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Journal of Nippon Medical School =... Mar 2021In 2006, we established a scar/keloid-specialized unit in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Nippon Medical School (NMS) in Tokyo,... (Review)
Review
In 2006, we established a scar/keloid-specialized unit in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Nippon Medical School (NMS) in Tokyo, Japan. In the ensuing 15 years, we treated approximately 2,000 new scar/keloid patients annually. This extensive experience has greatly improved the efficacy of the treatments we offer. Therefore, we discuss here the latest NMS protocol for preventing and treating keloids and hypertrophic scars. While this protocol was optimized for Japanese patients, our experience with a growing body of non-Japanese patients suggests that it is also effective in other ethnicities. The extensive evidence-based experience underlying the NMS protocol suggests that it may be suitable as the foundation of a standard international prevention/treatment algorithm for pathological scars.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Algorithms; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Combined Modality Therapy; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitals, University; Humans; Japan; Keloid; Laser Therapy; Male; Patient Education as Topic; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Risk; Schools, Medical; Surgery Department, Hospital; Triamcinolone Acetonide
PubMed: 32741903
DOI: 10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2021_88-106 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2022Hypertrophic and keloid scars are common skin conditions resulting from abnormal wound healing. They can cause itching, pain and have a negative physical and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are common skin conditions resulting from abnormal wound healing. They can cause itching, pain and have a negative physical and psychological impact on patients' lives. Different approaches are used aiming to improve these scars, including intralesional corticosteroids, surgery and more recently, laser therapy. Since laser therapy is expensive and may have adverse effects, it is critical to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of this therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars.
SEARCH METHODS
In March 2021 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL EBSCO Plus and LILACS. To identify additional studies, we also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses, and health technology reports. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication, or study setting.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for treating hypertrophic or keloid scars (or both), comparing laser therapy with placebo, no intervention or another intervention.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias of included studies and carried out GRADE assessments to assess the certainty of evidence. A third review author arbitrated if there were disagreements.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 15 RCTs, involving 604 participants (children and adults) with study sample sizes ranging from 10 to 120 participants (mean 40.27). Where studies randomised different parts of the same scar, each scar segment was the unit of analysis (906 scar segments). The length of participant follow-up varied from 12 weeks to 12 months. All included trials had a high risk of bias for at least one domain: all studies were deemed at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding of participants and personnel. The variability of intervention types, controls, follow-up periods and limitations with report data meant we pooled data for one comparison (and only two outcomes within this). Several review secondary outcomes - cosmesis, tolerance, preference for different modes of treatment, adherence, and change in quality of life - were not reported in any of the included studies. Laser versus no treatment: We found low-certainty evidence suggesting there may be more hypertrophic and keloid scar improvement (that is scars are less severe) in 585-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) -treated scars compared with no treatment (risk ratio (RR) 1.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11 to 3.45; two studies, 60 scar segments). It is unclear whether non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) impacts on hypertrophic scar severity when compared with no treatment (very low-certainty evidence). It is unclear whether fractional carbon dioxide (CO) laser impacts on hypertrophic and keloid scar severity compared with no treatment (very low-certainty evidence). Eight studies reported treatment-related adverse effects but did not provide enough data for further analyses. Laser versus other treatments: We are uncertain whether treatment with 585-nm PDL impacts on hypertrophic and keloid scar severity compared with intralesional corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), intralesional Fluorouracil (5-FU) or combined use of TAC plus 5-FU (very low-certainty evidence). It is also uncertain whether erbium laser impacts on hypertrophic scar severity when compared with TAC (very low-certainty evidence). Other comparisons included 585-nm PDL versus silicone gel sheeting, fractional CO laser versus TAC and fractional CO laser versus verapamil. However, the authors did not report enough data regarding the severity of scars to compare the interventions. As only very low-certainty evidence is available on treatment-related adverse effects, including pain, charring (skin burning so that the surface becomes blackened), telangiectasia (a condition in which tiny blood vessels cause thread-like red lines on the skin), skin atrophy (skin thinning), purpuric discolorations, hypopigmentation (skin colour becomes lighter), and erosion (loss of part of the top layer of skin, leaving a denuded surface) secondary to blistering, we are not able to draw conclusions as to how these treatments compare. Laser plus other treatment versus other treatment: It is unclear whether 585-nm PDL plus TAC plus 5-FU leads to a higher percentage of good to excellent improvement in hypertrophic and keloid scar severity compared with TAC plus 5-FU, as the certainty of evidence has been assessed as very low. Due to very low-certainty evidence, it is also uncertain whether CO laser plus TAC impacts on keloid scar severity compared with cryosurgery plus TAC. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser plus intralesional corticosteroid diprospan plus 5-FU on scar severity compared with diprospan plus 5-FU and about the effect of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser plus decamethyltetrasiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane cream on scar severity compared with decamethyltetrasiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane cream. Only very low-certainty evidence is available on treatment-related adverse effects, including pain, atrophy, erythema, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation, regrowth, hyperpigmentation (skin colour becomes darker), and depigmentation (loss of colour from the skin). Therefore, we are not able to draw conclusions as to how these treatments compare. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. The available information is also insufficient to perform a more accurate analysis on treatment-related adverse effects related to laser therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, conflicting results, study design issues and small sample sizes, further high-quality trials, with validated scales and core outcome sets should be developed. These trials should take into consideration the consumers' opinion and values, the need for long-term follow-up and the necessity of reporting the rate of recurrence of scars to determine whether lasers may achieve superior results when compared with other therapies for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aluminum; Atrophy; Carbon Dioxide; Child; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Dimethylpolysiloxanes; Erbium; Fluorouracil; Helium; Humans; Hypertrophy; Hypopigmentation; Keloid; Laser Therapy; Neodymium; Neon; Pain; Silicone Gels; Telangiectasis; Triamcinolone Acetonide; Verapamil; Wound Healing; Yttrium
PubMed: 36161591
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011642.pub2 -
BMC Oral Health May 2022To compare the reported efficacy and costs of available interventions used for the management of oral lichen planus (OLP).
