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Journal of the American Academy of... May 2024Acne vulgaris commonly affects adults, adolescents, and preadolescents aged 9 years or older.
BACKGROUND
Acne vulgaris commonly affects adults, adolescents, and preadolescents aged 9 years or older.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of acne.
METHODS
A work group conducted a systematic review and applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach for assessing the certainty of evidence and formulating and grading recommendations.
RESULTS
This guideline presents 18 evidence-based recommendations and 5 good practice statements. Strong recommendations are made for benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, and oral doxycycline. Oral isotretinoin is strongly recommended for acne that is severe, causing psychosocial burden or scarring, or failing standard oral or topical therapy. Conditional recommendations are made for topical clascoterone, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid, as well as for oral minocycline, sarecycline, combined oral contraceptive pills, and spironolactone. Combining topical therapies with multiple mechanisms of action, limiting systemic antibiotic use, combining systemic antibiotics with topical therapies, and adding intralesional corticosteroid injections for larger acne lesions are recommended as good practice statements.
LIMITATIONS
Analysis is based on the best available evidence at the time of the systematic review.
CONCLUSIONS
These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of acne vulgaris.
Topics: Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Acne Vulgaris; Benzoyl Peroxide; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Isotretinoin; Retinoids; Dermatologic Agents
PubMed: 38300170
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017 -
JAMA Dermatology Dec 2023Patients with acne are interested in nutraceuticals as a potential treatment option. However, there is uncertainty regarding the efficacy and safety of these products.
IMPORTANCE
Patients with acne are interested in nutraceuticals as a potential treatment option. However, there is uncertainty regarding the efficacy and safety of these products.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the evidence for oral nutraceuticals in the treatment of acne.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception through January 30, 2023, to identify randomized clinical trials evaluating oral nutraceutical interventions (ie, vitamins and minerals, botanical extracts, prebiotics, and probiotics) in individuals with acne. Clinician-reported outcomes (eg, investigator global assessment, lesion counts), patient-reported outcomes (eg, quality of life), and adverse events were extracted from the included studies. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias checklist tool for randomized clinical trials. Based on the Risk of Bias tool, articles were converted to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality standards of good, fair, or poor quality.
FINDINGS
A total of 2582 abstracts were identified in the database search, 42 of which met inclusion criteria (a total of 3346 participants). Studies of fair or good quality showed the potential benefit of vitamins B5 and D, botanical extracts (green tea), probiotics, and ω-3 fatty acids in the treatment of acne. These interventions were most frequently associated with decreased lesion counts or improved investigator global assessment scores. Adverse effects were rare for most of the therapies evaluated, but gastrointestinal tract adverse effects were reported for zinc therapy.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review suggests a possible role for nutraceutical supplements in the treatment of acne. Physicians should be prepared to discuss the evidence regarding the potential role of nutraceuticals with patients. Many studies were of small size, and future research should focus on larger randomized clinical trials to assess the utility of nutraceuticals in the treatment of acne.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Acne Vulgaris; Dietary Supplements; Probiotics; Vitamins
PubMed: 37878272
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.3949 -
JAMA Dermatology Dec 2023Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are increasingly used across a range of dermatologic conditions. Adverse events of acne have been noted in some studies in clinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are increasingly used across a range of dermatologic conditions. Adverse events of acne have been noted in some studies in clinical practice, but the scope of this outcome across JAK inhibitors has not been established.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically analyze all published phase 2 and 3 placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of JAK inhibitors for the risk of acne as an adverse effect of these medications.
DATA SOURCES
Comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed databases through January 31, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria were phase 2 and 3 placebo-controlled RCTs of JAK inhibitors published in English with reported adverse events of acne.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently reviewed and extracted information from all included studies.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of acne following JAK inhibitor use. A meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models.
