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Background
Iontophoresis is the introduction of ionizable drugs through intact skin by the administration of continuous, direct electrical current into the tissues of the body. The sweat test by pilocarpine iontophoresis is the only practical and reliable laboratory test for confirmation of the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). Localized sweating is stimulated pharmacologically, the amount of sweat is measured, and sodium and chloride levels determined. In patients with a suggestive clinical picture or a positive family history of CF, a chloride concentration greater than 60 mEq/L confirms the diagnosis.
Iontophoresis can be tried for intractable disabling primary hyperhidrosis when anti-perspirants or pharmacotherapy are not effective. Iontophoresis has been reported to provide relief in cases of primary hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet. A specialized electrode can be used to apply iontophoresis to the axillae. The procedure is repeated regularly, initially in 20-min sessions several times a week, gradually stretching out the interval between treatments to 1 to 2 weeks. The Drionic® device (General Medical Co., Los Angeles, CA) is an iontophoretic device that can be purchased for home use.
Walling and Swick (2011) noted that most cases of hyperhidrosis involve areas of high eccrine density, particularly the axillae, palms, and soles, and less often the cranio-facial area. Multiple therapies are available for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Options include topical medications (most commonly aluminum chloride), iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, systemic medications (including glycopyrrolate and clonidine), and surgery (most commonly endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy [ETS]). These investigators reviewed the literature on the subject, with a focus on new and emerging treatment options. For axillary and palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis, topical treatment is recommended as first-line treatment. For axillary hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin injections are recommended as 2nd-line treatment, oral medications as 3rd-line treatment, local surgery as 4th-line treatment, and ETS as 5th-line treatment. For palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, the authors considered a trial of oral medications (glycopyrrolate 1 to 2 mg once- or twice-daily preferred to clonidine 0.1 mg twice-daily) as 2nd-line therapy due to the low cost, convenience, and emerging literature supporting their excellent safety and reasonable efficacy. Iontophoresis is considered 3rd-line therapy for palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis; efficacy is high although so are the initial levels of cost and inconvenience. Botulinum toxin injections are considered 4th-line treatment for palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis; efficacy is high though the treatment remains expensive, must be repeated every 3 to 6 months, and is associated with pain and/or anesthesia-related complications. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a 5th-line option for palmar hyperhidrosis but is not recommended for plantar hyperhidrosis due to anatomic risks. For cranio-facial hyperhidrosis, oral medications (either glycopyrrolate or clonidine) are considered 1st-line therapy. Topical medications or botulinum toxin injections may be useful in some cases and ETS is an option for severe cranio-facial hyperhidrosis.
There is insufficient evidence that iontophoresis of corticosteroids is effective in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Hasson et al (1992) evaluated the pain alleviating effect of dexamethasone iontophoresis on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) produced via an eccentric exercise bout, and to determine the effect on muscle function. Baseline data were collected on 18 female subjects for maximum isometric knee extension contraction (MVC), knee extension peak torque (PT), knee extension work (W), and muscle soreness perception (SP). All values were subsequently reassessed 24 and 48 hours after a 10-min bout of bench stepping. Immediately following the 24-hr re-assessment, the experimental (E) (n = 6) and placebo (P) (n = 6) groups received iontophoresis treatment while the control (C) group (n = 6) received no treatment. Percent deviation from baseline of SP was significantly less at 48 hours for the E group compared to P and C groups. However, MCV, PT, and W were no different between the 3 groups at 48 hours post muscle soreness bout. Moreover, this study evaluated an experimentally induced condition (DOMS), thus it has little bearing on clinical musculo-skeletal disorders.
Schiffman and colleagues (1996) evaluated the short-term effect of iontophoretic delivery of dexamethasone (DEX) on the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in patients who had concurrent temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction and capsulitis. A total of 27 patients with this clinical diagnosis were randomized to one of three groups: (i) treatment group (DEX and lidocaine hydrochloride); (ii) control group (lidocaine hydrochloride); and (iii) placebo group (pH-buffered saline). The authors reported that iontophoretic delivery of DEX and lidocaine was effective in improving mandibular function, but not in reducing pain, in temporomandibular disorders patients who had concurrent temporomandibular joint capsulitis and disc displacement without reduction.
