Transdermal Nifedipine for Wound Healing: Case Reports
Author(s): Torsiello Michael J, Kopacki Matthew H
Issue: Sep/Oct 2000 - Compounding for Immune System Disorders
View All Articles in Issue
Page(s): 356
Download in electronic PDF format for $75
Abstract: The authors present two case reports demonstrating their success with adding transdermal nifedipine to conventional therapy to treat difficult-to-heal wounds refractory to standard forms of treatment. In the first, a 43-year-old woman with a history of juvenile diabetes mellitus presented with a nonhealing wound on her right heel, among other problems. After it was debrided, a limb salvage procedure was performed; during the process of follow-up, the patient became dialysis dependent. Wound healing time was so extended that it was decided to use transdermal nifedipine to accelerate healing by inducing localized vasodilation without systemic effects. Wound healing time was decreased from 4 to 5 months to 6 to 8 weeks, and no adverse effects were observed with therapy. The patient now awaits kidney and pancreas transplant and continues to experience repeated tissue breakdowns, which are also being treated with nifedipine and routine therapy. In the second case, an 8-year-old boy with a clubfoot had developed problems after a foot-straightening procedure 2 years earlier. When the inserted expander was removed, the area was treated with transdermal nifedipine to accelerate wound healing and prevent the formation of another hypertrophic scar so that a second tissue expander could be inserted in the same area. A nifedipine Pluronic lecithin gel was prescribed, in addition to daily whirlpool therapy. After 3 weeks of this regimen, complete healing was observed. The authors conclude that this therapy has proven so efficacious that transdermal nifedipine is now considered another part of their therapeutic armamentarium for limb salvage in a variety of patients.