Effects of Steroids and Curcumin on Prevention of Laryngeal Stenosis Secondary to Trauma

Introduction:  The aim of this study was to compare the preventive effects of corticosteroids and curcumin on subglottic stenosis in an animal model.  Materials and Methods: Twenty-one male German Shepherd dogs were used for this study. After standardized trauma to the subglottic area, the dogs were divided into three groups. Group A received curcumin (450 mg/ day) for 15 days; Group B received beclomethasone (2 puffs/day, 50 µg/dose) for 15 days; Group C received saline spray only. At 6 weeks after the injury, the larynx specimens were examined histopathologically to assess epithelialization, inflammation, and fibrosis.  Results: Complete epithelial covering of the steroid-treated group was significantly less than that of the control group. Despite inflammation and fibrosis, there was no significant difference between the steroid and control groups. In the curcumin-treated group, there was no significant difference between the groups.  Conclusion: Topically applied steroid decreases epithelialization after induced subglottic injury. It is recommended that further studies be conducted in order to investigate the effects of the two drugs on airway stenosis prevention.