In a pilot study, Li et al (1996) examined the effectiveness of DEX iontophoresis for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the knee. A total of 10 subjects with RA were randomly assigned to either the experimental or placebo group. Iontophoresis treatments were given to both groups on days 1, 3, and 5. Five subjects in the experimental group received a mixture of 1 ml of DEX (4 mg/ml) and 1 ml of injectable sterile water; those in the placebo group received 2 ml of saline solution. Pain on movement, at rest, and on pressure, active joint count, and active range of motion, were evaluated on days 1, 5, and 20. The results suggested that DEX iontophoresis is more effective than placebo in relieving pain at rest and on movement in the RA knee. The finding of this small study needs to be verified by studies with larger sample size and longer follow-ups.
Gudeman and co-workers (1997) investigated whether iontophoresis of DEX in conjunction with other traditional modalities provides more immediate pain relief than traditional modalities alone. Forty affected feet were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In Group I, feet were treated with traditional modalities and placebo iontophoresis. In Group II, feet received the traditional modalities plus iontophoresis of dexamethasone. Both groups were treated 6 times over a 2-week period. The authors reported that although traditional modalities alone are ultimately effective, iontophoresis in conjunction with traditional modalities provides immediate reduction in symptoms.
Most studies of iontophoresis for other indications are not well-designed. The studies have small sample sizes, lack appropriate control groups, and usually do not have objective outcome measures. As a result, it is still unclear whether iontophoresis (of a certain drug/agent) is clinically effective or that iontophoresis of the drug/agent is more effective than other forms of treatment. More research, especially randomized, controlled studies with large sample sizes and sound statistical analysis, is needed to ascertain the effectiveness of iontophoresis for the treatment of such conditions as temporomandibular joint disorders, musculo-skeletal/soft tissue injuries, herpes labialis, and post-herpetic neuralgia.
Baskurt et al (2003) reported that iontophoresis and phonophoresis of naproxen are equally effective electrotherapy methods in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (n = 61 patients). The main drawback of this study is the lack of a placebo control group. Furthermore, the findings of this study are confounded by the fact that both groups were treated by other physiotherapy methods such as cold pack, progressive strengthening and stretching exercises. Thus, it is unclear whether the improvement is due to iontophoresis/phonophoresis or other physiotherapy methods.
Neeter and colleagues (2003) evaluated the effects of iontophoresis with DEX (n = 14) to iontophoresis with saline solution (n = 11) on patients who had acute (less than 3 months) pain from the Achilles tendon, in terms of range of motion, muscular endurance, pain and symptoms. Patients were evaluated before and after 2 weeks of treatment with iontophoresis, as well as after 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and 1 year. Both groups then followed the same rehabilitation program for 10 weeks. Good reliability was found for the toe-raise and range of motion tests. Poor reliability was, however, found for the pain on palpation test, which was excluded. No difference was found between or within groups for the toe-raise test. Several significant improvements were seen in the experiment group but not in the control group, in the range of motion test, pain during and after physical activity, pain during walking and walking up and down stairs, morning stiffness and tendon swelling. These investigators concluded that iontophoresis with DEX were found to have a positive effect in the treatment of patients with acute Achilles tendon pain. This was a small study (n = 25), albeit it a randomized one. The small sample size limited the possibilities to draw definite conclusions from the present findings.
Nirschl et al (2003) studied the effects of iontophoretic administration of DEX in controlling pain in patients with medial or lateral elbow epicondylitis. A total of 199 patients with elbow epicondylitis received 40 mA-minutes of either active or placebo treatment. Dexamethasone produced a significant 23-mm improvement on the 100-mm patient visual analog scale (VAS) ratings, compared with 14 mm for placebo at 2 days and 24 mm compared with 19 mm at 1 month. More patients treated with DEX than those treated with placebo scored moderate or better on the investigator's global improvement scale (52 % versus 33 %) at 2 days, but the difference was not significant at 1 month (54 % versus 49 %). Investigator-rated pain and tenderness scores favored DEX over placebo at 2 days. Patients completing 6 treatments in 10 days or less had better results than those treated over a longer period. The authors concluded that iontophoresis treatment was well-tolerated by most patients and was effective in reducing symptoms of epicondylitis at short-term follow-up. There appears to be little difference in VAS rating at 1 month between the 2 groups which corresponded with the investigator's global improvement scale (54 % versus 49 %). Thus, iontophoretic administration of DEX does not appear to have any long-term effect on elbow epicondylitis.
