Publication:

A comparative study of effect on reducing pain, inflammation and side effect of combination of enzymes (bacterial proteases, papain, bromelain, vitamin C and rutin) versus conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac) in patients of closed fracture lower end radius coming at orthopaedic department of a tertiary care hospital

Background Diclofenac and oral systemic enzymes both are commonly used for control of pain and inflammation in fracture lower end radius as well as other such conditions. Some studies have shown that combination of enzymes like bacterial proteases, papain, bromelain, vitamin C and rutin can reduce pain and Inflammation which is comparable to diclofenac but it still not definite.

Methods Total 50 patients with closed fracture lower end radius were enrolled and randomly divided in to two groups. Group-1 with 25 patients received oral diclofenac and group-2 with 25 patients received oral preparation which contains combination of enzymes bacterial proteases, papain, bromelain, vittamin C and rutin. Effect of drug was assessed by improvement in wrist function which was evaluated by patient rated wrist evolution (PRWE) and reduction in oedema on day 1, day 3 and day 5. Both the groups were compared by unpaired Z test.

Results Mean reduction in PRWE score was 132.08±5.01 in Group 1 and 104.4±11.78 in group 2. Mean of percentage reduction of oedema for group 1 was 8.22 while for group 2 it was 17.8. Both were statistically significant (p<0.05). Total 5 patients out of 25 complained of gastritis in group 1 patients while there was no side effect reported in group 2 patients.

Conclusions Diclofenac was better in reducing pain, while combination of enzymes used in the study was better in reducing oedema. Combination of the enzymes used in this study is safer than diclofenac in cases of the closed fracture lower end radius.