Topical corticosteroids for treating phimosis in boys.

BACKGROUND: This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review first published in 2014. Phimosis is a condition in which the prepuce (foreskin) cannot be fully retracted past the head of the penis (glans). Phimosis is often treated surgically by circumcision or prepuce plasty; however, reports of non-invasive treatment using topical corticosteroids applied for four to eight weeks have suggested favorable outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of topical corticosteroids applied to the stenotic portion of the prepuce for the treatment of phimosis in boys compared with placebo or no treatment. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and ClinicalTrial.gov. We checked reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews for additional studies. There were no restrictions on the language of publication. The date of the last search was 4 October 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of any topical corticosteroid with placebo or no treatment for boys with any type or degree of phimosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data related to the review's primary and secondary outcomes, and assessed the studies' risk of bias. We used the random-effects model for statistical analyses and expressed dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We contacted the authors of the primary articles to request details of the study design and specific outcome data. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence on a per-outcome basis. MAIN RESULTS: In this update, we identified two new studies with 111 participants, bringing the total number of included studies to 14 (1459 randomized participants). We found that types of corticosteroids investigated, participant age, degree of phimosis, type of phimosis, and treatment duration varied considerably among studies. Compared with placebo or no treatment, topical corticosteroids may increase the complete resolution of phimosis after four to eight weeks of treatment (RR 2.73, 95% CI 1.79 to 4.16; I² = 72%; 10 trials, 834 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 252 complete resolutions per 1000 boys in the control group, this corresponds to 436 more complete resolutions per 1000 boys (95% CI 199 more to 796 more). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious inconsistency. Topical corticosteroids may also increase the partial resolution of phimosis at four to eight weeks of treatment compared with placebo or no treatment (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.40; I² = 44%; 7 trials, 745 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 297 partial resolutions per 1000 boys in the control group, this corresponds to 202 more partial resolutions per 1000 boys (95% CI 50 more to 416 more). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious inconsistency. We are uncertain of the effect of topical corticosteroids compared to placebo on change in retractability score (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.48, 95% CI -2.93 to -0.03; I²91%; 2 trials, 177 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations, one level for serious heterogeneity, and one level for serious imprecision. Compared with placebo, topical corticosteroids may increase the long-term complete resolution of phimosis six or more months after treatment (RR 4.09, 95% CI 2.80 to 5.97; I² = 0%; 2 trials, 280 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 171 long-term complete resolutions per 1000 boys in the control group, this corresponds to 528 more complete resolutions per 1000 boys (95% CI 308 more to 850 more). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious imprecision. There may be little or no difference in the risk of adverse effects between topical corticosteroids and placebo or no treatment (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.62; I² = 22%; 11 trials, 1091 participants; low-certainty evidence). Only two of 11 studies that recorded adverse effects reported any adverse effects; one event occurred in the corticosteroid group and six in the control group. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Topical corticosteroids, compared to placebo or no treatment, may increase complete and partial resolution of phimosis when assessed after four to eight weeks of treatment, and may increase long-term complete resolution of phimosis assessed six or more months after treatment. Topical corticosteroids may have few or no adverse effects, and we are uncertain about their effect on retractability scores. The body of evidence is limited by poor reporting of methods in the studies, important clinical heterogeneity, and serious imprecision in the results. Future, higher-quality trials with long-term follow-up would likely improve our understanding of the effects of topical corticoids on phimosis in boys.

An evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic options for the treatment of adult phimosis. A systematic review of the evidence.

INTRODUCTION: Topical pharmacotherapy is often practiced in the treatment of adults with phimosis or Lichen Sclerosus (LS). However, it is unclear if it is effective. AREAS COVERED: The authors review pharmacological treatments in adults with phimosis or LS using the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) methodology. They searched seven databases using key words phimosis, drug treatment, medical, treatment, lichen sclerosis, pharmacological treatment, medications, comparison study for all English language articles from 1962 to 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients >18 yr., and the use of topical medical treatment with outcome data. The article includes the authors' expert opinion and their perspectives for the future. EXPERT OPINION: There is limited research, with significant heterogeneity, which suggests the probable safety of topical steroids with some potential to reduce the signs and symptoms of LS. However, good quality research, with patient reported outcome data, is required to establish its true role and effectiveness.

Éxito del tratamiento conservador de la fimosis, ¿la pauta de aplicación de corticoide tópico influye? / Success of conservative treatment of phimosis, does the topical corticosteroid application regime influence this?

Introducción. Actualmente no existe una pauta de aplicación única establecida para el tratamiento tópico corticoideo de la fimosis. Nos planteamos comparar la efectividad de dos de las pautas más utilizadas, así como la importancia de otros factores en el éxito del tratamiento conservador. Material y métodos. Estudio analítico de tipo cohortes retrospectivas, incluyendo niños con fimosis no complicada a los que se instauró dos pautas distintas de aplicación de corticoide tópico (con periodo de descanso y con dosis descendente). Se estudió el resultado final circuncisión o curación en base a la pauta y a otros factores epidemiológicos. Resultados. Se incluyeron 159 niños con edad media de 6 años. La pauta con descanso se aplicó en el 57,9% de los pacientes con una adherencia del 93,4% y una tasa de curación del 83,7%, frente al 79,1% de grupo con pauta descendente (diferencia no significativa). Se observó un mayor riesgo de circuncisión en pacientes con tratamiento tópico previo y con prepucio cicatricial y un papel protector de la adherencia al tratamiento. La presencia de balanitis previa o el grado de fimosis no se asocian con mayor fracaso del tratamiento. Conclusiones. Las pautas de aplicación estudiadas no presentan diferencias significativas en la tasa de curación. No obstante, la adherencia es mayor con la pauta con descanso por lo que parece recomendable. Las balanitis y el grado alto de fimosis no serían contraindicación inicial del tratamiento conservador (AU)

Introduction. Currently there is no single application guideline established for the topical corticosteroid treatment of phimosis. We set out to compare the effectiveness of two of the most widely used guidelines, as well as the importance of other factors in the success of conservative treatment. Material and methods. Retrospective cohort-type analytical study, including children with uncomplicated phimosis who received two different regimens of topical corticosteroid application (with a rest period and a descending dose). The final result of circumcision or cure was studied based on the guideline and other epidemiological factors. Results. 159 children with a mean age of 6 years were included. The regimen with rest was applied in 57.9% of the patients with an adherence of 93.4% and a cure rate of 83.7%, compared to 79.1% in the group with a descending regimen (non-significant difference). An increased risk of circumcision was observed in patients with previous topical treatment and with scarred foreskin and a protective role of adherence to treatment. The presence of previous balanitis or the degree of phimosis is not associated with greater treatment failure. Conclusions. The application guidelines studied do not show significant differences in the cure rate. However, adherence is greater with the rest pattern, so it seems advisable. Balanitis and a high degree of phimosis would not be an initial contraindication to conservative treatment (AU)

Comparison of the Effect of Steroids on the Treatment of Phimosis according to the Steroid Potencies.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of topical steroid therapy according to potency as the first-line treatment for boys with symptomatic phimosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2017 to March 2019, we retrospectively reviewed 45 boys with severe phimosis (Kikiros retractability grade 4 or 5) who presented with phimosis-related complications. During the first year of the study period, methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA, Advantan®, potent topical steroid) was administered in 24 boys. Hydrocortisone butyrate (HCB, Bandel®, moderately potent topical steroid) was administered in 21 boys in the subsequent period. Topical steroids were administered for 4-8 weeks in all patients. Success of the therapy was determined by two conditions at 3 months after therapy: achieving Kikiros grade 3 and less with disappearance of symptoms. RESULTS: Of 45 boys, 35 (77.8%) achieved success of the therapy. Mean age was 46.64±22.42 months. Recurrence of phimosis with clinical complications was confirmed in three of 35 patients with initial success (8.6%) during the follow-up period. All boys with recurrence showed remission after additional topical steroid therapy. Success rate of the MPA group was higher than that of the HCB group (91.7% and 61.9% respectively, P = .029). Side effects associated with the topical steroid application were not observed in all children. CONCLUSION: Topical steroid application is an effective and safe procedure as first-line treatment in symptomatic boys with severe phimosis. Moreover, the potency of topical steroids for the treatment of phimosis is considered a factor affecting the success rate.

Efficacy of topical steroid treatment in children with severe phimosis in China: A long-term single centre prospective study.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of topical steroid (0.1% mometasone furoate) therapy and factors affecting long-term outcome of paediatric severe phimosis in China. METHODS: A total of 1550 patients with severe phimosis classified by Kikiros system were prospectively enrolled in the study from January 2016 to February 2020. They were prescribed with 0.1% mometasone furoate twice a day for 4 weeks. Patients were re-evaluated at the end of weeks 2, 4, 8 and 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1499 patients completed the treatment, 71.1% responded at the end of week 4. The long-term success rate was 66.0% over a mean follow-up of 26.9 months. The success rate of grade 4 phimosis was significantly higher than that of grade 5 at 4, 8 weeks and 6 months (P = 0.005, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients with balanoposthitis had a poorer outcome compared with patients without symptoms and patients symptoms by prepuce ballooning or urinary tract infections (P < 0.001). Initial grade of 5 phimosis and symptom with balanoposthitis were independent risk factors for recurrence. All patients had no systemic side effects, 23 cases developed local erythema or burning sensation. CONCLUSION: Topical steroid (0.1% mometasone furoate) is an effective treatment for severe phimosis in children. The recurrence was related to the grade or symptoms of severe phimosis.

Topical corticosteroids for phimosis in children: a network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids and hyaluronidase are trialed for treating phimosis in children. We carried out the present network meta-analysis to compare the therapeutic effect of these drugs. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for appropriate randomized clinical trials. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used as the effect estimate. A random-effects model was used for generating the pooled estimates. Rankogram plot was used for ranking the drugs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportions of patients with remission (partial/complete) and with complete remission. RESULTS: Mometasone (OR 6.53, 95% CI 2.85, 14.96), betamethasone/hyaluronidase (OR 12.1, 95% CI 4.27, 34.49), triamcinolone (OR 19.15, 95% CI 4.47, 81.96), dexamethasone (OR 21.38, 95% CI 5.71, 79.98), betamethasone (OR 23.02, 95% CI 6.92, 79.54), hydrocortisone (OR 23.2, 95% CI 5.91, 91.02) and methylprednisolone (OR 50.47, 95% CI 4.45, 572.72) were observed with significantly higher proportions of patients with remission (partial/complete) compared to placebo. Dexamethasone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, betamethasone/hyaluronidase, clobetasol, mometasone, and hydrocortisone were observed with significantly higher proportions of patients with complete remission compared to placebo. Beclomethasone was not observed to be superior to either placebo or other drugs. Rankogram plot revealed methylprednisolone followed by hydrocortisone had the maximum statistical probability of being 'the best' in the pool for remission and betamethasone followed by hydrocortisone for complete remission. CONCLUSION: Topical methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, and betamethasone were observed with better clinical resolution of phimosis compared to other corticosteroids. Very high potent corticosteroids like beclomethasone and clobetasol were not observed with superior benefits compared to other corticosteroids. Considering low-potency, hydrocortisone shall be preferred until further evidence emerges.

Retractable foreskin reduces urinary tract infections in infant boys with vesicoureteral reflux.