OBJECTIVE
To compare the reported efficacy and costs of available interventions used for the management of oral lichen planus (OLP).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed from database inception until March 2021 in MEDLINE via PubMed and the Cochrane library following PRISMA guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing an active intervention with placebo or different active interventions for OLP management were considered.
RESULTS
Seventy (70) RCTs were included. The majority of evidence suggested efficacy of topical steroids (dexamethasone, clobetasol, fluocinonide, triamcinolone), topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, cyclosporine), topical retinoids, intra-lesional triamcinolone, aloe-vera gel, photodynamic therapy, and low-level laser therapies for OLP management. Based on the estimated cost per month and evidence for efficacy and side-effects, topical steroids (fluocinonide > dexamethasone > clobetasol > triamcinolone) appear to be more cost-effective than topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus > pimecrolimus > cyclosporine) followed by intra-lesional triamcinolone.
CONCLUSION
Of common treatment regimens for OLP, topical steroids appear to be the most economical and efficacious option followed by topical calcineurin inhibitors. Large-scale multi-modality, prospective trials in which head-to-head comparisons interventions are compared are required to definitely assess the cost-effectiveness of OLP treatments.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Calcineurin Inhibitors; Clobetasol; Cyclosporins; Dexamethasone; Fluocinonide; Health Care Costs; Humans; Lichen Planus, Oral; Steroids; Tacrolimus; Treatment Outcome; Triamcinolone
PubMed: 35524296
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02168-4 -
Arthritis & Rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.) Aug 2021To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anakinra compared to triamcinolone in the treatment of gout flares. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anakinra compared to triamcinolone in the treatment of gout flares.
METHODS
Patients for whom nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and colchicine were not suitable treatments were enrolled in this multicenter, randomized, double-blind study with follow-up for up to 2 years. The study was designed to assess superiority of anakinra (100 or 200 mg/day for 5 days) over triamcinolone (40 mg in a single injection) for the primary end point of changed patient-assessed pain intensity in the most affected joint (scored on a visual analog scale of 0-100) from baseline to 24-72 hours. Secondary outcome measures included: safety, immunogenicity, and patient- and physician-assessed global response.
RESULTS
One hundred sixty-five patients were randomized to receive anakinra (n = 110) or triamcinolone (n = 55). The median age was 55 years (range 25-83), 87% were men, the mean disease duration was 8.7 years, and the mean number of self-reported flares during the prior year was 4.5. A total of 301 flares were treated (214 with anakinra; 87 with triamcinolone). Anakinra in both doses and triamcinolone provided clinically meaningful reduction in patient-assessed pain intensity in the first and subsequent flares. For the first flare, the mean decline in pain intensity from baseline to 24-72 hours for total anakinra and triamcinolone was -41.2 and -39.4, respectively (P = 0.688). Anakinra performed better than triamcinolone for most secondary end points. There were no unexpected safety findings. The presence of antidrug antibodies was not associated with adverse events or altered pain reduction.
