A randomized controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of haridradi lepa in the managment of agantuja shopha (superficial thrombophlebitis)

Superficial Thrombophlebitis is a common inflammatory thrombotic disorder in which a thrombus develops in a vein located near the surface of the skin, Most superficial veins that develop thrombosis also have phlebitis.1 Phlebitis is an inflammation of the vessel wall and it manifest as localized pain, redness, swelling and palpable venous cord.2The incidence rate of intravenous catheter placement in a patient admitted to hospital is about 50%3, the most common complication associated with peripheral intravenous catheter insertion is phlebitis with reported incidence ranges from 25-59%4.

Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Agantuja Shopha in Sutrasthana 17th chapter Amapakweshaniya Adhyaya5, caused by external trauma with pitta and rakta vitiation. External trauma due to IV cannula may lead to Superficial Thrombophlebitis which has symptoms as that of Inflammatory swelling, this can be correlated to Agantuja Shopha.

The existing treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis caused by intravenous (IV) catheters is application of THROMBOPHOB OINTMENT which reduces the signs of inflammation but it has its own side effects such as abnormal blue discolouration of skin, reddish discolouration of skin, burning sensation6, numbness, skin itching and Urticaria7.

In Sharangadhara Samhita Uttarakhanda 11th chapter, HARIDRADI LEPA is mentioned as Agantuka raktaja shothagna lepa8, it can be used as a ayurvedic line of management in case of Agantuja shopha as it includes the drugs which have shothaghna, raktaprasadana, vedanaharana and raktashodaka, varnya, dahaghna, property which helps to reduce the signs of inflammation such as swelling, erythema, pain, local raised temperature9. Hence an attempt is made to evaluate the efficacy of Haridradi lepa with Thrombophob ointment in Agantuja Shopha (Superficial Thrombophlebitis).