Use of pentoxifylline in treatment of oral submucous fibrosis: an original research

Aim The objective of this clinical study was designed to determine the effect of pentoxifylline on progression of oral submucous fibrosis while comparing it to the placebo treatment. Methodology 75 patients suffering from oral submucous fibrosis were randomly divided into two groups A and B. Group A patients received placebo, while Group B patients received 400 mg. Pentoxifylline for a period of 7 months. Treatment outcome was evaluated on the basis of improvement in symptom and sign scores. Student's 't' test was applied for comparing the results. Results The improvement in total (i.e. symptoms + sign) score was 25% in group A and 49.15% in group B. This difference was found to be statistically significant. (p < 0.05) Conclusion Treatment regimen of group B was more effective. No significant side effects were seen. A follow up study is required to assess long term outcome of this therapy.