CONCLUSION
Anakinra was not superior to triamcinolone for the primary end point, but had comparable efficacy in pain reduction and was favored for most secondary end points. Anakinra is an effective option for gout flares when conventional therapy is unsuitable.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthralgia; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gout; Humans; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Symptom Flare Up; Treatment Outcome; Triamcinolone
PubMed: 33605029
DOI: 10.1002/art.41699 -
Ophthalmology Jul 2020Injection of pharmacotherapy into the suprachoroidal space, between the sclera and choroid, is an alternative delivery technique developed with the rationale of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Injection of pharmacotherapy into the suprachoroidal space, between the sclera and choroid, is an alternative delivery technique developed with the rationale of providing higher drug concentrations to posterior ocular structures compared with other intraocular and periocular injection procedures. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of suprachoroidally injected triamcinolone acetonide formulation (CLS-TA), a suspension of triamcinolone acetonide, in improving vision among patients with noninfectious uveitis complicated by macular edema (ME).
DESIGN
Phase 3 masked, randomized trial.
PARTICIPANTS
One hundred sixty patients with ME secondary to noninfectious uveitis. Patients were required to have a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 5 or more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters (Snellen equivalent, 20/800) and 70 or fewer ETDRS letters read (Snellen equivalent, 20/40) in the study eye.
METHODS
Patients were randomized 3:2 to suprachoroidally injected CLS-TA or sham treatment, with administrations at day 0 and week 12.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary end point was improvement from baseline of 15 or more ETDRS letters in BCVA at week 24. The secondary end point was reduction from baseline in central subfield thickness (CST) at week 24.
RESULTS
In the CLS-TA arm, 47% of patients gained 15 or more ETDRS letters in BCVA versus 16% in the control arm (P < 0.001), meeting the primary end point. Mean reductions in CST from baseline were 153 μm versus 18 μm (P < 0.001). No serious adverse events (AEs) related to treatment were reported. Corticosteroid-associated AEs of elevated intraocular pressure occurred in 11.5% and 15.6% of the CLS-TA and control groups, respectively. Cataract AE rates were comparable (7.3% and 6.3%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients in the CLS-TA study arm experienced clinically significant improvement in vision relative to the sham procedure, demonstrating the efficacy of suprachoroidal injection of CLS-TA for the treatment of ME in a vision-threatening disorder.
Topics: Choroid; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Injections, Intraocular; Macular Edema; Male; Middle Aged; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Treatment Outcome; Triamcinolone Acetonide; Uveitis; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 32173113
DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.01.006 -
Nature Biomedical Engineering Oct 2022Hydrogels that provide mechanical support and sustainably release therapeutics have been used to treat tendon injuries. However, most hydrogels are insufficiently tough,...
Hydrogels that provide mechanical support and sustainably release therapeutics have been used to treat tendon injuries. However, most hydrogels are insufficiently tough, release drugs in bursts, and require cell infiltration or suturing to integrate with surrounding tissue. Here we report that a hydrogel serving as a high-capacity drug depot and combining a dissipative tough matrix on one side and a chitosan adhesive surface on the other side supports tendon gliding and strong adhesion (larger than 1,000 J m) to tendon on opposite surfaces of the hydrogel, as we show with porcine and human tendon preparations during cyclic-friction loadings. The hydrogel is biocompatible, strongly adheres to patellar, supraspinatus and Achilles tendons of live rats, boosted healing and reduced scar formation in a rat model of Achilles-tendon rupture, and sustainably released the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide in a rat model of patellar tendon injury, reducing inflammation, modulating chemokine secretion, recruiting tendon stem and progenitor cells, and promoting macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype. Hydrogels with 'Janus' surfaces and sustained-drug-release functionality could be designed for a range of biomedical applications.
Topics: Rats; Humans; Swine; Animals; Hydrogels; Chitosan; Adhesives; Triamcinolone Acetonide; Tendon Injuries; Achilles Tendon; Chemokines
PubMed: 34980903
DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00810-0 -
Cureus Jun 2022A 34-year-old male presented with a gradual, painless decrease in distant vision in the left more than the right in the past 15 days. He had a history of an episode of...
A 34-year-old male presented with a gradual, painless decrease in distant vision in the left more than the right in the past 15 days. He had a history of an episode of fever seven days prior to ocular symptoms and had been treated with oral Cefixime and antipyretics. On detailed fundus examination, both eyes showed creamy white superficial lesions with ill-defined margins, suggestive of retinitis, with a few hemorrhages along the inferior arcade associated with sheathing of vessels and telangiectatic vessels near the lesion. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) of both eyes in the venous phase depicted blocked fluorescence at the site of retinitis lesions with hyperfluorescence at their borders. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of both eyes showed inner retinal layer hyper-reflectivity with neurosensory detachment (NSD) with hyper-reflective deposits in it and dilated choroidal vessels. The diagnosis of both eyes' post-fever retinitis (PFR) was made, and he was investigated for complete blood count, peripheral smear, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and HIV Tridot test, which were normal. He was treated with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (2 mg/0.05 ml) in both eyes.
PubMed: 35915675
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26429