify the basic skeletal pathology of congenital club foot. Two homogenous groups of patients treated by one of the authors (EI) or under his supervision were studied. The first included 32 patients with 47 club feet reviewed at a mean age of 25 years and treated by manipulation, application of toe-to-groin plaster casts and an extensive posteromedial release. The second included 32 patients with 49 club feet reviewed at a mean age of 19 years and treated by the Ponseti manipulation technique, application of toe-to-groin plaster casts and a limited posterior release. At follow-up the shape of the subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints was found to be altered in many feet in both groups. This did not appear to be influenced significantly by the type of treatment performed. Correction of the heel varus and the increased declination angle of the neck of the talus was better in the club feet of the second group, whereas reduction of the medial subluxation of the navicular was better in the first. There was a marked increase in the external ankle torsion angle in the first group and a moderate increase of this angle in the second group, in which medial subluxation of the cuboid on the anterior apophysis of the calcaneum was always corrected. Equinus was corrected in both groups but three-dimensional CT reconstruction of the whole foot showed that cavus, supination and adduction deformities were corrected much better in the second group.

Achilles Tendon↗

PubMed2003

A radiographic comparative study of two series of skeletally mature clubfeet treated by two different protocols.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiographic features of two series of congenital clubfeet to determine whether a different treatment protocol may influence the radiographic results at the end of skeletal growth. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Two series of patients with congenital clubfeet, treated by two different manipulative techniques and by two different complementary soft tissue release operations, were radiographically studied at skeletal maturity. Twenty-one normal feet of the unilateral cases in both series served as controls. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the feet were taken with the patient standing, and several radiographic parameters were studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The size of the talus and calcaneus and the height of the talar trochlea were smaller than normal in all cases of clubfeet, were similar in both series and were not influenced by treatment, whereas all the other radiographic parameters studied were more or less different between the two series and seemed to be influenced by treatment. In no treated clubfoot of either series was a normal radiographic foot anatomy restored, not even in those feet that had an excellent clinical result.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Flight microangiopathy on long-haul flights: prevention of edema and microcirculation alterations with Venoruton.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effects of Venoruton (HR) on the prevention and control of flight microangiopathy and edema in subjects with varicose veins flying for more than 7 hours. A group of 80 patients with varicose veins, edema, and initial skin alterations due to chronic venous hypertension were included. Measurements of skin laser Doppler (LDF) resting flux (RF), PO2 and rate of ankle swelling (RAS), were made before and after the flights (within 2 hours before the flights and within 2 hours after the flights). The length of the flights was between 7 and 9 hours; all seats were in coach class. The two groups (treatment and control) were comparable for age and sex distribution. The variation (decrease) in PO2 was significant in both groups. In subjects treated with HR the decrease in PO2 was smaller (p < 0.05). The decrease in LDF-RF was significant in both groups with a higher flux at the end of the flight in the treated subjects (p < 0.05). The venoarteriolar response was decreased at the end of the flights. The decrease was less evident in the treatment group (p < 0.05). The increase in RAS was significant in the control group while it was limited in the HR group. In conclusion, HR is useful for reducing the increased capillary filtration and in controlling edema in patients with chronic venous disease in long-haul flights. HR is effective to control flight microangiopathy associated with edema.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Prevention of venous thrombosis with elastic stockings during long-haul flights: the LONFLIT 5 JAP study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis with specific elastic stockings in long-haul flights (11-13 hours), in high-risk subjects. A group of 300 subjects was included; 76 were excluded for several problems including concomitant treatments; 224 were randomized into two groups (stockings vs. controls) to evaluate prophylaxis with below-knee stockings. An exercise program was used in both groups. Scholl (UK) Flight Socks (14-17 mmHg of pressure at the ankle) were used. DVT was diagnosed with ultrasound scanning. The femoral, popliteal, and tibia] veins were scanned before and within 90 minutes after the flights. Of the 205 included subjects, 102 controls and 103 treated subjects completed the study. Drop-outs were due to flight connection problems. Age, gender, and risk distributions were comparable in the two groups. In the treatment group (103 subjects; mean age, 42; SD 9; M:F, 55:48), one limited, distal DVT was observed (0.97%). In the control group (102 subjects; mean age, 42.1; SD 10.3; M:F, 56:46), six subjects (5.8%) had a DVT. There were no superficial thromboses. The difference in DVT incidence is significant (p<0.0025; six times greater in the control group). Intention-to-treat analysis counts 18 failures in the control group (12 lost to follow-up + six thromboses) of 112 subjects (15.8%) versus eight failures (7.3%) in the treatment group (p<0.05). The tolerability of the stockings was very good and there were no complaints or side effects. All events were asymptomatic. Considering these observations, Scholl Flight Socks are effective in reducing the incidence of DVT in high-risk subjects.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Long-term comparative results in patients with congenital clubfoot treated with two different protocols.

