Sevoflurano tópico: una experiencia galena / Topical sevoflurane: a galenic experience

RESUMEN

El sevoflurano es un líquido volátil de la familia de los hidrocarburos halogenados derivados del éter que está aprobado para realizar la inducción y elmantenimiento de la anestesia general inhalatoria en ambiente exclusivamentehospitalario. En esta revisión se expone la experiencia pionera de nuestra Unidad del Dolor en el tratamiento domiciliario de heridas dolorosas complejasmediante irrigaciones de sevoflurano tópico según un protocolo aprobadopara su uso fuera de ficha técnica. Se abordan aspectos de seguridad y eficacia, tanto analgésica como antimicrobiana y procicatrizante, y se comentanalgunas líneas de futuro en cuanto a nuevas formulaciones para uso tópico.Tras más de 7 años de vigencia del referido protocolo, contamos con unaexperiencia acumulada de más de 70.000 aplicaciones de sevoflurano tópico.En líneas generales, el efecto analgésico aparece rápidamente en cuestión deminutos, es de gran intensidad, y de duración prolongada por espacio de variashoras; gracias a ello los pacientes pueden reducir el consumo de analgésicossistémicos y, en general, su calidad de vida mejora. Además, existen indiciosque sugieren que también ejerce acción antimicrobiana y procicatrizante. (AU)

ABSTRACT

Sevoflurane is a volatile liquid from the family of ether-derived halogenated hydrocarbons that is approved for the induction and maintenance ofinhalational general anesthesia in the hospital setting. This review describes the pioneering experience of a Spanish Pain Unit in the home treatmentof complicated painful wounds using topical sevoflurane instillations according to a protocol approved for off-label use. Aspects of safety and efficacy, both analgesic, antimicrobial and pro-healing are addressed, andsome future lines of research are discussed in terms of new formulationsfor topical use. After more than seven years of use of the protocol, anexperience of over 70,000 applications of topical sevoflurane has beengained. In general terms, the analgesic effect appears quickly, is highlyintense and persists for several hours. As a result, patients can reduce theirconsumption of systemic analgesics and benefit from an improvement intheir quality of life. In addition, there are signs that suggest sevofluranealso possesses antimicrobial and pro-healing properties. Regarding safety,pruritus at the level of the periulcerous skin is the most frequently reportedadverse effect, although it is usually transient and well-tolerated, and nosystemic toxicity has been reported. Overall, the risk-benefit balance of thedrug has so far been very favorable. To avoid manipulation of this volatileliquid, we have developed a new formulation of sevoflurane in gel form,which has made it possible to successfully apply sevoflurane in the contextof painful pathologies where the skin remains intact. Furthermore, thesetypes of new formulations, including sevoflurane microspheres, which wehave also developed, could improve the efficacy and safety of topicalsevoflurane while reducing the occupational exposure of healthcare staff.This means that the development of new formulations is a field with a verypromising future. (AU)