Pilot studies demonstrate the potential benefits of antiinflammatory therapy in human lymphedema.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymphedema is a common condition affecting millions around the world that still lacks approved medical therapy. Because ketoprofen, an NSAID, has been therapeutic in experimental lymphedema, we evaluated its efficacy in humans.

Methods

We first performed an exploratory open-label trial. Patients with either primary or secondary lymphedema received ketoprofen 75 mg by mouth 3 times daily for 4 months. Subjects were evaluated for changes in histopathology, with skin thickness, limb volume, and tissue bioimpedance changes serving as secondary endpoints. Based on our encouraging findings, we next conducted a placebo-controlled trial, with the primary outcome defined as a change in skin thickness, as measured by skin calipers. Secondary endpoints for this second study

SUBMITTER: Rockson SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6237444 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature