heparitin-sulfate and Hemorrhoids

Drug treatment for various anorectal conditions has been known since ancient times. Today, modern as well as traditional drugs are being increasingly used in all grades of symptomatic haemorrhoids. These drugs (oral and local) are used as a part of conservative management or as an adjuvant to invasive outpatient procedures. Flavonoids, in the new formulation of micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) or as part of the ancient traditional medicine derivative of the Ginkgo tree, are used for relief of acute symptoms (for control of bleeding and re-bleeding in all grades of haemorrhoids). MPFF has been recommended for control of acute bleeding in patients waiting for a definitive outpatient treatment. Similarly, better known drugs such as calcium dobisilate (used in diabetic retinopathy and chronic venous insufficiency), nitrates and nifedipine have also been effective and well tolerated in the medical treatment of haemorrhoids. However, drug treatment is not aimed at curing haemorrhoids. The prime objective of drug therapy is to control the acute phase (bleeding) so that definitive therapy (banding, injection sclerotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, cryotherapy or surgery) can be scheduled at a convenient time.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Calcium Dobesilate; Flavonoids; Ginkgo biloba; Hemorrhoids; Heparitin Sulfate; Humans; Phytotherapy

An experimental clinical study was performed using heparan sulfate in order to ascertain the effects of the drug in the treatment of 2nd or 3rd degree varicose dilatation of the hemorrhoid plexus. Forty female patients, mean age 37 years and suffering from varicose dilatation of the hemorrhoid plexus, were enrolled in the study. The study was carried out in an open comparison with oxerutin using parallel groups with random access. After a run-in period of 3 days, 20 patients commenced treatment with 1 50 mg tablet of heparin sulfate 3 times daily, whereas the other 20 patients were given 1,500 mg oxerutin tablet again 3 times daily. Subsequently, treatment was continued at the following doses: 1 50 mg tablet of heparin sulfate twice a day, and 1,500 mg tablet of oxerutin twice a day, for a duration of two weeks. At pre-established times (before treatment, after 1 week, after 2 weeks), a standard questionnaire was filled in relating to each patient in order to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of treatment. No adverse or undesirable effects were reported. Each participant was also put on a personalized and computerised diet with the same fibre intake. 55% of patients treated with oxerutin reported persistent moderate or intense pain caused by defecation compared to 45% of the group treated with heparan sulfate. Both drugs induced the remission of skin rash and itching. Compared to the control drug, heparan sulfate was more efficacious in relation to the normalisation of hyperemia and mucoid secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Evaluation; Female; Hemorrhoids; Heparitin Sulfate; Humans; Hydroxyethylrutoside; Random Allocation; Tablets; Varicose Veins