Positive outcome of medical leeches (hirudotherapy) for venous congestion

Complications of leech therapy

OBJECTIVE

The principle of the use of leeches is associated with traditional medicine of many countries and its application has different philosophies for use in different areas of the body. Leeches, with all the benefits, can have dangers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of complications of leech therapy was done based on English articles indexed in the databases up to July 1, 2018. A strategic search has done independently by members of the research team and then all of the articles were +categorized by subject.

RESULTS

Related articles were mostly case-reports. Complications were divided into five categories including infection, allergy, prolonged bleeding, migration, and others. Infection is the most-reported complication related to leech therapy and Aeromonas spp. has the most participation in infections.

CONCLUSION

Leech therapy can be a therapeutic complementary method if the possible complications are managed properly.

Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia induced by Hirudo medicinalis (leeches)

For centuries, Hirudo medicinalis (medicinal leech) has been used as a remedy to treat many discomforts, such as muscle and joint pain. Nowadays, using leech in reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, wound and flap healing, venous insufficiency, varicosities and many other disorders has increased. In this study, we report a 45 year old female patient with six pruritic papules on her legs since10 months ago that appeared about 4 weeks after one session of leech application. Skin biopsy was performed on one of the papules, and in histopathology, superficial ulceration with a dense superficial and deep inflammatory infiltrate within the dermis composed of lymphocytes and eosinophils detected that considering history of leech application at this site, these constellation of data was compatible with the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia induced by leeches and the patient was cured by a topical steroid and cryotherapy.