Background: Serratiopeptidase for pain, facial swelling and trismus associated with surgical removal of impacted molar is under investigation. However conclusive evidence on the use of serratiopeptidase is lacking. Hence a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies was carried out.
Methods: Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies and necessary data extracted. The data were analysed using non-Cochrane mode in RevMan 5.0. 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to represent the deviation from the point estimate. The heterogeneity between the studies was assessed using Forest plot visually, I2 statistics and Chi square test with a statistical P value of <0.10 to indicate statistical significance. Random-effect models were used in case of moderate to severe heterogeneity.
Results: Five studies were included for final review. Serratiopeptidase improved trismus better than corticosteroids with the MD, 95% as 4.42 [3.84, 5]. As regards to swelling, no significant difference was observed for serratiopeptidase when compared to corticosteroids. Paucity of studies precludes any conclusion for other outcome measures as well as for other comparator drugs.
Conclusion: Serratiopeptidase could be used safely and effectively to improve trismus and facial swelling after surgical removal of impacted molar.
Keywords: Impacted molar; Serrapeptase; Serratiopeptidase.