BACKGROUND: Long-term follow-up studies of adults who had been treated for congenital clubfoot as infants are rare. The purpose of this study was to review and compare the long-term results in two groups of patients with congenital clubfoot treated with two different techniques. In both groups, treatment was started within the first three weeks of life by manipulation and application of toe-to-groin plaster casts, with a different technique in each group. At the end of the manipulative treatment, a posteromedial release was performed when the patient was between eight and twelve months of age in the first group and a limited posterior release was performed when the patient was between two and four months of age in the second group. METHODS: At the follow-up evaluations, all patients were interviewed and examined, and standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and computed tomography scans of the foot were made. The results of treatment were graded according to the system of Laaveg and Ponseti. Numerous angular measurements were made on the radiographs, and the measurements in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The first group, which included thirty-two patients (forty-seven clubfeet), was followed until an average age of twenty-five years. The second group, with thirty-two patients (forty-nine clubfeet), was followed until an average age of nineteen years. In the first group, there were two excellent, eighteen good, eleven fair, and sixteen poor results. In the second group, there were eighteen excellent, twenty good, six fair, and five poor results. According to the system of Laaveg and Ponseti, the mean rating in the first group was 74.7 points and that in the second group was 85.4 points. CONCLUSIONS: In the second group, use of Ponseti's manipulation technique and cast immobilization followed by an open heel-cord lengthening and a limited posterior ankle release gave much better long-term results than those obtained in the first group, treated with our manipulation technique and cast immobilization followed by an extensive posteromedial release of the foot. In our hands, this operation did not prevent relapse, and neither cavovarus nor forefoot adduction was completely corrected.

Achilles Tendon↗

PubMed2002

HR (Paroven, Venoruton; 0-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides) in venous hypertensive microangiopathy: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether HR (Paroven-Venoruton; 0-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides), was effective in improving the microcirculation in venous hypertension and microangiopathy. Sixty patients with severe venous hypertension due to chronic venous insufficiency, ankle swelling, and lipodermatosclerosis were included. After informed consent, patients were randomized into a treatment group and a placebo group. Patients in the treatment group received oral HR (2 g/day for 8 weeks); those in the placebo group received a comparable placebo. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable for age and sex distribution. The mean age was 45 years (SD 9) in the treatment group (31 patients) and 45.5 (SD 10) in the placebo group (29 patients). There were no differences between the placebo and treatment groups at inclusion. There was no change between inclusion and measurements at 8 weeks in the placebo group. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in flux at rest and rate of ankle swelling was observed in the treatment group. The decrease in capillary filtration was associated with improvement in signs and symptoms (P < 0.05). The difference in flux, sign and symptoms, and filtration was clinically important at 8 weeks in the treatment group when compared with the placebo group. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Venous microangiopathy was improved by HR treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Treatment of edema and increased capillary filtration in venous hypertension with HR (Paroven, Venoruton; 0-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides): a clinical, prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, dose-ranging trial.

UNLABELLED: The variation of capillary filtration rate (CFR) and ankle edema (AE) were evaluated in three groups of patients with venous hypertension with ambulatory venous pressure > 42 mmHg and in healthy subjects before and after treatment for four weeks with HR (Paroven, Venoruton; 0-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides), a venoactive drug acting on the microcirculation and on capillary permeability. Group A (30 patients) was treated with HR 500 mg tid; group B (30 patients) was treated with 1 g tid; group C (30 patients) was treated with placebo; group D (10 healthy subjects) was treated with HR 1 g/day in a randomised study. CFR was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography. Subjective symptoms of venous hypertension were assessed by an analogue scale line considering four symptoms: swelling sensation, restless lower extremity, pain and cramps, and tiredness. RESULTS: There were no significant differences for sex and age distribution among the groups; no significant differences were found for ambulatory venous pressure and refilling time and parameters of venous hypertension among groups. There was a significant difference between normal subjects and patients. There were no drop-outs and observed intolerance. In group A, there was a significant decrease of CFR (P < 0.01) after treatment. In group B (2 g/day), the decrease was greater than that in group A (P < 0.05). In group C (placebo) there was no significant difference before or after treatment. The variations in analogue score was higher with the higher dosage. The score of group A fell from 7.8 (SD 1.3) to 4 (1). Group B's score fell from 7.9 (2) to 3.1 (1.2). In group C (placebo) there was no change. The decrease in the score in the groups of patients was correlated with the variation in edema and CFR. CONCLUSION: HR is effective in venous edema and hypertension. Its effects are dose-related.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

