Lack of reliable evidence for oral submucous fibrosis treatments.

data sourcesSearches were made for relevant studies using the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase and IndMED (bibliographic database of Indian biomedical journals). There were no language restrictions. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials were to be selected if they compared surgery, systemic or topical medicines, or other interventions, to manage the symptoms of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted trial data. Disagreements were resolved by consultation with a third author. Attempts were made to contact study authors where necessary for clarification and for additional information. Because of limited poor quality data, only a descriptive summary of the results of the included trials was carried out.

resultsTwo trials, involving 87 participants, evaluated either lycopene in conjunction with intralesional injections of a steroid, and pentoxifylline in combination with mouth-stretching exercises and heat. There were no reports of toxicity to the interventions but some side-effects, which were mostly gastric irritation to pentoxifylline, were noted.

conclusionsThe lack of reliable evidence for the effectiveness of any specific interventions for the management of OSF is illustrated by the paucity, and poor methodological quality, of trials retrieved for this review.