Lidase electrophoresis: technique and scope

Medicinal electrophoresis is a physiotherapy technique, based on the combined effect of electric current and individual pharmacological agents.

When applying this technique, the positive biological effect of direct current is enhanced by the pharmacological effect of drugs, which is associated with their electrophoretic activity in the electromagnetic field.

Today, electrophoresis with lidase is often used. In this case, the solution of this substance dissociates into ions, which are converted into charged hydrophilic complexes. If this solution is placed in an electric field, then the ions begin to move to opposite poles. If biological tissues are on their way, the electrically charged particles of the drug will penetrate into them and show appropriate therapeutic effect. In this case, the drug first penetrates the epidermis and dermis, and then into the interstices and endothelium of the blood and lymphatic vessels.

Electrophoresis with lidase is often prescribed for the early formation of hypertrophic scars. At this time, hyaluronic acid is actively synthesized by fibroblasts, so a specific enzyme, hyaluronidase (lidase), should be used to reduce defects on the skin.

It should be noted that electrophoresis with lidase can be combined with collagenase, gamma interferon, as well as with prednisolone or dexamethasone, since corticosteroids inhibit the proliferation and synthesis of fibroblasts, block enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of collagen, reduce the permeability of the vascular walls.

It must also be said that electrophoresis with lidase can be prescribed for lesions of joints, when their stiffness, deformation, and also pain syndrome occur. It is to alleviate these symptoms that electrophoretic injection of lidase is used, which is alternated with a solution of novocaine, which makes it possible to alleviate the condition of patients already after 5-6 sessions.

Electrophoresis with lidase is also used in gynecological practice. So, this physiotherapeutic procedure is conducted for women with adhesive process in the reproductive organs, as well as infertility.

It must be remembered that any drug can develop an allergic reaction, therefore, before using Lidase electrophoresis, an intradermal test for this preparation must be performed.

How is the electrophoretic drug administered?

When carrying out electrophoresis, electrodes with gaskets are placed, which are made of filter paper and pre-wetted in a solution of the drug. In this case, two electrodes are placed on the lower third of the shin, two more - on its upper third. The procedure should last 20 minutes and be conducted at least 10 times. After three months, the treatment course, if necessary, is repeated.

For those patients who can not constantly visit the physiotherapy room, electrophoresis is performed at home.

It should also be mentioned a method that is becoming widespread in molecular biology - DNA electrophoresis. It is used in cloning, sequencing and determining the amount of deoxyribonucleic acid.