The Motherisk Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
OBJECTIVE: Currently no topical anti-hemorrhoidal agents have been studied for effectiveness in pregnancy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Proctofoam-HC used during the last trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label, observational study, pregnant women prescribed Proctofoam-HC were asked to complete two telephone interview questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 88 women completed the study. All hemorrhoidal symptoms, including pain, pruritus, swelling, itching, decreased significantly (P < 0.001) and overall well-being improved. The improvement was clinically very significant after correction for potential placebo effect. CONCLUSIONS: Proctofoam-HC appears to provide effective treatment of hemorrhoids in late pregnancy.