[Topical treatment of localized edemas of mechanical or inflammatory origin with a novel antiedema ointment. A prospective study].
OBJECTIVE
Following traumas, muscular or articular injuries it is common to observe lesions where edema is the main finding, with local pain leading to a muscular and/or articular limitation hindering the usual activity.


METHODS
In this study, a new anti-edema ointment with elevated saline concentration designed for the osmotic treatment of swelling has been evaluated. 21 subjects (mean age 34.2 yrs; range 6-73 yrs) have been enrolled and evaluated for the resolution of edema and restoration of the normal functional activity following the local application (3 times/daily) of the ointment until resolution for a maximum of 9 days (mean duration of treatment 5 days; range 2-9 days).


RESULTS
After 2-3 days of application edema disappeared or was ameliorated in 13/21 cases, and in other 7/21 at 5-9 days of follow-up (p0.001 chi square for number of beneficial occurrences). Normal activity has been documented in 10/11 subjects in whom it was altered at enrollment. Local tolerability of the ointment has been optimal or good in the majority of patients, being represented only by local itching or erythema. The local application of the anti-edema ointment has allowed also a marked reduction in the use of acetaminophen or other anti-inflammatory treatments, that were infrequent and present only in 4/21 subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that the local application of an anti-edema osmotic ointment allows to obtain a prompt resolution of the swelling coupled with a marginal use of anti-inflammatory therapies for the control of the local algic and inflammatory component of the disease.
Memeo
A
A
Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini, Milano.
Boccazzi
A
A
Cimaz
R
R
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004487:Edema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications; D055815:Young Adult
D009824:Ointments