Healing effect of ketanserin on chronic leg ulcers in patients with diabetes.
BACKGROUND
The treatment of chronic leg ulcers remains a stubborn problem in many patients. Topical 2% ketanserin ointment, a 5HT2-serotoninergic blocking agent, has been reported to improve healing of decubitus, venous, diabetic and ischaemic ulcers.


METHODS
The present double-blind intra-individual comparative study was performed in 12 women with diabetes presenting with at least two similar leg ulcers. In each subject, the two lesions were randomly assigned to be treated for 8 weeks by 2% ketanserin ointment or its unmedicated vehicle.


OBJECTIVE
assessments of the dynamics of wound healing were performed using computerized morphometry. Evaluations were performed at 2-week intervals for 8 weeks.


RESULTS
A significant decrease in relative wound area was observed on the ketanserin-treated ulcers compared with the placebo group.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical ketanserin is a valuable therapy for difficult-to-treat leg ulcers.
Quatresooz
P
P
Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
Kharfi
M
M
Paquet
P
P
Vroome
V
V
Cauwenbergh
G
G
Piérard
G E
GE
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D007650:Ketanserin