RESULTS
A total of 25 unique studies (10 839 unique participants; 54% male and 46% female) were included in the final analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated to be 3.83 (95% CI, 2.76-5.32) with increased ORs for abrocitinib (13.47 [95% CI, 3.25-55.91]), baricitinib (4.96 [95% CI, 2.52-9.78]), upadacitinib (4.79 [95% CI, 3.61-6.37]), deucravacitinib (2.64 [95% CI, 1.44-4.86]), and deuruxolitinib (3.30 [95% CI, 1.22-8.93]). Estimated ORs were higher across studies investigating the use of JAK inhibitors for the management of dermatologic compared with nondermatologic conditions (4.67 [95% CI, 3.10-7.05]) as well as for JAK1-specific inhibitors (4.69 [95% CI, 3.56-6.18]), combined JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitors (3.43 [95% CI, 2.14-5.49]), and tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitors (2.64 [95% CI, 1.44-4.86]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, JAK inhibitor use was associated with an elevated odds of acne. Patients should be properly counseled on this potential adverse effect of these medications before treatment initiation. Future studies are needed to further elucidate the pathophysiology of this association.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Acne Vulgaris
PubMed: 37851459
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.3830 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Oct 2023Topical azelaic acid (AA) is indicated for acne and rosacea, but there is some evidence for its use for other dermatological conditions. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Topical azelaic acid (AA) is indicated for acne and rosacea, but there is some evidence for its use for other dermatological conditions.
AIMS
To assess the effectiveness and safety of topical AA for acne vulgaris, rosacea, hyperpigmentation/melasma, and skin aging.
METHODS
RCTs of at least 6 weeks' treatment duration were eligible for inclusion. Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to December 2022. Two reviewers were involved in all stages of the systematic review process.
RESULTS
Forty-three RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses within 20 rosacea studies demonstrated that erythema severity, inflammatory lesion counts, overall improvement, and treatment success (achieving skin clarity) were significantly improved with AA compared with vehicle after 12 weeks. AA was more effective than metronidazole 0.75% for improved erythema severity, overall improvement, and inflammatory lesion counts. Sixteen acne studies suggest that AA is more effective than vehicle for improving global assessments and reducing acne severity. AA 20% also significantly reduced more lesions than erythromycin gel. Within seven melasma studies, AA 20% was significantly better than vehicle for both severity and global improvement. AA 20% demonstrated significantly better results compared with hydroquinone 2% for global improvement. Very few significant differences between AA and comparators were observed for commonly reported adverse events. No eligible RCTs were found that evaluated skin aging.
CONCLUSIONS
AA is more effective than vehicle for rosacea, acne and melasma. Comparisons between AA and other treatments were often equivalent. Where there is equivalence, AA may be a good option for some clinical situations. RCT evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of AA on skin aging.
Topics: Humans; Skin Aging; Acne Vulgaris; Rosacea; Erythema; Treatment Outcome; Melanosis; Dermatologic Agents
PubMed: 37550898
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15923 -
Skin Health and Disease Aug 2023Acne is very common, can cause considerable negative impact on quality of life and there is increasing concern over the use of long courses of oral antibiotics for this...
BACKGROUND
Acne is very common, can cause considerable negative impact on quality of life and there is increasing concern over the use of long courses of oral antibiotics for this condition.
OBJECTIVES
(1) To critically appraise reporting in acne guidelines and compare this with previous systematic review of acne guidelines. (2) Examine acne treatment guidance on pre-specified acne treatments of interest and compare between acne guidelines.
METHODS
Searches for new or updated guidelines were carried out in MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, LILACS from 1 January 2017 to 31 July 2021, supplemented by searching a guideline-specific depository and checking for updates to guidelines included in previous review. We included guidelines, consensus statements or care protocols on the medical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and/or children and excluded those that focused on a single intervention or subgroup of acne, regional adaptations of guidelines or guidelines included in previous review. AGREE II checklist was applied to critically appraise reporting of guidelines. Results were synthesised narratively.
RESULTS
Of 807 abstracts identified nine guidelines were identified that were eligible for inclusion. All guidelines had AGREE II scores above average in at least one domain and reporting was substantially improved compared to the systematic review of acne carried out 5 years previously. There was consensus between guidelines on the key role of topical treatments as first-line acne treatment and most recommended continuing topical treatments as maintenance therapy. There was considerable variation between guidelines on classification of severity, indications for commencing oral antibiotics and on maximum duration of oral antibiotics. However, there was consensus on the need for co-prescription of a non-antibiotic topical treatment when using oral antibiotics. There were notable differences on recommendations regarding provision of information for patients on how to use topical treatments or how to mitigate against side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Substantial differences in classification of acne severity hampered comparisons between guidelines. Although development and reporting of guidelines has improved over the past 5 years, differences in key recommendations remain, possibly reflecting uncertainties in the underlying evidence base. Differences between guidelines could have substantial implications for prevalence of antibiotic prescribing for acne.
