The therapy of gynaecological diseases with salty mineral water: A branch of the "Naiade Project"

Authors: Coiro V , Irali L , Saccani Jotti G , Varacca G , Danesino V
Affiliations:
Source: Italian Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 15(2):88-94 · April 2003
DOI: Not specified Publication date: 2003 Apr E-Publication date: Not specified Availability: abstract Copyright: Not specified
Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: Not specified

Keywords

Article abstract

The gynaecologic-disease section of the "Naiade Project" was a multicentric longitudinal, observational, clinic-epidermologic follow up examination of the mean-long term effects of the thermal therapy; the study was carried out according to the criteria established by a decree of the Italian Ministry of Public Health. Objective signs and subjective symptoms, number and degree of relapses, modifications in requirement and utilization of drugs, days of hospitalization and absence from work were monitored and recorded over a two year period in women affected by gynaecological diseases, treated with thermal therapy with salty mineral waters. Out of 1142 patients (mean age: 52.7 years), who participated in the study, 823 (72.1%) were affected by "painful sclerosis of pelvic connective tissue due to scarring and involution" and 319 (27.9%) by "persistent leukorrhea due to chronic aspecific or dystrophic vaginitis" (diagnosis at admission). Duration of disease and symptoms before treatment (itch, sensation of burning, leukorrhea, pain) eventual correlation with sexual intercourse, intermittent or continuous presence, periodical relapse of symptoms during menstrual cycle were registered. Patients were treated in various Italian spas with salsoiodic baths, vaginal irrigations with "acqua madre" (water obtained after evaporation and sodium cloride elimination) (a cycle of 12 daily irrigations) and pelvic muds. Clinical evaluations were performed both before and after the first therapeutical cycle; further evaluations were carried out one year later in 827 (72.4%) patients, at the time of a second cycle of therapy at the same spa. The results of the study show a significant trend of reduction during the year following the first cycle of therapy, not only in hospitalizations, absences from work, but also in the proportion of patients with clinical relapse. During the same period, antibiotics and analgesics appear to be significantly less utilized. Furthermore, a significant impyovement in the intensity and frequency of itch, sensation of burning, pain and leukorrhea is observed after treatments. A comparison between the first and the second year of the "Naiade Project" shows a complete disappearance of symptoms in some patients, whereas a lower number of relapses with minimal duration and intensity is observed in other subjects. In conclusion, the results of the present study support the possibility that the thermal therapy in the treatment of gynaecological diseases may represent a significant and economically advantageous alternative vs conventional therapeutic means.

Find it online