In a Cochrane review, Kroeling et al (2005) stated that no definitive statements on iontophoresis or other types of electrotherapy for mechanical neck disorders can be made. The current evidence on iontophoresis, galvanic current (direct or pulsed), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electronic muscle stimulation, low- or high-frequency pulsed electromagnetic stimulation, and permanent magnets is lacking, limited, or conflicting. Possible new trials on these interventions should have larger patient samples and include more precise standardization and description of all treatment characteristics.
The BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) assessment of iontophoresis for medical indications (BCBSA, 2003) concluded that iontophoretic administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids for musculo-skeletal inflammatory disorders does not meet the TEC criteria. The TEC assessment found that randomized controlled clinical studies have not consistently found better outcomes from corticosteroids delivered by iontophoresis compared to placebo iontophoresis. In addition, the TEC assessment found no randomized controlled clinical studies comparing iontophoresis of NSAIDs and corticosteroids to these drugs delivered by another route, which is the comparison essential to this assessment. The TEC assessment explained: "In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of iontophoresis for drug delivery, there must be adequate evidence on both of the following questions: whether the effects of iontophoresis exceed placebo effects; and how iontophoretic drug delivery compares with alternative treatments, usually other routes of drug administration (e.g., topical, oral, injection). Evidence showing iontophoresis of an active drug to be superior to iontophoresis of placebo is necessary, but not sufficient. The crucial issue to this assessment is whether iontophoretic drug delivery is at least as beneficial as other treatments."
Osborne and Allison (2006) determined if, in the short-term, acetic acid and DEX iontophoresis combined with LowDye (low-Dye) taping are effective in treating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A total of 31 patients with medial calcaneal origin plantar fasciitis were recruited from 3 sports medicine clinics. All subjects received 6 treatments of iontophoresis to the site of maximum tenderness on the plantar aspect of the foot over a 2-week period, continuous LowDye taping during this time, and instructions on stretching exercises for the gastrocnemius/soleus. They received 0.4 % DEX, placebo (0.9 % NaCl), or 5 % acetic acid. Stiffness and pain were recorded at the initial session, the end of 6 treatment sessions, and the follow-up at 4 weeks. Data for 42 feet from 31 subjects were used in the study. After the treatment phase, all groups showed significant improvements in morning pain, average pain, and morning stiffness. However for morning pain, the acetic acid/taping group showed a significantly greater improvement than the DEX/taping intervention. At the follow-up, the treatment effect of acetic acid/taping and DEX/taping remained significant for symptoms of pain. In contrast, only acetic acid maintained treatment effect for stiffness symptoms compared with placebo (p = 0.031) and DEX. The authors concluded that 6 treatments of acetic acid iontophoresis combined with taping gave greater relief from stiffness symptoms than, and equivalent relief from pain symptoms to, treatment with DEX/taping. For the best clinical results at 4 weeks, taping combined with acetic acid is the preferred treatment option compared with taping combined with DEX or saline iontophoresis.
There are several drawbacks with the findings of this study: (i) small sample size (n = 31), (ii) no long-term follow-up (patients were only followed for 4 weeks), and (iii) all groups showed significant improvements in morning pain, average pain, and morning stiffness -- i.e., placebo (saline) iontophoresis (plus taping) is effective in reducing pain and stiffness. It is also interesting to note that in a randomized controlled study (n = 92), Radford et al (2006) reported that LowDye taping (by itself) provided improvement in heel pain.
Brown et al (2006) stated that various strategies have emerged over recent years to enhance transdermal drug delivery, and these can be categorized into passive and active methods. The passive approach entails the optimization of formulation or drug carrying vehicle to increase skin permeability. Passive methods, however do not greatly improve the permeation of drugs with molecular weights greater than 500 Da. In contrast active methods that normally involve physical or mechanical methods of enhancing delivery have been shown to be generally superior. Improved delivery has been shown for drugs of differing lipophilicity and molecular weight including proteins, peptides, and oligonucletides using electrical methods (iontophoresis, electroporation), mechanical (abrasion, ablation, perforation), and other energy-related techniques such as ultrasound and needless injection. However, for these novel delivery methods to succeed and compete with those already on the market, the prime issues that require consideration include device design and safety, efficacy, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness.
Andres and Murrell (2008) performed a systematic review to determine the best treatment options for tendinopathy. These researchers evaluated the effectiveness of NSAIDS, corticosteroid injections, exercise-based physical therapy, physical therapy modalities, shock wave therapy, sclerotherapy, nitric oxide patches, surgery, growth factors, and stem cell treatment. Corticosteroid injection and NSAIDS appear to provide pain relief in the short-term, but their effectiveness in the long-term has not been demonstrated. These researchers identified inconsistent results with shock wave therapy and physical therapy modalities (e.g., ultrasound, iontophoresis and low-level laser therapy). Current data support the use of eccentric strengthening protocols, sclerotherapy, and nitric oxide patches, but larger, multi-center trials are needed to confirm the early results with these treatments. Preliminary work with growth factors and stem cells is promising, but further study is needed in these fields. Surgery remains the last option due to the morbidity and inconsistent outcomes. The ideal treatment for tendinopathy remains unclear.
Amirjani et al (2009) examined the effectiveness of DEX iontophoresis as a non-invasive method of treating tunnel syndrome (CTS). These investigators performed a double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing 6 sessions of iontophoresis with 0.4 % DEX sodium phosphate with distilled water in 17 patients. Outcome measures including nerve conduction studies, the Levine Self-Assessment Questionnaire, and the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments were done monthly for 6 months after intervention. Most of the outcome measures did not show any significant change following treatment. Although there was subjective improvement of symptom severity scores in the treatment group as quantified by the Levine Self-Assessment Questionnaire, similar improvement was also observed in the control group (p < 0.05). Although DEX iontophoresis is feasible in clinical settings and is well-tolerated by patients, iontophoresis of 0.4 % DEX was not effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate CTS.
The University of Michigan Health System's clinical guideline on acute low back pain (2010) stated that iontophoresis is one of the interventions considered but not routinely recommended for the management of patients with acute low back pain. Furthermore, the Work Loss Data Institute's guideline on carpal tunnel syndrome (2011) noted that iontophoresis/phonophoresis are interventions/procedures that are under study and are not specifically recommended.
Well-designed studies (randomized controlled trials with large sample size and long-term follow-up) are needed to ascertain the clinical value of iontophoresis in the treatment of musculo-skeletal disorders.
There is insufficient evidence to support the use of verapamil iontophoresis for the treatment of patients with Peyronie's disease. Cabello Benavente and colleagues (2005) assessed the effects of transdermal iontophoresis with verapamil and DEX in patients with Peyronie's disease of less than 1 year of evolution. These researchers had treated 10 patients twice a week during 6 consecutive weeks using iontophoresis with a Miniphysionizer dispositive. This device generates a 2 mA electric current during 20 mins, which triggers the transdermal penetration of medication. In every session, DEX (8 mg) and verapamil (5 mg) were administered inside a small self-adhesive receptacle on the penile skin overlying the fibrosis plaque. To evaluate the efficacy, penile curvature was measured by Kelami's test, while the plaque size was assessed by penile ultrasound. Other parameters like pain, erectile function and ability for vaginal intercourse were recorded using questionnaires. Safety parameters were also assessed during treatment. No improvement or progression in penile curvature was evidenced in any of the patients. The hardness of the plaque was reduced in 5 patients, becoming impalpable in 2 of them. Decrease in plaque volume was observed by penile ultrasound in 6. Pain improved in 8 patients, disappearing in 6 of them. One patient recovered his erectile function at the end of the treatment; whereas 3 referred that their ability for intercourse enhanced while 2 reported that treatment improved their sexual life in general. These investigators did not record any significantly side effects, except for a transitory and slight dermal redness on the site of electrode placement. The authors concluded that transdermal iontophoresis is an effective treatment for pain control in early stages of Peyronie's disease. Efficacy in reducing penile curvature seems to be limited. They noted that controlled clinical trials are needed to obtain more relevant clinical effects.
