Krischak GD, Augat P, Claes L, Kinzl L, Beck A. The effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug application on incisional wound healing in rats.
J Wound Care 2007;
16:76-8. [PMID:
17319622 DOI:
10.12968/jowc.2007.16.2.27001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
There is evidence that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) delay both epithelialisation and angiogenesis in the early phases of wound healing because of an antiproliferative effect. We investigated the influence of diclofenac, a non-selective NSAID, on incisional wound healing.
METHOD
Ten male Wistar rats were given 5 mg diclofenac per kg bodyweight per day; 10 rats were given placebo pellets. After 10 days, unimpaired healing occurred independently of drug treatment both macroscopically and microscopically. Histomorphometry revealed a significant reduction (p = 0.006) in fibroblasts after diclofenac application (median 3 166 cells per mm2) compared with the placebo group (median 3940 cells per mm2). Epidermal thickness was not statistically different between the two groups.
RESULTS
Diclofenac diminished the amount of fibroblasts in connective tissue, reflecting the known antiproliferative effect of NSAIDs on fibroblasts. Clinical healing was not affected.
CONCLUSION
We recommend short-term diclofenac application for post-surgical and post-traumatic patients with wounds who would benefit from its antiphlogistic and analgesic effect. However, if wound healing is disturbed, the negative effect of diclofenac on fibroblasts should be considered. This is particularly relevant for patients with chronic wounds or conditions such as diabetes which can delay wound healing.
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