H. Kondo et al., Sodium thiosulfate solution spray for relief of irritation caused by Lugol's stain in chromoendoscopy, GASTROIN EN, 53(2), 2001, pp. 199-202
Background: Mucosal iodine staining is known to improve the endoscopic visu
alization of esophageal squamous dysplasia and cancer. However, it often ca
uses mucosal irritation leading to retrosternal discomfort. The clinical us
efulness of sodium thiosulfate solution (STS) for easing symptoms induced b
y mucosal staining with Lugol's solution was evaluated in this study.
Methods: One hundred twenty healthy men over 50 years of age were enrolled
in the study. They each underwent esophagogastroscopy including the sprayin
g of Lugol's iodine solution (10 mL) on the mid and distal esophagus and we
re subsequently randomized into three groups: (I) no treatment (n = 40), (1
1) spraying of 20 mL of aluminum-magnesium hydroxide gel (Maalox) by means
of endoscopic catheter (0 = 40), and (III) spraying of 20 mt of 5% sodium t
hiosulfate solution by means of endoscopic catheter (0 = 40). An hour after
the endoscopic examination the subjects were asked to complete a questionn
aire that addressed adverse symptoms induced by Lugol's iodine staining.
Results: Sodium thiosulfate solution spray substantially reduced adverse sy
mptoms that lasted more than 30 minutes after chromoendoscopy, compared wit
h the no-treatment group. There was no significant difference in the propor
tion of subjects with symptoms between the Maalox and no-treatment groups.
Cost of sodium thiosulfate solution spray per use was $0.15 (15 yen).
Conclusions: Sodium thiosulfate solution is recommended for routine use aft
er Lugol's staining.