Greenfield et al (2007) performed a double-blind, placebo controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of verapamil delivered through electromotive drug administration. A total of 42 men with Peyronie's disease volunteered to participate in this study, which was approved by our institutional review board. A genito-urinary examination was performed on all patients, including plaque location, stretched penile length, objective measurement of curvature after papaverine injection and duplex ultrasound. Each subject was randomized to receive 10 mg verapamil in 4 cc saline or 4 cc saline via electromotive drug administration. A Mini-Physionizer (Physion, Mirandola, Italy) device was used at a power of 2.4 mA for 20 mins. Treatments were performed 2 times weekly for 3 months. After 3 months each patient was re-evaluated with physical examination and duplex ultrasound by a technician blinded to the treatment received. A modified erectile dysfunction index of treatment satisfaction questionnaire was also completed by each patient. A total of 23 patients were randomized to the verapamil treatment group (group 1) and 19 were randomized to the saline group (group 2). There were no significant differences between patient groups with respect to patient age, disease duration or pre-treatment curvature. In group 1, 15 patients (65 %) had measured improvement (mean of 9.1 degrees, range of 5 to 30), 5 (22 %) had no change and in 3 (13 %) the condition worsened. In group 2, 11 patients (58 %) had measured improvement (mean of 7.6 degrees, range of 5 to 30), 7 (37 %) showed no change and in 1 (5 %) the condition worsened. To better evaluate effectiveness the total number of patients experiencing significant improvement (20 degrees or greater) was calculated and compared. Seven patients (30 %) in group 1 and 4 (21 %) in group 2 achieved this criterion. Although a greater percentage of patients treated with verapamil had improved curvature, the results were not statistically significant. The authors concluded that although a greater percentage of patients treated with verapamil in their electromotive drug administration protocol had a measured decrease in curvature, the results were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to determine if electrical current may have a role in the treatment of Peyronie's disease as well as if verapamil delivered via electromotive drug administration may have a role as effective treatment.
Akin-Olugbade and Mulhall (2007) stated that there are a wide variety of medical treatments that are available to the practicing urologist, including oral agents, topical creams and gels with or without iontophoresis, intralesional injection therapy, radiation therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and laser therapy for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. Medical management of Peyronie's disease might be a valuable treatment option for this debilitating disorder, especially in the early symptomatic stages of the disease. Although no single modality has been demonstrated to have superior efficacy, intralesional therapy appears to confer some benefit. Multi-center, large-scale, randomized, controlled studies are needed to fully establish the effectiveness of the available treatments.
Sasso et al (2007) noted that the etiopathogenesis of Peyronie's disease is not yet clearly understood, no medical therapy is fully effective, and surgery remains the gold standard in patients with severe deformity and/or erectile dysfunction.
Iontophoresis has been used for the delivery of local anesthetic before skin puncture or painful dermal procedures. An assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (BCBSA, 2003) concluded that iontophoresis to administer local anesthetic before skin puncture or dermal procedures meets the TEC criteria. This use of iontophoresis is most useful in emergent situations, as iontophoresis results in more rapid dermal anesthesia than topical anesthetic agents. Topical anesthetic agents (e.g., lidocaine/prilocaine (EMLA) cream) take approximately 30 mins to achieve maximal effect, and are sufficient for dermal anesthesia in non-emergent situations.
Turner and colleagues (2008) noted that effective assessment of endothelial function is an important tool for ascertaining individuals at risk of development and progression of cardiovascular disease. As an alternative to invasive tests of endothelial function, several non-invasive methods have been developed such as the use of laser Doppler flowmetry to measure cutaneous perfusion accompanied by iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. It is evident from published reports that this approach not only provides a validated and reproducible method for evaluating and monitoring of endothelial function in patients with various pathological conditions, it may also be employed to examine disease progression and responsiveness to treatment; thus facilitating clinical trials. Moreover, a standardization of protocols would aid to reduce the apparent controversy observed in the literature. With its increasing use by other groups, it is anticipated that further published studies will help to provide a better understanding of the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
There is evidence that a fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system is an adequate substitute for intravenous patient controlled analgesia with morphine for acute post-operative pain. Pennington et al (2009) evaluated patients' assessment of fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system (ITS) and morphine intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) convenience on 7 different subscales, using a validated patient ease of care (EOC) questionnaire in 2 prospective, open-label, randomized, phase IIIb clinical trials. Patients received fentanyl ITS or morphine IV PCA (n = 1,305) for up to 72 hrs after total hip replacement surgery (THR study) or abdominal or pelvic surgery (APS study). For the majority of items on the patient EOC questionnaire, trends suggested that greater percentages of patients reported the most positive response for fentanyl ITS than they did for morphine IV PCA in both studies; differences were particularly noteworthy for items on the Movement subscale. In the THR study, more patients in the fentanyl ITS group were responders compared with those in the morphine IV PCA group for the subscales Confidence with Device, Pain Control, Knowledge/Understanding, and Satisfaction. In the APS study, responder rates for these subscales did not differ between treatment groups. These findings indicated that patients assessed the EOC associated with fentanyl ITS higher compared with morphine IV PCA for the management of acute post-operative pain and suggested that fentanyl ITS has the potential to improve acute post-operative pain care for patients and nurses.
A pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials found fentanyl ITS was as safe and effective and more convenient tha morphine PCA for acute post-operative pain. In this analysis of pooled data, Viscusi et al (2007) compared the safety and efficacy of the fentanyl ITS with morphine IV PCA from 3 multi-center, randomized, active-controlled trials (n = 1,941). Comparable percentages of patients reported success on the 24-hr patient global assessment of the method of pain control (fentanyl ITS, 80.5 %; morphine IV PCA, 81.0 %; difference = -0.5 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -4.0 % to 3.0 %). Mean last pain intensity scores in the first 24 hours were comparable (fentanyl ITS, 3.1; morphine IV PCA, 3.0; difference = 0.07; 95 % CI: -0.14 to 0.29). Relative dosing ratios of fentanyl to morphine overall and in subpopulations (age, BMI) were comparable over 6, 12, and 24 hours. The authors found that fentanyl ITS was equally effective when compared with morphine IV PCA for patient subpopulations (age, surgery type, and BMI). Discontinuation rates and the incidence of adverse events were similar between groups.
Poon et al (2009) reported on a meta-analysis of 2 placebo-controlled and 4 active-controlled randomized trials of fentanyl ITS. The authors found that fentanyl ITS was superior to placebo for post-operative analgesia using withdrawal secondary to inadequate analgesia and pain scores as outcome measures. Fentanyl ITS was found to be equivalent to morphine PCA when Patient Global Assessment was used as primary outcome measure. However, the authors found that there were significantly more patients in the fentanyl ITS group who withdrew due to inadequate analgesia. The authors suggested that this may be related to the pharmacokinetic profile of fentanyl ITS. The authors reported that the adverse effect and safety profile of fentanyl ITS seemed favorable. They concluded that fentanyl ITS is a promising novel modality for post-operative analgesia that is superior to placebo but may not be equivalent to morphine PCA as claimed by individual trials and recent reviews.
In a Cochrane review, Rajaratnam et al (2010) evaluated interventions used in the management of all types of melasma: epidermal, dermal, and mixed. Randomized controlled trials that examined topical and systemic interventions for melasma were included in thsi review. Study selection, assessment of methodological quality, data extraction, and analysis was carried out by 2 authors independently. These reviewers included 20 studies with a total of 2,125 participants covering 23 different treatments. Statistical pooling of the data was not possible due to the heterogeneity of treatments. Each study involved a different set of interventions. They can be grouped into those including a bleaching agent such as hydroquinone, triple-combination creams (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide), and combination therapies (hydroquinone cream and glycolic acid peels), as well as less conventional therapies including rucinol, vitamin C iontophoresis, and skin-lightening complexes like Thiospot and Gigawhite. Triple-combination cream was significantly more effective at lightening melasma than hydroquinone alone (RR 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.26 to 1.97) or when compared to the dual combinations of tretinoin and hydroquinone (RR 2.75, 95 % CI: 1.59 to 4.74), tretinoin and fluocinolone acetonide (RR 14.00, 95 % CI: 4.43 to 44.25), or hydroquinone and fluocinolone acetonide (RR 10.50, 95 % CI: 3.85 to 28.60). Azelaic acid (20 %) was significantly more effective than 2 % hydroquinone (RR 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.06 to 1.48) at lightening melasma but not when compared to 4 % hydroquinone (RR 1.11, 95 % CI: 0.94 to 1.32). In 2 studies where tretinoin was compared to placebo, participants rated their melasma as significantly improved in one (RR 13, 95 % CI: 1.88 to 89.74) but not the other. In both studies by other objective measures tretinoin treatment significantly reduced the severity of melasma. Thiospot was more effective than placebo (SMD -2.61, 95 % CI: -3.76 to -1.47). The adverse events most commonly reported were mild and transient such as skin irritation, itching, burning, and stinging. The authors concluded that the quality of studies evaluating melasma treatments was generally poor and available treatments inadequate. They stated that high-quality randomized controlled trials on well-defined participants with long-term outcomes to determine the duration of response are needed.
