[Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel in treatment of acute tendopathies. A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study].

METHOD: In a placebo-controlled double-blind study, 157 patients with acute tenopathies (periarthropathia humeroscapularis or lateral epicondylitis) were randomized to treatment with either DMSO gel 10% applied three times a day (n = 77) or the gel excipient (n = 80). The treatment phase was 14 days long and included four examinations. Treatment was started within 72 hours after the onset of the acute symptoms.

RESULTS

Pain of movement under loading and the mobility of the joints were significantly improved after, respectively, 3 and 7 days treatment with DMSO, as compared with placebo. After 14 days on DMSO, a further improvement was observed, and 44% of the patients were pain-free (placebo 9%). In both groups, the substance was well or very well tolerated by more than 90% of the patients. No relevant changes in laboratory results or severe undesired events occurred under treatment. Undesired events were seen in 8 patients receiving DMSO treatment, and in 3 patients in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study confirm that Rheumabene (10% DMSO gel) is suitable for topical use in the treatment of acute tenopathy, producing clinically relevant results with little risk to the patient.