Healing effect of ketanserin on chronic leg ulcers in patients with diabetes

Abstract

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.

Method: 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.

Conclusion: Topical ketanserin is a valuable therapy for difficult-to-treat leg ulcers.