Comparison of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oil of evening primrose in management of mastalgias; A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the effects of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over oil of evening primrose in mastalgias in terms of frequency of pain. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trail. Setting: Department of Surgical at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. Period: January 2016 to June 2016. Material & Methods: A total of 160 consecutive female patients, ages 17-45 years with history of breast pain for last 2-3 months (cyclic and noncyclic), were presenting in surgical OPD with symptoms of mastalgias between January 2016 to June 2016 included in the study. Patients allocated in two groups, Group A received topical NSAID in 0.5% Piroxicam gel for local application to affected area twice daily for three months and Group B was given oil of evening primrose (OEP) capsules (Efamol) 500mg twice daily for three months. Patients mastalgia pain was recorded by using VAS scale at baseline (1^st day) and at end of treatment (3^rd month). Pain calculated by compared in terms of mean, standard deviation between groups and independent sample T test was used. Percentage compare the efficacy of response of two therapies among group A and group B chi-square distribution was used. Results: One hundred and sixty (160) patients were recruited in this study. The mean ages of the patients were 27.54±7.53 years with minimum 17 and maximum 45 years. Out of 160 patients, 115 (71.9%) were younger than 30 years of age and 45 (28.1%) were between 30 and 45 years of age. Results showed significantly lower pain in patients using topical NSAIDs as compared to OEP capsules (p=0.000). Conclusion: Topical NSAIDs are more significant and show more improvement in reduction of pain in both cyclic and noncyclic mastalgia patients as compared to oil of evening primrose.