Protective effect of nitroglycerin ointment and dimethyl sulfoxide on necrosis of skin flaps in rats

OBJECTIVE

To compare the protective effect of nitroglycerin ointment 2% and Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in dorsal flaps of the rat.

METHODS

A blind, experimental study was conducted in 24 male Wistar rats, with a mean weight of 320 (286-376) grams. Group 1: Control. Petrolatum jelly (Vaseline), n = 8, Group 2: Nitroglycerin (NTG) ointment 2% (Nitro-Bid, Altana Co.) n = 8, and Group 3: DMSO gel 90% (Neogen corp. Lexington KY, 40611), n = 8.

RESULTS

A total of 24 rats were operated on in the 6-month period of this study. Using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test analysis, a statistically significant p was obtained between the control group and 2% NTG ointment, both in the area of necrosis and in the healthy area (p = 0.026). In contrast, the comparison between DMSO [CH3) 2SO] and the control group (p = 0.180) and between both study groups, with a p = 0.18, was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study concluded that there is a protective effect of 2% NTG ointment for flap survival in relation to the control group (petrolatum). DMSO administered topically did not show a protective effect, compared to the control group.

A review of interventions to reduce pain in chronic wounds

Reduction of chronic wound pain has the potential to improve patients' quality of life, expedite the healing process and, ultimately, relieve pressure on community services. Despite this, education on pain assessment in the management of chronic wounds is lacking. This literature review seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations to reduce chronic wound pain and inform the practice of community nurses. The results of a thematic analysis indicate that a honey dressing or native collagen matrix dressing and conditioning exercises for the lower leg can reduce pain, and nitroglycerin ointment is especially effective. The review also highlights the need for an individualised approach to the assessment and treatment of pain in patients with chronic wounds.