Double-blind Comparison of Nimesulide and Diclofenac in the Treatment of Superficial Thrombophlebitis with Telethermographic Assessment

A total of 60 patients with acute varicophlebitis or acute superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs were recruited to this randomised double-blind comparative study, which evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of oral nimesulide (100mg twice daily) with those of diclofenac (50 mg/kg twice daily) over a period of < or = 20 days (average duration 13.6 days for nimesulide and 12.6 days for diclofenac). The analgesic effect of both drugs was rapid. Spontaneous pain disappeared within 3 to 5 days of commencing therapy, and pain on palpation within 7 days. Reduced inflammation was observed after approximately 15 days, and total resolution of redness and swelling was observed by day 20. Telethermographic assessment showed a reduction in local temperature, either in absolute terms or in the extent of inflammation. Indeed, 93% of patients showed complete recovery while 7% of patients showed a partial reduction in hyperthermia. For these latter patients, medical treatment was extended, although the subjective symptoms of the disease were no longer present. The comparison between nimesulide and the reference drug, diclofenac sodium, showed no significant difference for any of the considered parameters. Both drugs were well tolerated and no patient reported an adverse event.