calcium-bicarbonate and Chronic-Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of balneotherapy on chronic low back pain. This is a minimized, follow-up study evaluated according to the analysis of intention to treat. The subjects included in the study were 105 patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The control group (n = 53) received the traditional musculoskeletal pain killer treatment, while the target group (n = 52) attended thermal mineral water treatment for 3 weeks for 15 occasions on top of the usual musculoskeletal pain killer treatment. The following parameters were measured before, right after, and 9 weeks after the 3-week therapy: the level of low back pain in rest and the level during activity are tested using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); specific questionnaire on the back pain (Oswestry); and a questionnaire on quality of life (EuroQual-5D). All of the investigated parameters improved significantly (p < 0.001) in the target group by the end of the treatment compared to the base period, and this improvement was persistent during the follow-up period. There were no significant changes in the measured parameters in the control group. Based on our results, balneotherapy might have favorable impact on the clinical parameters and quality of life of patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

Topics: Aged; Balneology; Bicarbonates; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Magnesium; Male; Middle Aged; Mineral Waters; Pain Measurement; Quality of Life; Single-Blind Method; Sodium Bicarbonate

There is increasing evidence that alkali therapy can retard progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We summarize recent studies and discuss a mechanism whereby alkali therapy may neutralize acid production associated with typical Western diets, which generate acid. We emphasize the rationale for using alkali therapy early in the course of CKD, even in the absence of overt metabolic acidosis, and we urge the pharmaceutical industry to develop palatable alkali-containing solutions.

Topics: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Acidosis; Administration, Oral; Aldosterone; Animals; Bicarbonates; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Disease Progression; Endothelin-1; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Diseases

The coexistence of otosclerosis and Meniere's disease is well documented; however, otosclerosis may not be recognized in patients presenting mainly with Meniere's symptoms and, therefore, treatment may not be effective. In this paper, eight patients with otosclerosis and Meniere's disease are presented. The diagnosis of coexisting otosclerosis and Meniere's was initially missed in most of these patients. Medical and surgical treatment had been unsuccessful. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for management of these patients are discussed. Our preliminary conclusions are: 1. otosclerosis should be diagnosed in patients with Meniere's disease, especially when bilateral or when suggested by clinical and/or laboratory findings, and 2. the addition of sodium fluoride to diet-diuretic management of such patients appears effective.

Topics: Adult; Audiometry; Bicarbonates; Chronic Disease; Cochlea; Combined Modality Therapy; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Diuretics; Drug Combinations; Edema; Female; Humans; Labyrinth Diseases; Male; Meniere Disease; Middle Aged; Otosclerosis; Sodium Fluoride