부산대학교 도서관

BACKGROUND: Recurrent minor aphthous ulceration (RAU) is a common condition which is multifactorial in origin. METHODS: This study, firstly, aimed to treat the prodromal stage of RAU with Aphtheal™ (5% amlexanox paste) to determine if ulcer development could be prevented. A second arm of the study investigated treatment of RAU with Aphtheal™ once ulceration had developed. Ulcer duration, ulcer size and associated pain were measured. Both groups of subjects had previously undergone a no-treatment run-in period to establish these parameters over an untreated episode of ulceration. RESULTS: By day 3, only 35% of the prodromal group had developed an ulcer compared with 97% of the ulcer group (P < 0.001). In the treated ulcer group only 66% had an ulcer present by day 3. Treatment at the onset of prodromal symptoms reduced the maximum ulcer size score by 84% (P < 0.01), extent of ulceration by 88% (P < 0.01), maximum pain score by 69% (P < 0.01) and extent of pain by 85% (P < 0.01) compared to no treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Aphtheal™ at the onset of prodromal RAU symptoms can prevent progression to ulcer development and significantly reduced symptoms if ulcers do develop.