The study aimed to compare the efficacy, convenience, and patient outcomes between a once-daily ketoprofen TDS patch and a three-times-daily diclofenac gel for treating acute pain in sport-related soft-tissue injuries. Both treatments targeted pain reduction, but the ketoprofen patch offered a simpler dosing regimen while demonstrating non-inferiority in pain relief. The study also evaluated differences in baseline pain reduction percentages and overall treatment tolerability over a 7–14 day period.
Key Points Explained:
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Primary Objective:
The study directly compared the ketoprofen patches (100 mg once daily) and diclofenac gel (2–4 g three times daily) for managing acute pain in benign sport-related soft-tissue injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, contusions). The goal was to determine if the ketoprofen patch’s simplified dosing could match or surpass the efficacy of the more frequently applied diclofenac gel. -
Study Design:
- Population: Outpatients aged 18–70 with recent (≤48 hours) soft-tissue injuries.
- Duration: 7–14 days, prospective and randomized.
- Methodology: Open-label design, with pain reduction during daily activities as the primary endpoint.
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Key Findings:
- Non-Inferiority: The ketoprofen patch was statistically non-inferior to diclofenac gel, with efficacy differences <10%.
- Pain Reduction: After 7 days, the patch reduced baseline pain by 79% vs. 77% for the gel.
- Dosing Convenience: Once-daily application of the patch offered practical advantages over the gel’s thrice-daily regimen.
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Clinical Implications:
The results suggest that transdermal ketoprofen could improve patient compliance due to fewer applications, while maintaining comparable pain relief. This is particularly relevant for athletes or active individuals needing consistent analgesia with minimal disruption. -
Safety and Tolerability:
Both treatments were well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events reported. The slight efficacy edge of the ketoprofen patch (-1.17 difference in pain scores) may reflect its sustained drug delivery system. -
Broader Context:
The study aligns with trends favoring transdermal NSAIDs for localized pain, reducing systemic side effects (e.g., gastrointestinal issues) associated with oral formulations.
For purchasers of medical equipment or consumables, these findings highlight the ketoprofen patch as a viable, user-friendly alternative to traditional topical NSAIDs, potentially reducing logistical burdens in clinics or sports settings. Would the longer wear time of patches also simplify inventory management for your facility?
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Ketoprofen TDS Patch | Diclofenac Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing Frequency | Once daily | Three times daily |
| Pain Reduction (7 days) | 79% reduction in baseline pain | 77% reduction in baseline pain |
| Convenience | Simplified regimen, better compliance | Frequent application required |
| Tolerability | Well-tolerated, no significant side effects | Well-tolerated, no significant side effects |
| Clinical Benefit | Sustained drug delivery, fewer applications | Traditional topical NSAID |
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