HR (Venoruton1000, Paroven, 0-[beta-hydroxyethyl]-rutosides) vs. Daflon 500 in chronic venous disease and microangiopathy: an independent prospective, controlled, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether and how HR (Venoruton(1000), Paroven, 0-[beta-hydroxyethyl]-rutosides) and Daflon (diosmin, 500 mg) were comparatively effective in improving the microcirculation in venous hypertension and microangiopathy. METHODS: A group of 90 patients with severe venous hypertension due to chronic venous insufficiency, ankle swelling, and lipodermatosclerosis were included. After informed consent, patients were randomized into a Venoruton and a Daflon (DF) group: patients in the Venoruton group received oral HR (2 g/day for 8 weeks); those in the Daflon group received three 500-mg tablets daily every 8 hours. The two groups were comparable for age and sex distribution. The mean age was 41 years (SD +/- 11) in the Venoruton group (46 patients) and 41.3 (SD +/- 12) in the DF group (44 patients). RESULTS: There were no differences in microcirculatory parameters between the Venoruton and DF treatment groups at inclusion. There was no significant change between inclusion and measurements at 8 weeks in the DF group. In comparison, a significant decrease (P < .05) in RF (resting skin flux) and RAS (rate of ankle swelling) was observed in the Venoruton group (P < .001). The decrease in capillary filtration was associated with improvement in signs and symptoms (measured by an analogue scale line) (P < .05). Symptomatic improvement was clinically and statistically significant and important only in the Venoruton group. No side effects and no drop-outs were observed. CONCLUSION: Venous microangiopathy was improved by the treatment with Venoruton. The comparison with Daflon indicates that HR is comparatively more effective both on microcirculatory parameters and on signs and symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Surgical treatment of fibrous dysplasia of bone in McCune-Albright syndrome.

Seven patients affected by McCune-Albright syndrome with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia were operated on either for fracture fixation or for correction of bone deformity. Ten femurs, three tibiae, and one humerus were stabilized by intramedullary titanium nailing with a modified unreamed femoral nail (UFN) and standard unreamed tibial (UTN) and humeral (UHN) nails. The age of the patients at operation ranged from 8 to 30 years, with an average of 17 years, and the length of follow-up ranged from 8 months to 4 years, with an average of 2 years. Before operation, each patient had suffered from a minimum of three fractures to a maximum of 12, with an average of six fractures. The femur was the most affected skeletal segment. Before surgery, two patients were wheelchair-dependent owing to their severe lower limb bone deformities. At follow-up, all the patients were painless and all were able to walk even though one had to wear a bilateral long leg brace and another had to ambulate with the aid of two crutches. No patient had had additional fractures after surgery. The main intra-operative technical problems of this demanding surgical procedure were: a) reaming of a new medullary canal through the fibrodysplastic bone; b) the amount of blood loss in femoral surgery that ranged from 800 to 2,500 ml.

Bone Nails↗

PubMed2002

[Treatment of severe intermittent claudication: ORACLE-PGE1 short term study. A randomised 40-week study. Evaluation of efficacy and costs].