PubMed: 37538340
DOI: 10.1002/ski2.240 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Apr 2024Multiple treatment options exist for the management of moderate-to-severe acne. However, the comparative effectiveness (efficacy/safety) of moderate-to-severe acne... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Multiple treatment options exist for the management of moderate-to-severe acne. However, the comparative effectiveness (efficacy/safety) of moderate-to-severe acne treatments has not been systematically examined.
METHODS
A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials of ≥4 weeks of treatment (topical, oral, physical, or combinations) for moderate-to-severe facial acne in patients aged ≥9 years. Efficacy outcomes included: percentage of patients achieving ≥2-grade reduction from baseline and “clear” or “almost clear” for global severity score (treatment success); absolute change in inflammatory (ILs reduction); and noninflammatory lesion counts (NILs reduction). A random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted for the efficacy outcomes. Treatments were ranked with posterior rank plots and surface under cumulative ranking values. Results: Eighty-five studies were included in the SLR/NMA. Topical triple-agent fixed-dose combination (FDC) gel (clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1%) and combinations of double-agent fixed-dose topical treatments with oral antibiotics (TOA3) consistently ranked in the top 3 treatments. Topical triple-agent FDC gel was numerically superior to TOA3 for treatment success (log-odds ratios: 1.84 [95% credible interval (CrI) 1.36 to 2.29]) and 1.69 (95% CrI: 1.01 to 2.32) vs placebo/vehicle). TOA3 was numerically superior to topical triple-agent FDC gel for reduction of ILs (mean difference: -8.21 [-10.33 to -6.13]) and -10.40 [-13.44 to -7.14] vs placebo/vehicle) and NILs (mean difference: -13.41 [-16.69 to -10.32] and -17.74 [-22.56 to -12.85] vs placebo/vehicle).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this SLR/NMA, topical triple-agent FDC gel was the most efficacious and safe treatment for moderate-to-severe acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4): doi:10.36849/JDD.8148.
Topics: Humans; Dermatologic Agents; Benzoyl Peroxide; Acne Vulgaris; Network Meta-Analysis; Drug Combinations; Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Combination; Treatment Outcome; Gels
PubMed: 38564399
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.8148 -
RMD Open Dec 2023Synovitis acne pustulosis hyperostosis osteitis (SAPHO) is a rare heterogeneous disease of unknown aetiopathology. Externally validated and internationally agreed... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Synovitis acne pustulosis hyperostosis osteitis (SAPHO) is a rare heterogeneous disease of unknown aetiopathology. Externally validated and internationally agreed diagnostic criteria or outcomes and, as a result, prospective randomised controlled trials in SAPHO are absent. Consequently, there is no agreed treatment standard. This study aimed to systematically collate and discuss treatment options in SAPHO.
METHODS
Following 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' guidance, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Prospective clinical studies and retrospective case collections discussing management and outcomes in SAPHO involving five or more participants were included. Articles not published in English, studies not reporting defined outcomes, and studies solely relying on patient-reported outcomes were excluded.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies (20 observational, 8 open-label clinical studies) reporting 796 patients of predominantly European ethnicity were included. Reported therapies varied greatly, with many centres using multiple treatments in parallel. Most patients (37.1%) received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination. Bisphosphonates (22.1%), conventional (21.7%) and biological (11.3%) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were the next most frequently reported treatments. Reported outcomes varied and delivered mixed results, which complicates comparisons. Bisphosphonates demonstrated the most consistent improvement of osteoarticular symptoms and were associated with transient influenza-like symptoms. Paradoxical skin reactions were reported in patients treated with TNF inhibitors, but no serious adverse events were recorded. Most treatments had limited or mixed effects on cutaneous involvement. A recent study investigating the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib delivered promising results in relation to skin and nail involvement.
CONCLUSIONS
No single currently available treatment option sufficiently addresses all SAPHO-associated symptoms. Variable, sometimes descriptive outcomes and the use of treatment combinations complicate conclusions and treatment recommendations. Randomised clinical trials are necessary to generate reliable evidence.
