Balneotherapy

The treatment of diabetic patients with pyonecrotic lesions in the lower extremities requires prolonged reflexo-segmental balneophysiotherapy to normalize functions of the nerve centres. Curative volcanic mud solutions (15-24 g/l) enriched with organic and nonorganic biologically active compounds from volcanic deposits in Azerbaijan were used for the first time to treat such patients. Peloids were applied to the lumbar region (location of sympathetic nerve nodes) and the lower legs above and beneath the affected sites. The patients were subjected to 12-15 seances of peloidotherapy (at 40-41 degrees Celsius) each lasting 20-30 minutes. The treatment was preceded by wound sanation using the standard procedure and a course of antibiotic therapy based on individual antibiotocograms. A total of 86 daibetic patients with leg gangrene underwent rheovasographic thermovision examination that revealed enhanced blood supply to the affected extremities under the action of the applied peloids. Peloidotherapy resulted in the normalization of blood and urine glucose levels in 53 (63%) of the patients. Simultaneously, the doses of medicamentous therapy could be lowered. Wound and ulcer healing was completed in the majority of the patients (86%) by the end of balneophysiotherapy when fresh granulation tissue began to develop and signs of oedema to disappear. These patients no longer needed amputation.