Lake and Wofford (2011) noted that patella-femoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common orthopedic condition for which operative and non-operative treatments have been used. Therapeutic modalities have been recommended for the treatment of patients with PFPS-including cold, ultrasound, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, electro-stimulation for pain control, electro-myographic (EMG) biofeedback, and laser. These investigators determined the effectiveness of therapeutic modalities for the treatment of patients with PFPS. In May and August 2010, Medline was searched using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science Citation Index, Science Direct, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health, and Your Journals@OVID. Selected studies were randomized controlled trials that used a therapeutic modality to treat patients with PFPS. The review included articles with all outcome measures relevant for the PFPS patient: knee extension and flexion strength (isokinetic and isometric), patella-femoral pain assessment during activities of daily life, functional tests (e.g., squats), Kujala patella-femoral score, and EMG recording from knee flexors and extensors and quadriceps femoris cross-sectional areas. Authors conducted independent quality appraisals of studies using the PEDro Scale and a system designed for analysis of studies on interventions for patella-femoral pain. A total of 12 studies met criteria: 1 on the effects of cold and ultrasound together, ice alone, iontophoresis, and phonophoresis; 3, neuromuscular electrical stimulation; 4, EMG biofeedback; 3, electro-stimulation for control of pain; and 1, laser. Most studies were of low-to-moderate quality. Some reported that therapeutic modalities, when combined with other treatments, may be of some benefit for pain management or other symptoms. There was no consistent evidence of any beneficial effect when a therapeutic modality was used alone. Studies did not consistently provide added benefit to conventional physical therapy in the treatment of PFPS. The authors concluded that none of the therapeutic modalities reviewed has sound scientific justification for the treatment of PFPS when used alone.
The European Association of Urology’s guidelines on penile curvature (Wespes et al, 2012) states that iontophoresis with verapamil 5 mg and dexamethasone 8 mg may improve penile curvature and plaque size (Level of evidence: 1b; Grade of recommendation: B).
An UpToDate review on “Epicondylitis (tennis and golf elbow)” (Jayanthi, 2012) states that “Studies of iontophoresis are small and preliminary, but the technique may provide some short-term benefit. In one randomized controlled trial, patients treated with dexamethasone by iontophoresis noted significant improvement of symptoms at two days compared with placebo, but this benefit was lost at one month. Phonophoresis and iontophoresis with topical naproxen showed similar benefits in pain and function scores in patients with epicondylitis. No studies have compared topical NSAIDs with topical steroids in epicondylitis”.
Stefaniak et al (2012) stated that despite success of thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), there are patients that develop postoperatively intensive sweating of the trunk. The se researchers presented outcomes of 3 of those methods: (i) removal of the clips, (ii) clipping of T6-T9, and (iii) regional abdomino-lumbar iontophoresis (RALI). Out of the group of 229 patients treated with ETS, there were 9 that requested removal of the clips, 3 were treated with T6-T9 video-thoracoscopic block, and 5 were treated with RALI. The intensity of the side effect has been evaluated subjectively (with overall and localized perception of intensity of sweating) and objectively (with gravimetry). The removal of the clips resulted in slow (about 12 months) diminishing of the intensity of sweating of the trunk; but the symptom did not disappear to the degree satisfactory for the patients. The T6-T9 block resulted in partial and transient diminishing of the symptom. The iontophoresis resulted in very promising short-term results. The authors concluded that removal of the clips from the sympathetic trunk did not provide resolution of compensatory sweating in 1 year of observation; T6-T9 block did not provide remedy for compensatory hyperhidrosis. Furthermore, they stated that regional abdomino-lumbar iontophoresis seems to be very promising, but further research and follow-up are mandatory.
