Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

ARTICLES
Year
: 1971  |  Volume : 19  |  Issue : 3  |  Page : 136--138

Methandienone (Dianabol) in corneal ulcers


KN Mathur, KK Gupta, RP Kulshrestha 
 G. S: V. , M. Medical College, Kanpur, India

Correspondence Address:
K N Mathur
G. S: V. , M. Medical College, Kanpur
India




How to cite this article:
Mathur K N, Gupta K K, Kulshrestha R P. Methandienone (Dianabol) in corneal ulcers.Indian J Ophthalmol 1971;19:136-138


How to cite this URL:
Mathur K N, Gupta K K, Kulshrestha R P. Methandienone (Dianabol) in corneal ulcers. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 1971 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];19:136-138
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/text.asp?1971/19/3/136/34977


Full Text

Recent studies have shown that anabolic steroids when adminis�tered in low doses promote a rapid healing of the wounds both surgi�cal and others: Udiipa and Singh [4] observed a rapid healing of frac�tures in comparison with untreat�ed controls. Arborel us [1] used Dian�abol successfully in the healing of resistant varicose ulcers of the legs. Ray [3] has obtained encourag�ing,results with this in. the treat�ment of corneal ulcers. With these observations in mind we tried to evaluate the role of Dianabol in cases of corneal ulcers.

Methandienone (Dianabol) is an orally active steroid which en�hances protein synthesis resulting in positive Nitrogen Balance in the body. This increased protein meta�bolism helps in early and rapid healing of corneal ulcers.

 Material and Method



For the present study a total of 129 cases were studied.

The cases were divided into two groups - first a control group who had the full treatment of corneal ulcers with mydriatics, local anti�biotics, local- Heat, pad and band�age. Another group was given all this treatment but in addition to this a daily dose of Dianabol - 5mgm. in adults and 1 mgm. in children was given. Both the groups were given adequate pro�tein diet.

For the convenience of study, the ulcers were - divided - into 5 types i.e. superficial, deep, slough�ing, hypopyon and dendritic cor�neal ulcers.

The average relief of symptoms and signs in days, the healing time of corneal ulcers in days and the type of opacity formed were duly noted.

The weight of the patients was also noted from time to time to know any change in weight.

 Observations



[Table 2] shows the comparison of relief of signs and symptoms in average days in the control and the trial groups. The superficial ulcers in the control group healed in an average period of 10 days while in the trial group it took 7 days for healing Deep ulcers in the control group took 14 days for healing whereas in the trial group it took 10 days for healing.

Sloughing corneal ulcers heal�ed in 20 and 16 days in the control and the trial groups respectively. Hpopyon ulcers took 20 days for healing in the control group and 17 days in the trial group. Den�tritic corneal ulcers healed in 14 and 12 days respectively in the control and the trial groups but there were recurrences of the ulcers.

In the same way relief of pain, disappearance of photophobia, lacrimation, ciliary and conjunc�tival congestion in average days, were recorded [Table 2].

The weight gain in the trial group was on an average 0.50 lbs/ week. There was also an increase in weight in the control group (0.263 lbs/week) due to good diet given in the Hospital.

 Discussion



Corneal ulcers lead to various degrees of visual impairment depending upon the site of the scar tissue in the cornea and the density of the opacity. In India corneal opacities are responsible for a large number of blind per�sons and it is a major single contributory factor responsible for it.

In the healing of corneal ulcers two factors are required - first is to check the infection and the second factor is to raise the body resistance to fight the infection. Duke. Elder (1964) stated that amongst the prominent contri�butory factors responsible for the healing of corneal ulcers are alle�viation of the general malnutrition and conjuctival bacterial flora. In the present era of antibiotics the infection can be easily controlled. As regards, general malnutrition which is prevalent in our country due to non-availability of good balanced diet and also due to diet�ary habits, the people should take protein rich diet and for the as�similation of proteins, Dianabol is recommended.

The above observations show that the healing time of ulcers was reduced in days in the trial groups and also there was early relief of pain and disappearance of photophobia, lacrimation ciliary and conjunctival congestion in the group which was given Dinabol therapy. The effects were mark�ed in sloughing corneal ulcers.

The corneal opacities in the trial group were much less in density and extent as compared to the control group. It is because of the reduction of the scar tissue forma�tion.

 Summary



Majority of cases of corneal ul�cers come from the poor class suffering from under nutrition or malnutrition coupled with un�hygienic surroundings. In these persons Dianabol helps to restore the normal metabolism essential for proper healing of wounds. The routine corneal ulcers treatment provides control of infection and inflammation whereas Dinabol probably stimulates the healing process also.

It is concluded that Dianabol therapy can be an important ad�juvant to routine corneal ulcers treatment especially when the patients are suffering from under nourishment or malnutrition.

 Acknowledgement



We are thankful to Messrs 'CIBA' of India for the generous supply of Dianabol.

References

1ARBORELIUS, M. (1963); Svenska Lakartidu, 60, 1.4.
2DUKE-ELDER (1964); Parson's Diseases of the eye, J. & A. Chur�chill Ltd.
3RAY, I. S. (1966); Treatment of corneal ulcers with positive Nitro�gen balance, Current Medical Practice Vol. No. 10, No. 1, page 49-50.
4UDAPA, K. N. and SINGH. R. H. (1964) Ind. J. Med. Rs. 52, 279.