Subgingival minocycline hydrochloride ointment in moderate to severe chronic adult periodontitis: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, multicenter study

The safety and efficacy of subgingivally-applied 2% minocycline ointment was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind study of 103 adults with moderate to severe periodontitis. Two groups were compared; one received the test minocycline ointment and the other a vehicle control. Both groups had scaling and root planing at baseline, after which the test or control ointments were applied with an applicator into the periodontal pockets at baseline, and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Assessment of clinical response was made by measuring probing depth and probing attachment level and gingival bleeding. These measurements were made at baseline prior to scaling and root planing, and at weeks 4 and 12. Microbiological assessment of the subgingival flora was carried out with DNA probes at baseline, and at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12 to identify and quantify Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Subgingival minocycline ointment resulted in statistically significantly greater reduction of P. gingivalis at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12; P. intermedia at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12; and A. actinomycetemcomitans at weeks 6 and 12. Probing depth reductions were seen for both groups at weeks 4 and 12; however, this reduction was statistically significantly greater in subjects treated with minocycline ointment. Reduction in gingival index and probing attachment gain were seen in both groups, however, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)