Cuban Medical Research
Treating Herpes Zoster with Magnetic Fields
Authors: Carina Sesín Vidal, MD (1), Enrique Garbayo Otaño, MD (2), Nancy Cabrera López, MD (3), Ramón Daniel Simón, MD (4), Eng. Alieser Deyne Fonseca (5)
ABSTRACT: This study included 40 patients with Herpes Zoster who were treated with low-frequency and low-intensity magnetic fields. Seventy seven percent of the treated patients were older than 50 years; and 80% of them were women. 62% of the patients visited a doctor on the third or fourth day of their disease, with lesions in various areas, the intercostal region being the most frequent, accounting for 67% of the cases. One hundred percent of the patients felt pain.
All patients received ten treatment sessions. No new lesions were found after the first treatment, and pain was remarkably reduced. 55% of patients recovered from their affliction after 4 – 6 sessions, while none needed more than 10 sessions. This procedure proved efficient in the treatment of Herpes zoster in all patients treated. From an economic point of view, this treatment with magnetic fields costs less than conventional treatments.
Key Words: Magnetotherapy, Treatment of Herpes zoster , Magnetotherapy and Herpes zoster.
INTRODUCTION
Herpes zoster is a painful experience for most patients and a challenge for doctors to diagnose and treat. It is an acute disorder caused by the Zoster varicella virus with a unilateral distribution. It is characterized by the appearance of vesicles gathered in an inflammatory area around a nerve. It may be found in the cervical region affecting the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal in the frontal zone, the scalp, the eyelids, and other zones such as the lumbofemoral, the sacrum ischiatic, etc.
It appears in individuals with partial immunity, stemming from a previous infection of varicella, i.e. the virus is reactivated in affected persons. It occurs occasionally and any time in the year, regardless of the zone.
1.3 to 5 out of 1000 persons are affected annually. Herpes zoster appears in all age groups, including children. More than two thirds of the reported cases are found in patients older than 50, while less than 10 % of cases are under 20.
It is rarely found in the early stages of life, and when it appears, it is almost always due to a case of maternal varicella.
The increase of this disease in patients with a history of immunodepression may suggest the presence of a malignization.
This disorder has a limited duration of around 14 days, though some complications may arise in the affected areas, such as necrosis, post-zoster neuralgia, paralysis, secondary infections, etc., which make treatment more difficult (1, 2, 3, 4).
Several therapies have been used to treat this disease. Some have been successful but are difficult to obtain in Cuba, and their cost is high. Several authors advocate the use of acupuncture and laser therapy, among other treatments, while the search for new methods continues to try to explain their action in etiopathologenicity . (1, 3) Knowledge of the favorable outcomes of low-frequency and low-intensity magnetic fields upon biological systems reveals numerous properties that make them very useful to medicine. The action mechanism of these fields affects the activity of the cell structure in various bodily tissues.
Among their therapeutic properties, use of these magnetic fields:
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Eliminates dead cells quickly.
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Reactivates circulation.
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Accelerates the process of tissue regeneration.
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Increases blood circulation in the area under treatment.
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Reduces pain .
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Produces an anti-inflammatory effect, as a result of an increase in the synthesis of hialuronic acid and cytoplasm.
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Has a non-selective effect on the immune system, due to a restructuring of the altered immunological activity, affecting lymphocytary proliferation by reducing cell membrane fluid.
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Inhibits itching
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Has a sedative effect by inhibiting nerve impulses to the Central Nervous System, among others.
Magnetotherapy is the therapeutic action of certain equipment or devices that generate a prevailing magnetic field, measured in terms of intensity, direction, frequency and wave form (simple or sinusoidal) (5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14)
The study and application of locally produced magnetotherapeutical equipment has been started in Cuba. Encouraging results have already been achieved which suggest a wider use of this treatment by other clinical researchers. This fact prompted our study of its therapeutical effects on herpes zoster .
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
Assess the therapeutical efficacy of low-frequency and low-intensity magnetic fields in the treatment of herpes zoster .
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. Asess the effectiveness of magnetotherapy for limiting the development of the disease.|
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment in halting the signs and symptoms of this disease.
3. Avoid complications.
4. Make an economic evaluation of this therapy.
5. Identify possible adverse reactions.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Our preliminary study included 40 patients, with a clinical diagnosis of herpes zoster, who were referred to the Dermatology Service between May 1998 and May 1999.
METHOD
Patients were selected, using the following criteria:
Criteria for Inclusion:
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Patients older than 15, with a diagnosis of herpes zster, regardless of its location and extension.
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Herpes zoster without complications.
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Patients who had not received previous treatment.
DESIGN
Two groups of 40 patients each were formed for the study .
Group I.- Patients treated with low-frequency and low-intensity magnetic fields.
Group II- Patients treated with vitamins and Aciclovir.