In a systematic review, Winters et al (2013) evaluated the effectiveness of any intervention in the treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Published or non-published studies, reporting randomized or non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of any treatment in subjects with MTSS were eligible for inclusion. Treatments were assessed for effects on pain, time to recovery or global perceived effect. Computerized bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and SPORTDiscus) and trial registries were searched for relevant reports, from their inception to June 1, 2012. Grey literature was searched for additional relevant reports. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to appraise study quality of RCTs whereas the Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to appraise non-randomized trials. The “levels of evidence”, according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, addressed the impact of the assessed trials. Two reviewers independently performed the search for articles, study selection, data extraction and appraised methodological quality. A total of 11 trials were included in this systematic review. All RCTs revealed a high-risk of bias (Level 3 of evidence). Both non-RCTs were found to be of poor quality (Level 4 of evidence). Randomized controlled trials, studying the effect of a lower leg brace versus no lower leg brace, and iontophoresis versus phonophoresis, were pooled using a fixed-effects model. No significant differences were found for lower leg braces (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.06; 95 % CI: -0.44 to 0.32, p = 0.76), or iontophoresis (SMD 0.09; 95 % CI: -0.50 to 0.68, p = 0.76). Iontophoresis, phonophoresis, ice massage, ultrasound therapy, periosteal pecking and extra-corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) could be effective in treating MTSS when compared with control (Level 3 to 4 of evidence). Low-energy laser treatment, stretching and strengthening exercises, sports compression stockings, lower leg braces and pulsed electromagnetic fields have not been proven to be effective in treating MTSS (level 3 of evidence). The authors concluded that none of the studies is sufficiently free from methodological bias to recommend any of the treatments investigated. Of those examined, ESWT appears to have the most promise.
In a Cochrane review, Kroeling et al (2013) evaluated the short-, intermediate- and long-term effects of electrotherapy on pain, function, disability, patient satisfaction, global perceived effect, and quality of life in adults with neck pain with and without radiculopathy or cervicogenic headache. These investigators searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, MANTIS, CINAHL, and ICL, without language restrictions, from their beginning to August 2012; they hand-searched relevant conference proceedings; and consulted content experts. Randomized controlled trials, in any language, investigating the effects of electrotherapy used primarily as uni-modal treatment for neck pain were selected for analysis. Quasi-RCTs and controlled clinical trials were excluded. These researchers used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. These researchers were unable to statistically pool any of the results, but they assessed the quality of the evidence using an adapted GRADE approach. A total of 20 small trials (1,239 people with neck pain) containing 38 comparisons were included. Analysis was limited by trials of varied quality, heterogeneous treatment subtypes and conflicting results. The main findings for reduction of neck pain by treatment with electrotherapeutic modalities were as follows: (i) very low quality evidence determined that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) were more effective than placebo, while transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) showed inconsistent results; (ii) very low quality evidence determined that PEMF, rMS and TENS were more effective than placebo; (iii) low quality evidence (1 trial, 52 participants) determined that permanent magnets (necklace) were no more effective than placebo (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.27, 95 % CI: -0.27 to 0.82, random-effects model); (iv) very low quality evidence showed that modulated galvanic current, iontophoresis and electric muscle stimulation (EMS) were not more effective than placebo. There were 4 trials that reported on other outcomes such as function and global perceived effects, but none of the effects was of clinical importance. When TENS, iontophoresis and PEMF were compared to another treatment, very low quality evidence prevented the researchers from suggesting any recommendations. No adverse side effects were reported in any of the included studies. The authors concluded that they cannot make any definite statements on the effectiveness and clinical usefulness of electrotherapy modalities for neck pain. Since the evidence is of low or very low quality, they were uncertain about the estimate of the effect. They stated that further research is very likely to change both the estimate of effect and their confidence in the results. Current evidence for PEMF, rMS, and TENS showed that these modalities might be more effective than placebo. When compared to other interventions the quality of evidence was very low thus preventing further recommendations. Funding bias should be considered, especially in PEMF studies. Galvanic current, iontophoresis, EMS, and a static magnetic field did not reduce pain or disability. These investigators stated that future trials on these interventions should have larger patient samples, include more precise standardization, and detail treatment characteristics.
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