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. 2015 Mar;14(1):81-9.
doi: 10.1007/s12663-013-0580-x. Epub 2013 Sep 13.

Pentoxifylline in patients with oral submucous fibrosis-a randomized clinical trial

Namdeo Prabhu  1 , Sanjay S Rao  1 , S M Kotrashetti  1 , Shridhar D Baliga  1 , Seema R Hallikerimath  2 , Punnya V Angadi  2 , Rakhi Issrani  3
Affiliations

Pentoxifylline in patients with oral submucous fibrosis-a randomized clinical trial

Namdeo Prabhu et al. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2015 Mar.

Abstract

Background and aim: As far as research regarding any disease is concerned, each and every aspect poses a challenge. One such entity that poses a challenge in our arena is oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) as no effective treatment is available for this progressively disabling condition with high malignant potential. Hence the present study was undertaken with the aim to determine the use of pentoxifylline (PTX) on the clinical and histopathologic course of OSF.

Method: Thirty clinically confirmed OSF patients were categorized randomly into group I and group II. In group I, drug PTX was administered as an adjunct along with other conventional therapies. Group II patients were advised conventional therapies only. Pre- and post-treatment biopsies were obtained for the following parameters:Micro-vascular density (MVD),Area percentage of blood vessels,Severity of fibrosis, andInflammatory components.

Results: On comparing MVD in groups I and II there was no significant difference in pre- and post-treatment.On comparing the average area percentage occupied by blood vessels, significant difference was seen in pre- and post-treatment biopsies in group I.On assessment of mouth opening and tongue protrusion, there was no significant improvement in either of the groups individually or in comparison. But when burning sensation of mucosa was assessed, pre- and post-treatment, both groups showed quite significant improvement individually.

Conclusion: Use of pentoxifylline seemed to be questionable, and taking into consideration the long administration time, its use is not recommended for the treatment of OSF patients.

Keywords: Blood vessels; Micro-vascular density; Oral submucous fibrosis; Pentoxifylline.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Pre-therapy biopsy for studying disease progression and morphometry in control group
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Post-therapy biopsy for studying disease progression and morphometry in control group
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Pre-therapy biopsy for studying disease progression and morphometry in interventional group
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Post-therapy biopsy for studying disease progression and morphometry in interventional group
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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