[Good results of treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy with a 50% dimethylsulfoxide cream].

In this open prospective study dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a hydroxyl radical scavenger, was tested in a 50% concentration in a fatty cream base (cremor vaselini cetomacrogolis FNA) in a total of 37 patients suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Patients were selected according to an RSD screening protocol. They also received physiotherapy. Eligible patients presented with acute signs of RSD and needed to have a sensation of heat in the extremity, as well as at least two of the following symptoms: (distal) pain, redness, swelling, loss of function, hyperhidrosis or increased hair growth and/or nail growth. Endpoints were the clinical improvement of the patient together with the patient's assessment of the pain according to a Visual Analog Scale (VAS: 0-10; 0 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain). Successful treatment was accomplished when the VAS was halved and clinical signs had improved. The results showed a significant improvement in VAS score from 5.3 (SD 2.9) to 0.9 (SD 1.3; p < 0.01) in a mean treatment time of 3.4 months (SD 1.9). Systemic side effects consisted of a sulfurous smell of the exhaled breath of 12 patients. Concerning local side effects a mild dry, scaling effect on the skin was seen.