Keywords

cannabidiol, digital ulcers, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, pain management, quality of life, systemic sclerosis

Authors

1. Spinella, Amelia MD, PhD
2. de Pinto, Marco MD
3. Baraldi, Carlo PhD
4. Galluzzo, Claudio MD
5. Testoni, Sofia MD
6. Lumetti, Federica MD
7. Parenti, Luca RN
8. Guerzoni, Simona MD
9. Salvarani, Carlo MD
10. Giuggioli, Dilia MD, PhD

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of topical cannabidiol (CBD) in treating digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS: In total, 45 patients with SSc who had digital ulcers were consecutively enrolled between January 2019 and December 2019. Of the participants, 25 were treated with CBD during surgical debridement and 20 were treated with standard local therapy. A numeric rating scale for pain and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index were administered at the baseline and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS: Local treatment with CBD was significantly associated with lower pain scores, higher health assessment scores, and an increase in participants' total hours of sleep. Patients in the control group more frequently required additional analgesic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical CBD may be a valuable tool to treat pain related to digital ulcers in patients with SSc.