Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0014848 (achalasia)
 2,804 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Dysphagia has been successfully treated by low-frequency transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) in two patients with achalasia and in six patients with systemic sclerosis. A 30- to 45-min stimulation session was followed by augmentation of peristalsis in the lower half of the esophagus and relaxation of the gastroesophageal sphincter, with relief of dysphagia. The sclerotic patients were also relieved of invaliding Raynaud's phenomenon. One 30-min daily stimulation session, and later one session every 2nd or 3rd day, was sufficient to prevent relapse. After months or years of TNS treatment the stimulation could in three patients be withdrawn with no recurrence. A stimulation session produced about 30% increase in plasma vasoactive intestinal polypeptides. Activation of this neuromodulator is considered to be the cause of the beneficial effects on dysphagia and Raynaud's phenomenon.
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PMID:Successful treatment of esophageal dysmotility and Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis and achalasia by transcutaneous nerve stimulation. Increase in plasma VIP concentration. 350 Nov 54

It is not surprising that calcium-channel blocking agents, which have numerous effects on various physiologic systems, have been employed for several "unapproved" uses. This manuscript reviews reports that have appeared within the last two years describing unapproved cardiovascular and noncardiovascular uses of the three available calcium-channel blocking agents. The cardiovascular uses discussed include hypertensive emergencies, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, aortic insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, migraine headaches, antiplatelet effects and cardiac surgery. Areas of noncardiovascular use include muscular dystrophy, achalasia, esophageal spasm, dysmenorrhea, preterm labor, asthma, hyperuricemia, mania and depression and endocrinologic and oncologic conditions. While some of the data appear promising, other reports are conflicting and contradictory. Furthermore, because much of the information comes from poorly controlled trials or anecdotal reports, even the more promising uses must be studied further and compared with conventional therapy.
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PMID:Promising uses of calcium-channel blocking agents. 637 47