Abstract
BackgroundOral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder largely seen in the South-Asian countries where areca nut is found to be the main predisposing factor. Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, has vasodilating properties and is believed to increase the vascularity of the mucosal layer. This study was designed to determine the effect of pentoxifylline (Trental) on the clinical progression of oral submucous fibrosis. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of drug pentoxifylline in the management of OSMF and to correlate the clinical parameters evaluated before and after treatment.MethodsStudy Design: This investigation was conducted as a case-control study incorporating a Control Group in comparison to a Study Group where pentoxifylline 400 mg was administered 3 times daily, as coated, sustained-release tablets for prescribed for 3 months. The stipulated period for the study was 8 months and a total of 80 cases of oral submucous fibrosis (40 test subjects and 40 controls) were included in this study and 100% acquiescence was reported at the end of the test period.ResultsMild dizziness and gastric irritation were the only untoward symptoms reported in 2 of the volunteers in the study group during this trial. These were managed by diet protocols. A review of the patients and controls was done at an interval of every 4 weeks for 3 months. The subjective and objective measurements were recorded. The follow-up data at each visit concerning each other and to base-line values were calibrated using nonparametric tests of the Chi-Square test and Mann-Whitney. Significant comparisons with regard to improvement were recorded as objective criteria of mouth opening (u value =1.137, p = 0.260), tongue protrusion (u value = 0.262, p = 0.794 and cheek flexibility (u value =0.990, p = 0.326). Subjective symptoms of burning sensation of mouth (U value = 2.673, p = 0.008), pain on opening the mouth (U value = 4.320, p < 0.0001), difficulty in swallowing and difficulty in the speech were also recorded.ConclusionThis study showed the effectiveness of pentoxifylline as an additional therapy in the routine management of oral submucous fibrosis.
Highlights
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) remains the most common potentially malignant disorder largely seen in the south Asian countries and emigrants from these countries to other regions
According to the grading system proposed by Bailoor D et al in 2005 [3] and the criteria of the study, 21 patients were of grade I OSF of which 19 were males. 33 patients were of Grade II OSF of which 30 were males. 26 patients were of Grade III OSF, of which 19 were males (Table 1)
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant oral epithelial lesion largely seen in the south Asian countries
Summary
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) remains the most common potentially malignant disorder largely seen in the south Asian countries and emigrants from these countries to other regions. It affects 0.2–0.5% of the Indian population.. It is believed to increase the vascularity of the mucosal layer The objective of this clinical study was designed to determine the effect of pentoxifylline on the microvascularity and clinicopathological progression of oral submucous fibrosis [2]. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder largely seen in the South-Asian countries where areca nut is found to be the main predisposing factor. Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, has vasodilating properties and is believed to increase the vascularity of the mucosal layer. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of drug pentoxifylline in the management of OSMF and to correlate the clinical parameters evaluated before and after treatment
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