Role of sulphydryl-containing agents in the management of venous (varicose) ulceration. A new approach.
This randomized double-blind controlled study examined whether sulphydryl-containing agents influence the healing of venous ulceration occurring for the first time on the medial side of the leg. Graduated compression bandaging, which exerted a mean ankle pressure of 40.6 +/- 0.4 mmHg, and a mean below-knee pressure of 17.1 +/- 0.2 mmHg, healed 70% of ulcers within 12 weeks (n = 46). The addition of the sulphydryl-containing agents DL-cysteine (n = 46) or DL-methionine-methyl sulphonium chloride (n = 45) to the compression bandaging (daily application of the powder for 7 days, followed by once weekly applications until the end of the study 3 months later) significantly (P < 0.01) stimulated healing of venous ulceration relative to control values when studied 4, 8 and 12 weeks after commencing treatment. After 3 months of treatment, both sulphydryl-containing compounds healed 93% of the ulcers. The results show that sulphydryls stimulate healing of venous ulceration.
Salim
A S
AS
University Department of Surgery, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds