Effect of the combination of photobiomodulation therapy and the intralesional administration of corticoid in the preoperative and postoperative periods of keloid surgery: A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial protocol study.

Keloid scars are characterized by the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and an imbalance between the production and degradation of collagen, leading to its buildup in the dermis. There is no "gold standard" treatment for this condition, and the recurrence is frequent after surgical procedures removal. In vitro studies have demonstrated that photobiomodulation (PBM) using the blue wavelength reduces the proliferation speed and the number of fibroblasts as well as the expression of TGF-ß. There are no protocols studied and established for the treatment of keloids with blue LED. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the combination of PBM with blue light and the intralesional administration of the corticoid triamcinolone hexacetonide on the quality of the remaining scar by Vancouver Scar Scale in the postoperative period of keloid surgery. A randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial will be conducted involving two groups: 1) Sham (n = 29): intralesional administration of corticoid (IAC) and sham PBM in the preoperative and postoperative periods of keloid removal surgery; and 2) active PBM combined with IAC (n = 29) in the preoperative and postoperative periods of keloid removal surgery. Transcutaneous PBM will be performed on the keloid region in the preoperative period and on the remaining scar in the postoperative period using blue LED (470 nm, 400 mW, 4J per point on 10 linear points). The patients will answer two questionnaires: one for the assessment of quality of life (Qualifibro-UNIFESP) and one for the assessment of satisfaction with the scar (PSAQ). The team of five plastic surgeons will answer the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). All questionnaires will be administered one, three, six, and twelve months postoperatively. The keloids will be molded in silicone prior to the onset of treatment and prior to excision to assess pre-treatment and post-treatment size. The same will be performed for the remaining scar at one, three, six, and twelve months postoperatively. The removed keloid will be submitted to histopathological analysis for the determination of the quantity of fibroblasts, the organization and distribution of collagen (picrosirius staining), and the genic expression of TGF-ß (qPCR). All data will be submitted to statistical analysis. Trial registration: This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04824612).

Management of highly recurrent bladder neck contractures via transurethral resection combined with intra- and post-operative triamcinolone acetonide injections.

PURPOSE: To present our preliminary experience in managing patients with highly recurrent bladder neck contractures (BNCs) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: Between February 2015 and March 2018, 28 patients with highly recurrent BNCs who had failed multiple prior to endoscopic treatments were managed with transurethral resection and intra- and post-operative triamcinolone acetonide injections. The scar tissue was resected to the circular fiber at the bladder neck, and triamcinolone acetonide (2 mL, 40 mg/mL) was injected at the incision sites (8 points) using a cystoscopic injection needle. The cystoscopy-guided injections were repeated every four weeks for total three times after surgery. The patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12 months after surgery, and in July-August 2019. RESULTS: The recurrent interval before the treatments was 2.2 ± 1.2 months, without any BNC recurrence in the first 12 weeks after transurethral resection. The urinary flow rate increased significantly and was maintained during the follow-up period. Adequate voiding function was reported in 25 of 28 patients at a median follow-up of 2.8 (1.7, 3.9) years. One of the three patients with decreased urinary flow rate had underactive detrusor and no BNC recurrence. The complications were mild and tolerable. CONCLUSION: Transurethral resection of the scar tissue combined with intra- and post-operative triamcinolone acetonide injections resulted in a success rate of 92.9% in patients with highly recurrent BNC following TURP. It is a simple, safe, and effective treatment for highly recurrent BNCs.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma, prolotherapy, and corticosteroid injections in rotator cuff lesions.

BACKGROUND: Injections are a good alternative to conventional treatment-resistant cases with rotator cuff (RC) lesions before operation. Currently, different injection methods are used in RC lesions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of different injection methods (platelet-rich plasma [PRP], corticosteroid [COR] and prolotherapy [PRO]) in RC tendon lesions. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients were divided into 4 groups as PRP, COR, PRO and the lidocaine group. Subacromial injection was applied to all groups. They were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) at 3, 12 and 24 weeks post-injection. RESULTS: In the COR group in the 3rd week, VAS and WORC scores were significantly lower than the other groups (p< 0.01 and p< 0.05 respectively). In the PRP group in the 24th week, VAS and WORC scores were found to be significantly lower than the COR group (p< 0.01 and p< 0.05 respectively). In the COR group in the 3rd week the ASES score was found to be significantly higher than the PRP and PRO group (p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with RC lesions, corticosteroid injection provides short-term relief for pain, function, and quality of life, while PRP injection works for long-term wellbeing. For all types of applied injections, improvement in pain, function and quality of life were observed.

A new approach in the treatment of pediatric hypertrophic burn scars: Tixel-associated topical triamcinolone acetonide and 5-fluorouracil delivery.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hypertrophic burn scars are challenging to treat due to their widespread nature and pain associated with the treatment. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) injection with or without 5-fluorouracil (5FU) is considered first-line treatment for severe hypertrophic scars. The pain associated with the procedure, the uneven topography, and epidermal atrophy, all limit the application of this treatment modality. AIMS: We sought to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of a novel thermomechanical system (Tixel, Novoxel) for transdermal delivery of a topical solution containing TAC and 5-FU in the treatment of hypertrophic scars. PATIENTS/METHODS: A retrospective study of pediatric hypertrophic burn scars treated between 2015 and 2017 was performed. Epidemiologic, treatment data, effectiveness score, and safety were reviewed. RESULTS: Four children (one male and three females, ages 3-10 years old) with hypertrophic burn scars treated with the Tixel device were evaluated. Mean scar VSS was reduced from 8.4 ± 0.8-5.2 ± 0.5 (P-value - .001) after eight treatments. The mean improvement of toughness, thickness, color, and general aesthetic impression was 3.1 ± 0.43 â†’ 2.2 ± 0.31, 3.4 ± 0.5 â†’ 1.9 ± 0.63, 2.7 ± 0.21 â†’ 2.4 ± 0.25, and 3.23 ± 0.44 â†’ 1.6 ± 0.64, respectively. Mean treatment pain VAS score was 1.74 ± 0.9. Patient's parents rated their satisfaction level as "moderate-high." No topical or systemic complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Thermomechanical decomposition of the stratum corneum, in combination with topical application of TAC and 5-FU, is a safe, relatively painless, and efficient modality for the treatment of pediatric hypertrophic burn scars.

Erosive Retinopathy and Retinal Detachment From Depot Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection at the End of Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) used as a surgical adjuvant for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) can stain cortical vitreous, control postoperative inflammation, and reduce retinal edema. Sterile endophthalmitis uncommonly complicates office-based IVTA injection. The authors report a new complication of IVTA depot injection at the end of PPV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective records review of all patients treated at the Cincinnati Eye Institute with PPV between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017, who developed a triad of sterile endophthalmitis, atrophic retinal breaks under the depot IVTA in the inferior retina, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Eyes with flap tears, solely superior breaks, or stretch holes from proliferative vitreoretinopathy causing RRD were excluded. RESULTS: Eight eyes of eight patients (four males and four females; mean age: 73.7 years) who received 4 mg or 8 mg IVTA depot at the end of PPV surgery presented at a mean of 23.5 days following PPV with RRD (one macula-involving, seven macula-sparing), requiring treatment with PPV in six eyes and laser retinopexy alone in two eyes. Seven eyes that underwent membrane peeling (MP) received IVT to prevent cystoid macular edema (CME) and one eye with prior MP was treated for CME. Mean vitreous inflammation was 2+ cell at 1 week postoperatively. Two patients had documented sterile endophthalmitis within the first week requiring vitreous cultures and antibiotics injections. Visual acuity (VA) for eyes requiring PPV for RD repair declined from 20/90 preoperatively to 20/212 at 6 months postoperatively. VA for eyes amenable to laser alone improved from 20/53 to 20/35. All eyes remained attached, with the exception of one patient who refused further treatment after developing recurrent detachment from PVR. CONCLUSIONS: Particle-induced sterile endophthalmitis from IVTA depot at the end of PPV surgery resulted in atrophic inferior retinal breaks and RRD as a newly described entity coined "erosive retinopathy." All retinal detachment surgeries required silicone oil tamponade. Poor visual outcome at 6 months was common for eyes requiring PPV for RD repair. The authors recommend avoiding IVTA depot injection at the end of PPV. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:613-619.].

Transzonular Triamcinolone-Moxifloxacin Versus Topical Drops for the Prophylaxis of Postoperative Inflammation After Cataract Surgery.

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of an intraoperative transzonular injection of triamcinolone-moxifloxacin (Imprimis' Tri-Moxi 15 mg/1 mg/mL) to topical drops in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Methods: Between January 2017 and October 2017, patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery by a single surgeon at the Penn State Eye Center were offered a single intraoperative injection of transzonular triamcinolone-moxifloxacin in lieu of perioperative drops. Between November 2017 and July 2018, the transzonular injection was not offered, and all patients who underwent surgery by the same surgeon received a drop regimen consisting of polymyxin b/trimethoprim and prednisolone acetate 1%. Patients were seen 1 day, 1 week, and 6-9 weeks postoperatively. Outcome measures included incidence of intraoperative complications, postoperative breakthrough inflammation, cystoid macular edema, and infectious sequela. Results: Of the 198 eyes, 99 from 73 patients received the injection and 99 from 82 patients received topical drops. One (1%) intraoperative posterior capsule tear occurred in each group. Eleven (11.1%) eyes in the injection group and 3 (3%) in the drop group experienced symptomatic breakthrough inflammation necessitating treatment (P = 0.0488). One (1%) eye in the injection group and zero (0%) in the drop group developed clinically significant macular edema (P = 1.0). No instances of elevated intraocular pressure or infectious sequela occurred in either group (P = 1.0). Conclusions: Transzonular injection of triamcinolone-moxifloxacin may be associated with an increased incidence of breakthrough inflammation compared to topical drops.

Combined Therapeutic Strategies for Keloid Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in keloid management favor the administration of combination therapy over monotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of combination therapy to treat keloids using fractional lasers, cryotherapy, and intralesional corticosteroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective study involving 35 Korean patients. Each patient underwent treatment using the 1,550 nm nonablative fractional erbium-glass laser, followed by the 10,600 nm ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser. Laser treatment was immediately followed by the administration of superficial cryotherapy and intralesional triamcinolone injection. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score and the 7-point patient self-assessment score. RESULTS: The mean total and subcategory VSS scores showed statistically significant improvements. The height and pliability scores showed the most significant and quickest responses to the combination therapy. The patients reported remarkable improvement in itching, pain, and limitations of motion after a single combination therapy session. Twenty patients were followed up for 1 year after the discontinuation of the combination treatment, and the recurrence was observed only in one patient. No significant adverse effects were observed throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Combination keloid therapy using fractional lasers, superficial cryotherapy, and intralesional triamcinolone injection is safe and more effective than individual monotherapies.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Update on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), first described by Kossard in the early 1990s, is a form of primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia characterized by selective involvement of the frontotemporal hairline and eyebrows. Since the original description, an increasing number of cases have been reported worldwide and the clinical aspects of the disease have been better characterized. However, the pathogenesis is still unknown and several hypotheses have been made about possible triggering factors, including hormones, neurogenic inflammation, smoking, UV filters, and ingredients in leave-on facial products. A genetic basis has also been hypothesized as the disease can occur in siblings and members of the same family. Besides its pathogenesis, research is also focused on treatment; FFA is a chronic condition and at present there is no validated or approved treatment for this disorder. Commonly prescribed topical treatments include corticosteroids, minoxidil, and calcineurin inhibitors. Systemic treatments include 5α-reductase inhibitors, hydroxychloroquine, and retinoids. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is also utilized, especially for the eyebrows. Other possible treatments include pioglitazone, naltrexone, tofacitinib, and lasers.

Laser advances in the treatment of burn and traumatic scars.

The realm of scar management is constantly changing. Many factors need to be considered when developing a comprehensive treatment plan, including the nature of the scar and the patient. Scar characteristics can be divided by color, scar type and thickness, and body location. Topical and intralesional agents and light- and laserbased treatments can be used to revitalize and restore damaged skin in atrophic and hypertrophic scars. The most commonly used lasers are the pulsed-dye laser (PDL) and fractional lasers. Ideally, a combination approach using topical and intralesional medications along with pulsed-dye laser and a fractional laser should be considered in all patients wishing to undergo treatment of their hypertrophic and atrophic scars. Keloidal scars tend to be resistant to standard therapy so other modalities should be considered.

Current treatments of acne: Medications, lights, lasers, and a novel 650-µs 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser.

The treatment of acne, especially severe acne, remains a challenge to dermatologists. Therapies include retinoids, antibiotics, hormones, lights, lasers, and various combinations of these modalities. Acne is currently considered a chronic rather than an adolescent condition. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient and the severity of disease. The purpose of this study was to review current therapies for acne of all severities and to introduce the 650-µs 1064-nm laser for the treatment of acne.

Neuralgia occipital y su manejo en Atención Primaria / Occipital neuralgia and its management in Primary Care

No disponible

Clear, Aqueous Topical Drop of Triamcinolone Acetonide.

The objective of this study was to develop a clear aqueous mixed nanomicellar formulation (NMF) of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) with a combination of nonionic surfactant hydrogenated castor oil 60 (HCO-60) and octoxynol-40 (Oc-40). In order to delineate the effects of drug-polymer interactions on entrapment efficiency (EE), loading efficiency (LE), and critical micellar concentration (CMC), a design of experiment (DOE) was performed to optimize the formulation. In this study, full-factorial design has been used with HCO-60 and OC-40 as independent variables. All formulations were prepared following solvent evaporation and film rehydration method, characterized with size, polydispersity, shape, morphology, EE, LE, and CMC. A specific blend of HCO-60 and Oc-40 at a particular wt% ratio (5:1.5) produced highest drug EE, LE, and smallest CMC (0.0216 wt%). Solubility of TA in NMF improved 20 times relative to normal aqueous solubility. Qualitative 1H NMR studies confirmed the absence of free drug in the outer aqueous NMF medium. Moreover, TA-loaded NMF appeared to be highly stable and well tolerated on human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) and human retinal pigment epithelial cells (D407 cells). Overall, these studies suggest that TA in NMF is safe and suitable for human topical ocular drop application.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa: a case successfully treated with intralesional steroids and topical allium cepa-allantoin-pentaglycan gel.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa is a rare skin disease in which abnormal elastic fibers, other connective tissue elements, and cellular debris are expelled from the papillary dermis through the epidermis. Three clinical variants of EPS can be detected: idiopathic, reactive, and drug-induced. Clinically it consists of small horny or umbilicated papules arranged in a linear, arciform, circular, or serpiginous pattern. It usually occurs in young adults and shows a predilection for the head and neck. The lesions are generally asymptomatic or slightly itching. Several treatments have been reported with poor long-term success; these include intralesional and topical corticosteroids, tazarotene, imiquimod, and cryotherapy. We report a case of 40-year-old black woman affected by elastosis perforans serpiginosa that was referred to our department and treated with intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide and topical application of allium cepa-allantoin-pentaglycan gel.

[Clinical observation on focal vitiligo treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion in comparison with medication].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in clinical efficacy on focal vitiligo treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion in comparison with medication, and discuss its effect mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-eight cases were randomized into a moxibustion group (38 cases) and a medication group (30 cases). Additionally, 20 healthy persons were selected randomly as a normal group. In the moxibustion group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion was applied to Hegu(LI 4), Quchi(LI 11), Yanglingquan(GB 34), Zusanli(ST 36), Xuehai(SP 10) and the others, once a day. In the medication group, triamcinolone acetonide cream was used externally and locally, twice a day. In the two groups, the treatment of 15 days made one session. The efficacy was observed after continuous treatment for 3 sessions. The hemorheology test was done in all of the subjects. The radioimmunoassay was adopted to determine the levels of Interleukin 2 (IL-2), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) before and after treatment. RESULTS: The levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha in vitiligo patients were higher significantly than those in the normal group (P<0. 01, P<0. 05), the level of IL-2 was lower significantly than that in the normal group (P<0. 01) before treatment. After 3 sessions treatment, IL-2 level was increased significantly in the moxibustion group and the levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha were reduced, without significant differences as compared with the normal group (all P>0. 05). But the differences were significant as compared with those in the medication group (all P<0. 05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 76. 3% (29/38) after treatment in the moxibustion group, which was higher significantly than 13. 3% (4/30, P<0. 05) in the medication group. CONCLUSION: Heat-sensitive moxibustion achieves very good clinical efficacy on focal vitiligo, which is probably via promoting blood circulation and regulating the levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha.

Preclinical evaluation of thermoreversible triamcinolone acetonide hydrogels for drug delivery to the inner ear.

Intratympanic glucocorticoid therapy aims to reduce the side effects associated with systemic long-time therapy of inner ear diseases or traumata after cochlear implantation. For that purpose, thermoreversible hydrogels being fluid at room temperature but solid at body temperature are known to be appropriate drug delivery systems. In this work, the two key parameters sol-gel transition time and temperature of Poloxamer 407 (POX 407) based hydrogels containing oto-compatible micronized triamcinolone acetonide (TAAc) were evaluated by rheological experiments varying the concentrations of the different compounds. A 20% POX 407 hydrogel in PBS containing 30% TAAc emerged as the most appropriate formulation. Oscillation-rotation-oscillation studies at two temperature levels were found to be an useful in-vitro test system for the hydrogel which revealed sufficient storage stability at 4 °C, injectability of the sol, solidification within 20s at body temperature and persistent stiffness indicating prolonged adhesion at the round window membrane. According to the in-vitro release studies using the Transwell™ system, absorption of the poor water soluble TAAc is partly due to the low amount of dissolved drug but predominantly due to micellar transport resulting in a cumulative release of 262.6±13.4 µg TAAc within one week followed by a sustained release of 193.1±8.3 µg TAAc within the next three weeks. Thus, the formation of POX 407 micelles is the basis not only for gel formation but also absorptivity of TAAc. All in all, fine tuned rheological experiments and absorption studies emerged as useful tools for preclinical evaluation of intratympanally administered hydrogels.

Resolution of recalcitrant pyogenic granuloma with laser, corticosteroid, and timolol therapy.

A pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a rapidly growing benign vascular tumor that can be found on the skin or subcutaneous tissue. While some pyogenic granulomas may resolve spontaneously, most have a tendency to bleed easily and require treatment. Current therapeutic modalities include topical imiquimod, cryotherapy, electrodessication, curettage, excision, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and microembolization. We report a recalcitrant case of chronic pyogenic granuloma occurring on the scalp of a healthy young male which was unresponsive to conventional surgical and non-surgical modalities. Ultimately, aggressive laser therapy, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections, and topical timolol application led to complete resolution and healing.

MRI-guided and CT-guided cervical nerve root infiltration therapy: a cost comparison.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the costs of MRI-guided and CT-guided cervical nerve root infiltration for the minimally invasive treatment of radicular neck pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2009 and April 2012, 22 patients (9 men, 13 women; mean age: 48.2 years) underwent MRI-guided (1.0 Tesla, Panorama HFO, Philips) single-site periradicular cervical nerve root infiltration with 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide. A further 64 patients (34 men, 30 women; mean age: 50.3 years) were treated under CT fluoroscopic guidance (Somatom Definition 64, Siemens). The mean overall costs were calculated as the sum of the prorated costs of equipment use (purchase, depreciation, maintenance, and energy costs), personnel costs and expenditure for disposables that were identified for MRI- and CT-guided procedures. Additionally, the cost of ultrasound guidance was calculated. RESULTS: The mean intervention time was 24.9 min. (range: 12 - 36 min.) for MRI-guided infiltration and 19.7 min. (range: 5 - 54 min.) for CT-guided infiltration. The average total costs per patient were EUR 240 for MRI-guided interventions and EUR 124 for CT-guided interventions. These were (MRI/CT guidance) EUR 150/60 for equipment use, EUR 46/40 for personnel, and EUR 44/25 for disposables. The mean overall cost of ultrasound guidance was EUR 76. CONCLUSION: Cervical nerve root infiltration using MRI guidance is still about twice as expensive as infiltration using CT guidance. However, since it does not involve radiation exposure for patients and personnel, MRI-guided nerve root infiltration may become a promising alternative to the CT-guided procedure, especially since a further price decrease is expected for MRI devices and MR-compatible disposables. In contrast, ultrasound remains the less expensive method for nerve root infiltration guidance.

The use of the 300 microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of keloids.

BACKGROUND: Keloids can be quite resistant to conventional methods of treatment. A wide range of treatment modalities exists, often with suboptimal results, recurrences, and adverse events occurring. Laser therapy with the carbon dioxide, erbium:YAG, Q switched frequency doubled neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG), and 585/595 nm pulsed dye lasers have all be purported as potential treatment modalities however with limited efficacy and data especially in the skin of color population is limited. We report the successful use of the 300 microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in treating keloids in patients with skin types ranging from Fitzpatrick I through VI with special attention in treating skin of color patients. OBJECTIVE: We examined the use of the 300 microsecond 1064 nanometer (nm) Nd:YAG laser for the treatment keloids in patients with skin types ranging from Fitzpatrick I through VI. METHODS & MATERIALS: A retrospective analysis of treatment efficacy was conducted on 44 patients with keloids. Three separate treatment groups were compared. The groups consisted of: a "control group" in which the whole keloid was only treated with intralesional corticosteroid (triamcinolone 10 mg/cc) (16 patients); a "laser only" group in which the patient's keloid was only treated with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser at a fluency of 13 to 18 Joules / centimeter2 (J/cm2), a fixed pulse duration of 300 microseconds, 5 mm spot size, and a total of 2000 pulses (14 patients); and a "combination group" that received both the aforementioned laser therapy and adjuvant intralesional triamcinolone (14 patients). RESULTS: Patients in the "combination group" treated with the 300 microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser therapy plus intralesional corticosteroid and the "laser only" group both were observed to have durable clinical reduction in the thickness and erythema of the keloids. These results were shown to be superior to the "control group" whom were only treated with intralesional corticosteroids. Only mild and transient post treatment erythema was noted as an adverse effect. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0.0 (Armonk, NY). In order to assess the statistical significance of differences in keloid improvement among the three treatment groups, The Kruskal-Wallis test (non-parametric ANOVA test) was applied. The level of statistical significance was set at P< 0.05. A statistically significant difference in keloid improvement was appreciated between treatment groups (P<0.0001). LIMITATIONS: A small sample size and the retrospective nature of the analysis are limitations to the study.
CONCLUSION: The 300 microsecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser proved effective in improving the clinical appearance of keloids. We recommended this laser protocol in conjunction with intralesional corticosteroids as a treatment option for patients with keloids, especially in the skin of color population. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser did not show post inflammatory hyperpigmentation nor hypopigmenatation, which are concerns for skin types IV to VI, and therefore is a suitable option for such patients.

Undesirable effects after treatment with dermal fillers.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue augmentation is one of the most frequent techniques in cosmetic dermatology. Nowadays, there are a high number of available materials. Nonanimal hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of most useful fillers for lip augmentation and for treating nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and the dynamic wrinkles of the upper face. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the type and management of undesirable effects of nonanimal reticulated or stabilized HA observed in our cosmetic unit in the past 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The consecutive patients using HA attending to our clinic in the past 3 years were divided into 3 categories, according to the time of presentation of the adverse reactions: immediate, early, and late-onset complications. All patients were treated. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients presented to our clinic complaining of complications after soft tissue augmentation with HA. Ten patients presented immediate-onset complications, 8 showed early-onset complications, and 5 cases complaint of late-onset complications. Treatment of the first group consisted of hyaluronidase injection, massage, and topical antibiotics. Early- and late-onset complications were treated with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide. All patients improved, with the exception of a woman with recurrent granulomas. CONCLUSION: Generally, undesirable effects of HA (immediate, early, or late onset) are not frequent, and when present, they improve if treated properly. Physicians need to be aware of these possible adverse events in order to establish proper treatment and prevent scarring or other sequelae.