Topics: Humans; Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome; Osteitis; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Synovitis; Hyperostosis; Acne Vulgaris; Diphosphonates
PubMed: 38151265
DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003688 -
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology Sep 2023Acne vulgaris is a very prevalent dermatological condition, especially among adolescents and young adults up to 25 years old, classifying it as juvenile acne. One of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Acne vulgaris is a very prevalent dermatological condition, especially among adolescents and young adults up to 25 years old, classifying it as juvenile acne. One of the most effective treatments for severe acne is isotretinoin, a derivative of retinoic acid. Despite its high efficacy, this drug has been linked to several side effects including psychiatric adverse alterations, such as anxiety, depression and even suicide. With this systematic review we aim to determine if it is possible to establish a causal relation between oral isotretinoin in the treatment of juvenile acne and the appearance of psychiatric adverse effects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched two distinct databases, PubMed and Web of Science, and considered the work published between January 2000 and November 2021.
RESULTS
Out of the 599 identified articles, we included 19 studies in this systematic review. Globally, the results we found do not support an association between the use of isotretinoin for acne treatment and mental side effects and the safety of this drug appears to be assured. However, the individual characteristics of each adolescent and their environment should be considered; the personal and family history of mental disorders are pointed out as red flags we should look out for when treating these patients.
CONCLUSION
Despite this being a highly debated topic, especially among the dermatology community, more studies with larger populations and randomised controlled trials are necessary to increase the strength of the evidence presented.
Topics: Adolescent; Young Adult; Humans; Isotretinoin; Acne Vulgaris; Anxiety; Treatment Outcome; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Dermatologic Agents
PubMed: 37343232
DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2023.2227889 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2023Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin disease. Fire needle is a method of quickly piercing the local skin lesions with red-hot needles for AV. This work aimed to evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin disease. Fire needle is a method of quickly piercing the local skin lesions with red-hot needles for AV. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire needle combined with chemical peels for AV.
METHODS
Eight databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang, Sinomed, and VIP databases were searched to enrolled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fire needle therapy combined with chemical peels with chemical peels alone. The risk of bias was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Statistical analysis was completed by RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0.
RESULTS
Altogether 18 studies including 1213 patients were enrolled. Compared with chemical peels alone, fire needle adjuvant chemical peels therapy improved the total effective rate (RR = 1.37,95% CI [1.26,1.48], < 0.00001) and skin lesions (MD = -2.11, 95% CI [-2.74, -1.47], < 0.00001), and reduced the recurrence rate (RR = 0.50,95% CI [0.33,0.76], = 0.0009).The application of fire needle was associated with few adverse reactions, all of which were well tolerated and transient.
CONCLUSION
Fire needle adjuvant chemical peels therapy is effective and safe for AV. Nevertheless, more large-scale, well-designed clinical studies are warranted to provide evidence-based medical support.
Topics: Humans; Needles; Acne Vulgaris; Chemexfoliation; Cosmetic Techniques; Research Design
PubMed: 37503565
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2240455 -
Clinics and Practice May 2024Isotretinoin is the drug of choice for severe acne. We sought to examine the potential link between isotretinoin and insulin resistance. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Isotretinoin is the drug of choice for severe acne. We sought to examine the potential link between isotretinoin and insulin resistance.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases was performed until 12 January 2022 utilizing the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) tool. Fifteen English-language studies focusing on isotretinoin-treated acne patients were included. Serum levels of insulin, glucose, and adiponectin were evaluated before and after treatment, and insulin sensitivity was assessed using the HOMA-IR. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software, and a quality assessment was undertaken using the ROBINS-I tool.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis unveiled a statistically significant rise in the post-treatment levels of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory agent, which inhibits liver glucose production while enhancing insulin sensitivity (SMD = 0.86; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.48-1.25, -value < 0.0001; I = 58%). Our subgroup analysis based on study type yielded consistent findings. However, no statistically significant outcomes were observed for insulin, glucose levels, and the HOMA-IR.
CONCLUSIONS
There is not a clear association between isotretinoin and insulin resistance, but it appears to enhance the serum levels of adiponectin, which participates in glucose metabolism.
PubMed: 38921259
DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14030081