M Mammucari1, D Russo2, E Maggiori1, T Paolucci3, R Di Marzo4, S Brauneis5, B Bifarini6, G Ronconi7, P E Ferrara7, F Gori6, R D Mediati8, R Vellucci8, A Migliore9, S Natoli10. 1. Primary Care Unit ASL RM 1, Rome. 2. San Marco Hospice and Palliative Care, Latina. 3. University G. D'Annunzio Chieti, Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, Chieti-Pescara. 4. Member of the Italian Society of Mesotherapy, Rome. 5. Pain Center "Enzo Borzomati", University Hospital of Rome "Policlinico Umberto I", Rome. 6. Section of Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Santa Maria Della Misericordia, Perugia. 7. University Policlinic Foundation A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome. 8. Department of Anesthesia of Careggi University Hospital, Florence. 9. Unit of Rheumatology, San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome. 10. Dept of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata AND Unit of Pain Therapy, Polyclinic of Tor Vergata - Rome, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mesotherapy, also known as local intradermal therapy, widely used all over the world, is a technique used to inject substances into the surface layer of the skin. There are no international guidelines for the correct use of this technique and in many countries, it is still applied empirically without valid patient consent. The Italian society of mesotherapy has planned a study to assess the rationale and clinical applications based on current evidence. METHODS: An independent steering committee, based on the available scientific literature, has formulated a series of clinical questions. 21 experts responded by writing an evidence-based document. From this document 30 statements were obtained which were presented to 114 experts using the Delphi method. RESULTS: 28 statements reached a broad agreement on definition, technique, pharmacological rationale, indications and some crucial ethical aspect. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are needed to establish the clinical role of this technique in each field of application, our statements recommend the correct application according to the needs of the individual patient in full respect of ethics.
INTRODUCTION: Mesotherapy, also known as local intradermal therapy, widely used all over the world, is a technique used to inject substances into the surface layer of the skin. There are no international guidelines for the correct use of this technique and in many countries, it is still applied empirically without valid patient consent. The Italian society of mesotherapy has planned a study to assess the rationale and clinical applications based on current evidence. METHODS: An independent steering committee, based on the available scientific literature, has formulated a series of clinical questions. 21 experts responded by writing an evidence-based document. From this document 30 statements were obtained which were presented to 114 experts using the Delphi method. RESULTS: 28 statements reached a broad agreement on definition, technique, pharmacological rationale, indications and some crucial ethical aspect. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are needed to establish the clinical role of this technique in each field of application, our statements recommend the correct application according to the needs of the individual patient in full respect of ethics.