Oral submucous fibrosis is a premalignant condition largely seen in the South-Asian countries mainly due to the consumption of areca nut.
Pentoxifylline is a
methylxanthine derivative, with vasodilating, anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory properties and is believed to increase the vascularity of the mucosal layer. The study was conducted to clinically assess the effectiveness of orally given
pentoxifylline with
dexamethasone (4mg/ml) given intralesionally and
hyaluronidase 1500 IU with 0.5ml of 2.0%
lignocaine plus multivitamins in the management of
Oral submucous fibrosis patients pertaining to the Terai belt of Nepal. This study was conducted as an experimental study consisting of 70
oral submucous fibrosis patients who were divided blindly into two groups i.e. control or standard
drug group (n=35) and experimental
drug group (n=35). Standard
drug group were given biweekly
intralesional injections of
dexamethasone (4mg/ml) and
hyaluronidase 1500IU with 0.5ml of 2.0%
lignocaine plus one
capsule of multivitamins daily for a period of 12 weeks whereas experimental
drug group were given
pentoxifylline tablets 400mg 3 times daily for 12 weeks in addition to the drugs given to the standard
drug group. Variables considered in the study were burning sensation, mouth opening, tongue protrusion and cheek flexibility using visual analog scale, vernier caliper, cheek retractor and a metric scale. On comparing, statistically significant results were seen in experimental
drug group as far as reduction in burning sensation (p<0.001) and increase in mouth opening (p<0.001) was concerned. As far as improvement in tongue protrusion and cheek flexibility were concerned, the results were appreciating but statistically not significant (p=0.231) and (p=0.251) respectively. This study showed the effectiveness of
pentoxifylline as an adjunct in the routine management of
oral submucous fibrosis.