title: Pilot study on the effects of high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis.
abstract: Although several therapeutic approaches are available at present for the treatment of chronic pharyngitis, new therapeutic strategies acting on pharyngeal mucous function should be investigated in order to improve symptoms and quality of life. High-molecular weight hyaluronate performs important functions on mucociliary clearance, tissues hydration, defense against micro-organisms, and on tissue repair as well, but at present there is no clinical evidence of its exogenous use in patients with chronic pharyngitis. Our open, randomized controlled study was carried out to investigate efficacy, and tolerability of exogenous high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate (SH) at the dosage of 9 mg three times a day for a period of 30 days, in patients with chronic pharyngitis. Results show significant improvements of symptoms and cytology in active group (A, n = 10) vs. control group (B, n = 10). Good compliance and no adverse events were reported in group A. In conclusion, SH was effective and safe in patients with chronic pharyngitis.
authors.affiliation: UOC of Otorinolaryngology, and Neck and Facial Surgery, AORN "Ospedale dei Colli" Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO, Naples, Italy carloantonioleone@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Leone
authors.affiliation: UOC of Otorinolaryngology, and Neck and Facial Surgery, AORN "Ospedale dei Colli" Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: A Armone
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.affiliation: UOC of Otorinolaryngology, and Neck and Facial Surgery, AORN "Ospedale dei Colli" Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Allocca
authors.affiliation: UOC Pathological Anatomy, ENT AORN, "Ospedale dei Colli" Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barra
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D006820:Hyaluronic Acid
keywords: chronic pharyngitis; efficacy; pharyngeal mucosa; sodium hyaluronate