Long-term benefit of radon spa therapy in the rehabilitation of rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised, double-blinded trial

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of radon (plus CO2) baths on RA in contrast to artificial CO2 baths in RA rehabilitation using a double-blinded trial enrolling 134 randomised patients of an in-patient rehabilitative programme (further 73 consecutive non-randomised patients are not reported here). The outcomes were limitations in occupational context/daily living (main outcome), pain, medication and further quantities. These were measured before the start, after the end of treatment and quarterly in the year thereafter. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance (RM-ANCOVA) of the intent-to-treat population was performed with group main effects (GME) and group x course interactions (G x C) reported. Hierarchically ordered hypotheses ensured the adherence of the nominal significance level. The superiority of the radon treatment was found regarding the main outcome (RM-ANCOVA until 12 months: p(GME) = 0.15, p(G x C) = 0.033). Consumption of steroids (p(GME) = 0.064, p(G x C) = 0.025) and NSAIDs (p(GME) = 0.035, p(G x C) = 0.008) were significantly reduced. The results suggest beneficial long-term effects of radon baths as adjunct to a multimodal rehabilitative treatment of RA.

Effects of Low-Dose Radon Therapy Applied Under Hyperthermic Conditions (RnHT) on Inflammatory and Non- Inflammatory Degenerative Disease Conditions

“…Although both groups showed a beneficial effect immediately after therapy, the radon group predominated significantly at the three and six months follow up. Similar results were obtained concerning cut-down in NSAID and corticosteroid intake [22]. Consistent with these findings, a previous study including 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis clearly demonstrated pain reduction and functional improvement of affected joints after a typical regimen of thermal water baths.…”

Effect of 3 Weeks of Balneotherapy on Immunological Parameters, Trace Metal Elements and Mood States in Pilots

“…It should be noted, however, that the exact mechanism of the alterations in the immune function observed in this study remains unknown. Recent studies have suggested that radon in mineral water may play an important role in the relief of diseases 17,18) . However, it has also been reported that a low radon concentration failed to demonstrate a significant effect on the functioning of the endocrine system 19) .…”

Generalized Solar Lentigines in a Patient with a History of Radon Exposure

“…Of this incorporated radon, 50% disappears within 15–30 min [42], mainly through exhalation, excretion and diffusion through the skin [43,44]. The biological effects of radon are complex and may involve the release of anti- inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor β, interleukin 10) [45]. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous report of emerging generalized (solar) lentigines after radon exposure.…”