La utilidad de la nitroglicerina tópica al 0, 2% en la condrodermatitis nodular del hélix / The Usefulness of 0. 2% Topical Nitroglycerin for Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La condrodermatitis nodular del hélix (CNH) es un proceso idiopático, degenerativo y doloroso que afecta a la piel y al cartílago del hélix o del antéhelix. Recientemente se ha descrito la utilidad de la nitroglicerina (NTG) tópica a 2% en el tratamiento de la CNH con buenos resultados, aunque con una tasa de efectos secundarios en el 17% de los casos. Es probable que a una concentración menor se pueda mantener el mismo efecto mejorando la tolerancia. Nuestra finalidad fue evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de la NTG tópica al 0,2% para el tratamiento de la CNH. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo entre los años 2012 y 2014 en 2 centros hospitalarios españoles. La efectividad se determinó a través de la evaluación clínica, realizada mediante seguimiento fotográfico, y de los síntomas de la lesión, medido mediante una escala numérica verbal. RESULTADOS: Veintinueve pacientes recibieron el tratamiento, de los cuales el 93% manifestaron una mejoría clínica con una duración media del tratamiento de 1,8 meses y un tiempo de seguimiento medio en los pacientes respondedores de 5,9 meses. La tolerancia fue buena en general en todos los casos. CONCLUSIÓN: La NTG tópica al 0,2% se plantea como una opción conservadora, efectiva y bien tolerada para el tratamiento de la condrodermatitis nodular del hélix que mejora tanto la apariencia clínica como la sintomatología en la mayoría de los pacientes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful idiopathic degenerative condition involving the skin and cartilage of the helix or antihelix of the ear. Topical nitroglycerin 2% is a relatively recent treatment option for CNH that has produced good results, although with adverse effects (17% of cases). The use of a lower concentration would probably achieve similar results with fewer adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical nitroglycerin 0.2% in the treatment of CNH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients treated in 2 Spanish hospitals between 2012 and 2014. The effectiveness of treatment was determined by clinical photography and assessment of symptoms using a verbal numerical rating scale. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients treated, 93% showed clinical improvement. In the group of responders, mean treatment duration was 1.8 months and mean follow-up was 5.9 months. Overall tolerance was good in all cases. CONCLUSION: Topical nitroglycerin 0.2% is an effective and well-tolerated conservative treatment option that improves the appearance of lesions and provides symptomatic relief in the majority of patients with CNH

The Usefulness of 0.2% Topical Nitroglycerin for Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful idiopathic degenerative condition involving the skin and cartilage of the helix or antihelix of the ear. Topical nitroglycerin 2% is a relatively recent treatment option for CNH that has produced good results, although with adverse effects (17% of cases). The use of a lower concentration would probably achieve similar results with fewer adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical nitroglycerin 0.2% in the treatment of CNH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients treated in 2 Spanish hospitals between 2012 and 2014. The effectiveness of treatment was determined by clinical photography and assessment of symptoms using a verbal numerical rating scale. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients treated, 93% showed clinical improvement. In the group of responders, mean treatment duration was 1.8 months and mean follow-up was 5.9 months. Overall tolerance was good in all cases. CONCLUSION: Topical nitroglycerin 0.2% is an effective and well-tolerated conservative treatment option that improves the appearance of lesions and provides symptomatic relief in the majority of patients with CNH.