Laboratory features of effects of peloidotherapy and aromatherapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Peloidotherapy and aromatherapy have been used for years in the treatment of numerous inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The exact mechanism of their action in RA is unclear. The goal of our research is to determine the effect of peloidotherapy and aromatherapy on inflammation parameters in RA patients. Our study included 20 patients of both sexes, with confirmed diagnosis of RA, older than 18 years. Patients were treated during 28 days with combination of peloidotherapy and aromatherapy. Serum samples for detection of levels of inflammation parameters were taken at two intervals: before the start of therapy and at the end of treatment. The results of our study show that there were no significant changes in the parameters of the complete blood count. Nevertheless, a statistically significant decrease in the serum concentration of two markers of inflammation-interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitrogen-oxide (NO)-was detected. Correlation analyses results say that there is a synchronized drop in the serum concentrations of CRP and the sedimentation rate, and the serum concentrations of fibrinogen and IL-6 are in the same relationship as well as serum levels of IL-6 and NO. Bearing in mind the importance of IL-6 and NO in the pathogenesis of inflammation in RA, we conclude that the application of our therapeutic protocol can be a significant add-on treatment to classic immunomodulators. Due to the small number of study participants, the lack of a control group, and the short follow-up time of patients, additional research is needed.