[Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel in treatment of acute tendopathies. A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study].

Abstract

METHOD:

In a placebo-controlled double-blind study, 157 patients with acute tenopathies (periarthropathia humeroscapularis or lateral epicondylitis) were randomized to treatment with either DMSO gel 10% applied three times a day (n = 77) or the gel excipient (n = 80). The treatment phase was 14 days long and included four examinations. Treatment was started within 72 hours after the onset of the acute symptoms.

RESULTS:

Pain of movement under loading and the mobility of the joints were significantly improved after, respectively, 3 and 7 days treatment with DMSO, as compared with placebo. After 14 days on DMSO, a further improvement was observed, and 44% of the patients were pain-free (placebo 9%). In both groups, the substance was well or very well tolerated by more than 90% of the patients. No relevant changes in laboratory results or severe undesired events occurred under treatment. Undesired events were seen in 8 patients receiving DMSO treatment, and in 3 patients in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study confirm that Rheumabene (10% DMSO gel) is suitable for topical use in the treatment of acute tenopathy, producing clinically relevant results with little risk to the patient.

• Authors: W Kneer, S Kühnau, P Bias, R F Haag
• Journal: Fortschritte der Medizin (Fortschr Med) Vol. 112 Issue 10 Pg. 142-6 (Apr 10 1994) ISSN: 0015-8178 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Dimethylsulfoxid(DMSO)-Gel zur Behandlung akuter Tendopathien. Eine multizentrische, plazebokontrollierte, randomisierte Studie.
• PMID: 8194818 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Gels
• Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Dimethyl Sulfoxide (administration & dosage)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Gels
• Humans
• Male
• Pain Measurement
• Periarthritis (drug therapy)
• Range of Motion, Articular (drug effects)
• Tennis Elbow (drug therapy)