Blood Loss |
The Scientific Basis of Leech TherapyMechanisms of Leeching The Technique of Leech TherapyPreparation Application Procedure
Adverse Effects of Leech Therapy
Case history and articles:
Effect of leech therapy in different regional pain syndromes (T.Rampp)
Where to buy the medical leeches
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Leech therapy is always associated with a certain degree of blood loss, which is clinically irrelevant in most cases. In the clinical trial by Michalsen, the mean hemoglobin loss was 0.7 mg/dL, and clinically relevant blood loss did not occur in any of the patients studied. However, there have been isolated observations of stronger afterbleeding with a corresponding decrease in hemoglobin, particularly in cases where a leech was inadvertently applied directly to a superficial vein. According to the records of Essen-Mitte Hospital, a clinically relevant decrease in hemoglobin (> 3 mg/dL) occurred after leech therapy in two patients, one of whom required a blood transfusion (after being treated with six leeches for osteoarthritis of the knee). Asked retrospectively, one of the patients stated that she had, in her opinion, experienced prolonged wound bleeding in the past. In another case, afterbleeding from the leech bite lasted over 36 hours and had to be stopped with a cutaneous suture. Extensive coagulation tests were then performed but did not reveal any specific coagulation disorder. Prior occurrences of abnormal bleeding seem to be anamnestically important, and patients should be specifically asked about such events. Anticoagulants are important concurrent medications to watch for. If low-dose aspirin is prescribed in combination with other platelet aggregation inhibitors (clopidogrel, Iscover, Plavix) or high-dose fish oil (Omacor), a smaller number of leeches (three to four) should initially be used. Blood counts should always be obtained before starting leech therapy. To reliably prevent the loss of relevant quantities of blood, the leech therapist should never use more than 12 leeches in a single treatment session.
After the leech drops off, the edges of the three-pronged wound generally swell for 12-48 hours accompanied by a feeling of local tension, heat, and reddening. Small blood spots (ecchymoses) develop below the skin around the leech bite. Larger collections of blood rarely develop. As with superficial bruising, the blood spots are initially reddish violet, then turn yellowish, and finally disappear within around two weeks. |
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Indications for Leech Therapy: Inflammatory Reactions Rheumatic Diseases Tendovaginitis and Tendinitis Venous Disease and Varicose Veins Muscle Tension Vertebrogenic Pain Syndromes
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Contradictions for Leech Therapy:Hemophilia, Anemia, Anticoagulant Medications
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