The effect of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream on the incidence and severity of cutaneous burns following external DC cardioversion.
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous burns are a common cause of morbidity following direct current (DC) cardioversion. We designed a study to determine whether the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream prior to cardioversion reduces their incidence and severity.


METHODS
Two hours before elective DC cardioversion, we randomised 55 patients to receive ibuprofen 5% cream or placebo cream over sternal and apical pad sites, with patients acting as their own controls. Two hours after cardioversion an independent blinded observer measured skin temperature, erythema index, and minimum sensory and pain detection thresholds at sternal and apical pad sites. Visual analogue pain score (VAS) for each site was recorded at 2 h and 24 h post-cardioversion.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference between pain measured by VAS, skin temperature and pain detection threshold measured at pad sites with pre-applied ibuprofen 5% cream and those with pre-applied aqueous cream, after elective DC cardioversion.


CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic application of topical ibuprofen 5% cream 2h prior to elective DC cardioversion reduces pain and inflammation. Consideration should be given to use of prophylactic application of topical ibuprofen as routine treatment for elective DC cardioversion.
Ambler
Jonathan J S
JJ
Shackleton Department of Anaesthetics, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. jjsa@amblers.org
Zideman
David A
DA
Deakin
Charles D
CD
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen