Premium
Histologic effect of doxycycline sclerotheraphy on rat femoral nerve
Author(s) -
Kirse Daniel J.,
Suen James Y.,
Stern Scott J.,
Schaefer Robert F.,
Roberson Paula K.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199611/12)18:6<506::aid-hed4>3.0.co;2-6
Subject(s) - doxycycline , medicine , in vivo , saline , paralysis , sclerotherapy , myelin , anesthesia , surgery , pathology , antibiotics , central nervous system , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology
Background This study stems from an encounter with a phrenic nerve paralysis in a patient following doxycycline sclerotherapy for treatment of chylous fistula. The purpose of this study is to identify possible histologic evidence of doxycycline‐induced nerve injury. Methods The femoral nerves of CD rats were used as the in vivo animal model. The nerves were exposed to varying concentrations doxycycline and normal saline was the control. The nerves were studied at several time intervals using two different staining techniques. Results The results suggest that topical doxycycline induces tissue reactions which are different from normal saline. These reactions include stimulation of a local giant cell inflammatory reaction and disruption of the myelin sheath. Conclusions Despite the fact that this study does not give physiologic evidence of neurotoxicity, the histologic results suggest that topical doxycycline may cause nerve damage directly or indirectly. We conclude that doxycycline should not be used for sclerotherapy where unprotected nerves are exposed to the agent until further physiologic tests are performed to prove its safety. HEAD & NECK 1996;18:506–511 © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.