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and cost of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in severe intermittent claudication was studied comparing a long-term protocol (LTP) with a short-term protocol (STP) in a randomised 40-week study. METHODS: Phase 1 was a 2-week run-in phase (no treatment) for both protocols. In LTP, phase 2 was the main treatment phase. Treatment was performed with 2-hour infusions (60 micro g PGE1, 5 days each week for 4 weeks. In phase 3 (4-week interval period), PGE1 was administered twice a week (same dosage). In phase 4 (40 weeks), no PGE1 were used. In STP, phase 2 treatment was performed in two days by a 2-hour infusion (60 micro g PGE1 twice a day in 2 days). The same cycle was repeated every 4 weeks. A treadmill test was performed at inclusion, at the beginning of each phase and at the end of weeks 12, 16, 20 32 and 40. A progressive training plan (walking) and reduction in risk factors plan was used in both groups. RESULTS: Out of the 1276 included patients 1165 completed the study (606 in LTP group; 559 in the STP). Drop-outs were 111. The two groups were comparable in distribution, risk factors and smoking. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated an increase in pain free walking distance (PFWD). The absolute and percent increase in pain-free walking distance (PFWD) was comparable in both LTP and STP groups with a significative increase in TWD at 4 weeks. At 20 and 40 weeks increase was up to 219% in the LTP and 460% in the STP group (p<0.02). Comparable results concerning PFWD were obtained in the two groups. Both treatments were well tolerated. No side effect was observed. Local effects were observed in 8.5% of the treated subjects in the LTP and 4% in the STP. The average cost of the LTP protocol was 8786 Euro. For STP the costs was 946 (10.8% of LTP). For both protocols the cost of the infusion was 24% of the total for the LTP and 35% in the STP. Therefore 75% of the cost is not drug-related. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion between-group-analysis favours STP considering walking distance and costs. Results indicate good efficacy and tolerability of PGE1 treatment particularly STP.

Alprostadil↗

PubMed2001

Long-term results of treatment of fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in children.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of isolated, displaced fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in children is controversial. Both plaster cast immobilization without reduction and open reduction and internal fixation have been advocated. The purpose of this long-term retrospective study was to analyze the functional and radiographic results of both nonsurgical and surgical management of these injuries. METHODS: Forty-two patients who had had an isolated fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle with displacement of >5 mm at an average age of twelve years (range, eight to fifteen years) were evaluated at an average age of forty-five years (range, thirty to sixty-one years). The patients were divided into three groups that were comparable with regard to the amount of fracture displacement, age at the time of the fracture, age at the time of follow-up, sports activities and occupation, and duration of follow-up. In Group I (nineteen patients), the fracture had been treated with a long-arm plaster cast without reduction of the displaced medial epicondyle. In Group II (seventeen patients), open reduction and internal fixation with either Kirschner wires or a T-nail had been performed. In Group III (six patients), the epicondylar fragment had been excised with suture reattachment of the tendons and the medial collateral ligament. RESULTS: According to a functional grading scale, there were sixteen good and three fair results in Group I. All but two patients were seen to have nonunion of the fragment on follow-up radiographs, but all had a normal result on valgus stress-testing of the elbow. The range of motion of the elbow was either normal or minimally decreased, and the grip strength of the ipsilateral hand was normal. There were fifteen good and two fair results in Group II. All patients had union of the medial epicondyle, with various radiographic deformities of the medial epicondyle, but the functional results were similar to those of the Group-I patients. The Group-III patients had four poor and two fair results. Four had constant pain at the elbow and paresthesias in the distribution of the ulnar nerve. One patient had a restricted range of motion of the elbow, four patients had an unstable elbow, and three patients had decreased grip strength of the ipsilateral hand. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, nonsurgical treatment of isolated fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle with between 5 and 15 mm of displacement yielded good long-term results similar to those obtained with open reduction and internal fixation. The nonunion of the epicondylar fragment that was present in most patients who had been treated only with a cast did not adversely affect the functional results. Surgical excision of the medial epicondylar fragment should be avoided because the long-term results are poor.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Effects of the total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in venous hypertensive microangiopathy: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA), was effective in improving the microcirculation in venous hypertension and microangiopathy. Forty patients with severe venous hypertension, ankle swelling, lipodermatosclerosis were included. After informed consent, patients were randomized into a treatment and a placebo group: those in the treatment group received TTFCA (tablets, 60 mg, twice daily for 8 weeks). The two groups of subjects were comparable for age and sex distribution. The mean age was 48 years (SD 9; M:F= 11:11) in the treatment group (22 patients) and 47.6 (SD 7; M:F= 10:8) in the placebo group (18 patients). There were no differences between placebo and treatment group at inclusion; there was no change between inclusion and measurements at 8 weeks in the placebo group. A decrease (p < 0.05) in RF (flux at rest) and RAS (rate of ankle swelling) were observed in the treatment group. The decrease in capillary filtration was associated with improvement in signs and symptoms (p < 0.05). The difference in flux, signs and symptoms, and filtration was clinically important at 8 weeks. No side effects were observed. In conclusion venous microangiopathy was improved by TTFCA treatment.

Administration, Oral↗