The anti-inflammatory and analgesic action of transdermal glyceryltrinitrate in the treatment of infusion-related thrombophlebitis.
We have carried out a prospective double-blind randomized study in 40 patients with infusion-related thrombophlebitis. Twenty-two patients were included in the glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) ointment group and 18 patients in the control heparinoid group. Pain was assessed by an analogue scale. At 48 hours the analgesic index was 84.6 +/- 18 units with GTN and 49 +/- 45 units with heparinoid ointment (P < 0.01). Faster relief of oedema was also observed in the GTN-treated group. All signs of thrombophlebitis were relieved in less than 4 days in the GTN group compared with 9 days in the controls (P < 0.005). We conclude that transdermal GTN is useful therapy for infusion-related thrombophlebitis showing evidence of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
J R
JR
Berrazueta
J J
JJ
Poveda
J
J
Ochoteco
J A
JA
Amado
F
F
Puebla
E
E
Salas
M
M
Sarabia
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000652:urine; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D005996:Nitroglycerin; D006152:Cyclic GMP