A NEW METHOD TO REDUCE POST-OPERATIVE EDEMA: SINGLE DOSE COMBINED USE OF DEXAMETHASONE AND HYALURONIDASE

Abstract

Background and Aims: The present study is conducted to reveal anti-edema effect of single dose administration of hyaluronidase and dexamethasone combination in local applications. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Immediately after edema induction, 0.4 mL saline (placebo) or 0.4 mL dexamethasone+hyaluronidase was administered to the right hind paws of rats in Groups I and II, respectively. Paw volumes were measured before and 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours later the edema induction. Mann–Whitney U-Test was used for statistical analysis, and p values less than 0.05 were accepted as significant. Results: The median (interquartile range) paw volumes 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours later the edema induction were 0.40 (0.14), 0.71 (0.29), 0.40 (0.23), 0.27 (0.16), 0.19 (0.15), and 0.02 (0.06) mL, respectively in group I; and 0.13 (0.08), 0.06 (0.06), 0.02 (0.05), 0.01 (0.02), 0.00 (0.01), and 0.00 (0.00) mL, respectively in group II. The edema values of group II were significantly lower than that of group I in the all time points (at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, hours p=0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.029, respectively). Conclusions: A single dose of dexamethasone+hyaluronidase significantly reduces post-traumatic edema in rats compared to placebo. Further studies are needed to reveal the most efficient dosages of the agents.