EFFICACY ASSESSMENT
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Disease symptoms
-
Evolution time
-
Classification of lesions
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Extension
-
Location
Patients were treated with a TERAMAG MT 200 Electromagnetic unit with a frequency of 30Hz and an intensity of 160 gauss, a sinusoidal wave with an exposure time of 30 minutes, directly applied to the the lesions. Each patient received 10 treatment sessions, one per day.
Initial assessment was made on the first doctor’s visit, and later on a daily basis throughout treatment until the final assessment. Assessments was made based on the patient’s response to the applied therapy.
Cured: The patient shows no symptoms or lesions, or the latter are found in the form of scabs.
Better: No new lesions after the third treatment session. Some lesions are still present (pustules, vesicles and scabs). A 50 % decrease in symptoms.
Worse: New lesions are present after the third treatment session. Lesions are found at different evolution states (erythematous spots, vesicles, pustules and scabs). The symptoms are more acute in comparison with the initial assessment, or new symptoms have appeared.
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
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80 % of the patients were female. (Table 1)
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Patients over 50 years were the most affected (77.5 %). (Table 2)
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62.5% of the patients visited their doctor on the third or fourth day of the evolution of the disease
(Table 3)
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The most frequent location was the intercostal region (67.5% of the cases). (Table 4)
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Pain was the most common symptom. It was present in 100% of the cases. (Table 5)
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55 % of the patients needed only 4 to 6 treatment sessions to overcome their condition. (Table 6)
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The patients under study did not have new lesions after the first treatment session was applied.
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In 75% of cases, lesions covered 6 to 10 cm. They showed erythematous spots and vesicles.
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100% of the cases were considered as cured at the end of treatment, by virtue of a successful evolution. (Table 7)
- Patients included in the study did not develop
complications during treatment.
| Sex |
No. patients |
% |
Female |
32 |
80.0 |
| Male |
8 |
20.0 |
| Total |
40 |
100.0 |
Source : Natural and Traditional Medicine (NTM) Service
Table 2, Patients by Age Group “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Age Groups |
No. of cases |
% |
| 20 – 30 years |
- |
- |
| 31 – 40 years |
3 |
7.5 |
| 41 – 50 years |
6 |
15.0 |
| 51 – 60 years |
9 |
22.5 |
| More than 60 years |
22 |
55.0 |
| Total |
40 |
100.0 |
Source : NTM Service
Table 3, Disease Evolution Time “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
| Evolution time |
No. of patients |
% |
| 1 day |
- |
- |
| 2 days |
4 |
12.5 |
| 3 days |
16 |
40.0 |
| 4 days |
9 |
22.5 |
| 5 days |
2 |
5.0 |
| 6 days |
5 |
12.5 |
| 10 days |
3 |
7.5 |
| Total |
40 |
100.0 |
Source : NTM Service
Table 4, Location of Lesions “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Location |
No. of patients |
% |
| Intercostal region |
27 |
67.5 |
| Cervical region |
1 |
2.5 |
| Ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal, frontal zone |
7 |
17.5 |
| Lumbofemoral |
1 |
2.5 |
| Dorsofemoral |
2 |
5.0 |
| Sacrum-ischiatic |
2 |
5.0 |
| Total |
40 |
100.0 |
Source : NTM Service
Table 5, Clinical Symptoms of Patients Studied
| Clinical Symptoms |
No. Patients |
% |
| Pain |
40 |
100.0 |
| Burning feeling |
31 |
75.5 |
| Hyperesthesia |
11 |
27.5 |
| Itching |
27 |
67.5 |
| Erythematous spots |
40 |
100.0 |
| Vesícles |
34 |
85.0 |
| Pustules |
- |
- |
| Scabs |
3 |
7.5 |
Source : NTM Service
Table 6, Patient Evolution According to Number of Magnetism Sessions Applied “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
| Treatment Sessions |
No. Patients |
% |
| 1 – 3 |
- |
- |
| 4 – 6 |
22 |
55.0 |
| 7 – 9 |
10 |
25.0 |
| 10 sessions |
8 |
20.0 |
Source : NTM Service
Table 7, Final Assessment Based on Patient Evolution “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999| Categories |
No. patients |
% |
| Cured |
40 |
100 |
| Better |
- |
- |
| Worse |
- |
- |
Source : NTM Service
CONCLUSIONS
1.The low-frequency and low-intensity magnetic field proved effective in treating herpes zoster in the studied zones.
2. Treating herpes zoster with magnetic fields is without cost for the patient; nor does it cause discomfort in comparison with conventional treatments.
3. Magnetotherapy is a new option to treat this disorder. It produces superior results over other physical therapies, including drugs. Magnetotheraphy should soon take its proper place in the health system because of its great efficacy, the absence of toxicity, and the low cost involved in its use.
