Utilisation Of Pre- and Post-Comparative Analysis of Intra-Lesional Dexamethasone Combined with Hyaluronidase in the Treatment of Patients with OSMF

Rahul  Kumar; Md Nayeemuddin; Ashutosh  Kumar

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1395

Authors

Rahul Kumar MS, Department of ENT, Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College & Hospital, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India
Md Nayeemuddin MS, Department of ENT, Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital, Dumka, Jharkhand, India
Ashutosh Kumar Professor, Department of ENT, Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College & Hospital, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1395

Keywords:

Oral Submucous Fibrosis, corticosteroids, intra-lesional therapy, mouth opening

Abstract

Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic and potentially malignant disorder characterized by collagen deposition in the oral mucosa, primarily affecting the South Asian population. Despite its high prevalence and association with oral cancer, the pathophysiology of OSMF remains poorly understood, complicating effective treatment options.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-lesional corticosteroid injections in alleviating symptoms and improving oral functionality in patients diagnosed with Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF).

Methods: This clinic-observational study was conducted at XYZ Hospital among patients diagnosed with Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) over one year. A total of 120 participants, aged 18 to 50 years, were administered intra-lesional injections of dexamethasone and hyaluronidase twice weekly for eight weeks. Clinical assessments, including mouth opening and burning sensation measured on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), were conducted tri-monthly. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to evaluate treatment efficacy, with a significance level set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results: The study included 120 patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), revealing a significant improvement in mouth opening from 23.75 ± 2.54 mm pre-treatment to 27.50 ± 3.15 mm post-treatment (p = 0.001). Additionally, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for burning sensation decreased from 5.80 ± 1.30 to 2.90 ± 1.95 (p = 0.001), indicating effective symptom relief. These findings suggest that intra-lesional corticosteroid therapy significantly enhances oral mobility and reduces discomfort in patients with OSMF.

Conclusion: Intra-lesional corticosteroid therapy is an effective treatment for improving mouth opening and alleviating burning sensations in patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF). These results underscore the potential of corticosteroids in managing this precancerous condition and improving patients' quality of life.