Isosorbide dinitrate spray as therapeutic strategy for treatment of chronic venous ulcers

Angiology. 2008 Feb-Mar;59(1):64-71. doi: 10.1177/0003319707303700.

Abstract

Venous ulcers are the most common form of leg ulcers, which induce lesion because of the loss of substances deposited on the damaged skin. Isosorbide dinitrate is a vasodilator with effects on both arteries and veins and induces opening of vascular layers. The objective is to study the effects of isosorbide dinitrate-spray in patients with chronic venous ulcers. Forty-five patients of both sexes with chronic venous ulcers were randomized to receive isosorbide dinitrate or placebo sprays daily for 3 months. The ulcers were measured and clinical characteristics were taken every 15 days during the treatment. Patients treated with isosorbide dinitrate showed an improvement of the ulcerated area (71.29%) compared with patients treated with placebo (54.35%). The histopathological study indicated an increment in the number of hypertrophic and hyperplasic capillaries. Macroscopically, the isosorbide dinitrate-treatment showed the best results, but it was only during the first 6 weeks of treatment. Patients with chronic venous ulcer receiving isosorbide dinitrate spray showed improvement.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aerosols
  • Capillaries / drug effects
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Varicose Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Varicose Ulcer / pathology
  • Varicose Ulcer / physiopathology
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate