[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.