REFERENCES
1. Fitzpatrick, J.B., Eisen A.Z., Wolff K., Freedberg I.M., Austen K.F.: Dermatología en Medicina General. 4ta Edición pág. 2543, 1993
2. Patient Care. A Special Suplement. September 15, 1994
3. 131 Motivos de Consulta. Manual Beechman de Atención Primaria. Capitulo 73 ( 253). Primera Edición, 1990
4. Sidney Hurwitz: Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. W. B. Saunders Company. Chapter 11 ( 243), 1981
5. Sodi Pallares D.: Tratamiento con campos magnéticos pulsados y su relación con el tratamiento metabólico. Italia, Ediciones antigrafiche, Leonelli 1993
6. Macklis R.: Magnetic healing: Quackery and the debate about the health effects of electro magnetic fields. Annuals of Medicine 1993; 118(5) 376-383
7. Bassett C.A.L. Biologic significance of piezoelectricity. Cale Tissue Rev, 1, 252-272, 1968.
8. Bausal H.L.: Magnetoterapia Argentina. Ediciones Continente, 1993: 64-65
9. Bistolfi F.: Campo Magnético en Medicina. Italia. Edicione Antigrafiche. Leonelli, 1990 27-37.
10. Zecca L., Dal conte G. Furia G., Ferrario P., Effects of ELF Magnetic fields on inmune response and inflamatio. JEC 1985.
11. Sierra Rapf. Energía Magnética o Biomagnetismo. Editorial Orion, 1990.
12. Null Gary. Healing with Magnets. Carrol and Graf Publishiers, Inc. New York, USA, 1998
13. Laurence R, Rash P and Plouden J. Magnet Therapy. Prima Health Publisting, USA, 1998
14. Morrillo Martínez M., Pastor Vega J.M., Sandra Portels F. Manual de Medicina Física, España. Editorial Harcourt Bron S.A. 1998.
APPENDICES
Figure 1, Patients by Sex “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Figure 2, Patients by Age Groups “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Source : NTM Service
Figure 3, Evolution time of the disease “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Source : NTM Service
Figure 4, Location of Lessions “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Source : NTM Service
Figure 5, Patient Evolution According to Number of Magnetism Sessions Applied “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Source : NTM Service
Figure 6, Final Assessment According to Patient Evolution “Joaquin Albarran” Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, 1999
Source : NTM Service
Clinical Lesions of Intercostal Herpes Zoster
Patient under treatment
with TERAMAG equipment
Patient under treatment with TERAMAG equipment
The economic advantages of using magnetotherapy to treat herpes zoster with locally produced equipment (TERAMAG – MT – 200) can be clearly observed in the data presented above. The terapeutic results are better, the costs for the patient and for the country much lower. This kind of treatment is well accepted by patients, reporting no discomfort.
This article is based on a presentation by the authors at BIONAT 2000, Fist National Congress of the Cuban Society of Bioenergetic and Natualist Medicine.
ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES OF TREATING HERPES ZOSTER WITH MAGNETOTHERAPY
COST OF CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
| Drug |
Dosage |
Quantity |
Cost per unit |
Total |
| INTERFERON (1 bb=3million) Bulbs |
3-9 million/day up to 9 bulbs |
9 bulbs |
62.20 |
559.80 |
| VITAMIN B1 100 mg Bulbs |
1 bb/day for 10 days Then twice a week for up to 6-8 weeks |
26 bulbs |
1.00 |
26.00 |
| VIT B 6 (50 mg) Ampoules |
2 amp/day for 10 days, then twice a week for 6-8 weeks |
52 ampules |
0.20 |
10.40 |
| VIT B 12 100 mg Bulbs |
1cc / day for 10 days Then twice a week for up 6 – 8 weeks |
6 bulbs 6 bulbs |
1.75 (100 mg) 2.15 (1000 mg) |
10..50 (100 mg) 12..90 (1000 mg) |
| ACICLOVIR 400 – 800 mg Tablets Bulb 250 mg |
Maximum dosage: 800 mg 5 times a day Average dosage: 800 mg three times a day for 7 days 5mg/kg body weight every 8 hours |
21 Tablets -------- |
0.98 30.50 |
20.58 ------ |
| TOTAL: 627.28 |
COST OF MAGNETOTHERAPY
| Cost of KW / hour |
TERAMAG Equipment consumption |
Cost of KW / hour Treatment/ Patient |
Total Cost |
| 0.09 |
0.055 KW / sec. =19.8 KW / hour |
1.80 |
8.91 |
Authors:
1. First Degree Specialist in Internal Medicine. Diploma Course in NTM.
2. First Degree Specialist in Dermatology and General Medicine.
3. First Degree Specialist in Microbiology.
4. Associate Professor of Dermatology, Second Degree Specialist in Dermatology.
5. Member of the Bioenergy group in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba.
