Eugenia Rosulescu

Efficacy of mesotherapy using drugs versus normal saline solution in chronic spinal pain: a retrospective study

Mesotherapy, or intradermal therapy, is a therapeutic approach that is gaining popularity, but there is still a significant lack of information on its mechanisms of action or the pharmacokinetics of the therapeutic regimens. This retrospective study on 220 records compared the short-term and long-term effects of mesotherapy using a mixture of drugs versus normal saline solution in the treatment of patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). At the end of treatment, outcome measures showed a significant improvement (P<0.003) in both groups, which persisted at the follow-up assessments. At 12 weeks of follow-up, the improvement was significantly greater in patients treated with the drug cocktail than with the saline solution (P<0.05). Mesotherapy was effective in patients affected by CSP, with high patient satisfaction reported irrespective of the agent used. Considering the risks and costs of drugs, normal saline solution appears to be the best agent in cost–benefit terms for treating localized pain by mesotherapy in CSP.

Mutuality approach in care-process: Lessons from the “Mutual caring-from knowledge to action” project

The International Association of Social Security (ISSA) in Geneva has published Guidelines on Return to Work (RTW) and Reintegration in November 2013. These guidelines comprise strategies and programs, which are relevant for all stakeholders in rehabilitation defining the need of holistic and individual approach, early intervention, rehabilitation management, participation, collaboration and qualification of professionals in RTW. The RTW guideline will be presented in details with highlighting the relevance for ESPRM.