BACKGROUND: Uncircumcised males are at higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first year of life and circumcision is recommended as an option for males with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Uncircumcised males treated successfully with topical corticosteroid cream have decreased risk of UTI but the role of preputial management has not been explored previously in males with VUR. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that among uncircumcised boys with VUR, those with retractable foreskin would be at reduced risk of UTI compared to those with non-retractable foreskin. STUDY DESIGN: Males less than one year of age with primary VUR were prospectively enrolled. Patients with concomitant urologic diagnoses or less than one month of follow-up were excluded. Phimosis severity was graded on a 0-5 scale. Primary outcome was UTI during follow-up. Patients were divided into three groups for analysis: circumcised, low grade phimosis (grades 0-3) and high grade phimosis (grades 4-5). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate UTI risk adjusting for risk factors. RESULTS: One-hundred and five boys (24 circumcised and 81 uncircumcised) with VUR were included. Median age at enrollment was 4.4 months (IQR 2.2-6.6) and median follow-up was 1.1 years (IQR 0.53-2.9). Males with phimosis grades 4-5 had a higher UTI rate (29%) compared to phimosis grade 0-3 (4%). Based on Kaplan-Meier curves, boys with initial phimosis grades 4-5 were significantly more likely to develop a UTI than boys who were circumcised or had phimosis grades 0-3 (p = 0.005). On multivariable analysis, boys with phimosis grades 4-5 were significantly more likely to develop UTI when compared to boys with grades 0-3 phimosis (HR = 8.4, 95% CI: 1.1-64, p = 0.04). DISCUSSION: Males with a retractable prepuce had a lower UTI risk compared to males with non-retractable prepuce (high grade phimosis) and this remained significant on multivariable analysis. This is concordant with prior studies demonstrating that a retractable prepuce is associated with decreased UTI risk. Limitations of our study include using phimosis grade at time of study enrollment and heterogenous prophylactic antibiotic use in our population. CONCLUSIONS: Retractable foreskin reduces UTI risk in uncircumcised boys less than one year of age with VUR. Medical phimosis treatment to achieve a retractable prepuce offers an alternative and less invasive modality to reduce UTI risk in males with VUR.

Histology and immunohistochemical evaluation of phimotic prepuce: The role of steroid therapy.

Phimosis is one of the most frequent andrological diseases in paediatric age. Steroids are useful to treat phimosis. Through a retrospective study of histological and immunohistochemical analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness of topical steroid treatment in patients undergoing circumcision. Cases of patients treated for phimosis were selected during the two-year study period. All patients underwent circumcision and were divided into four groups: groups A (religiously circumcised patients), B (phimotic patients not undergoing steroid treatment), C (phimotic patients who do not respond to cortisone treatment) and D (hypospadic patients undergoing urethroplasty). An histological evaluation of the degree of fibrosis and an immunohistochemical evaluation of collagen IV and tenascin were carried out. Study results demonstrate that the grade of fibrosis is age-related. On histological and immunohistochemical evaluation, fibrosis was found to be lower in patients receiving steroids; higher degrees of fibrosis were found in older patients (p < .05). Different degrees of fibrosis have also been found in hypospadic patients. We can conclude that study results correlated with the clinical history of the patients. The success rate of medical therapy seems to be age-related.

[Diagnosis and treatment of phimosis delegated to trained assistant nurses]. / Diagnostik och behandling av fimos hos pojkar kan delegeras.

Phimosis in boys is a common condition. In the majority of cases it is physiological without symptoms. Symptomatic phimosis can often be treated successfully with local steroid cream - only a minority of patients need surgery.  This study concludes that diagnosis, information to patients and guardians, initiation and follow-up of local steroid treatment can successfully, and safely, be delegated to trained assistant nurses.

Urology Mythbusters: are topical corticosteroids effective for treating postcircumcision penile adhesions?

In this edition of Mythbusters, we evaluate the common claim that topical corticosteroids (TCS) can be used for treatment of postcircumcision penile adhesions (PCPA). Although many textbooks and websites of respected pediatric institutions include topical steroids as one of the options for treatment of PCPA, the scientific basis of this claim is unclear and none of the references we found cited any specific sources. In review of the literature, we could find no peer-reviewed studies that support (or even assess) the utility of TCS for PCPA. It appears that the claims regarding TCS may be extrapolations from the demonstrated effectiveness of TCS for phimosis and related problems, although these are different conditions with different etiologies. We conclude that there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of TCS for PCPA. The verdict for this urolegend: 'Debunked.'

The Management of Phimosis Seen after Circumcision with Thermocautery.

OBJECTIVE: One of the most frequent complications after circumcision by thermocautery is phimosis. In this study, we aimed to present the functional and cosmetic results of the modified sleeve technique for the correction of this iatrogenic phimosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included iatrogenic phimosis cases who underwent circumcision using thermocautery during the last eight years. Initially, steroid creams were applied on these patients for six weeks. Patients who did not respond to this treatment underwent surgery using the modified sleeve technique. Control visits were performed at the first and fourth postoperative weeks. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients with a median age of 5.1±1.1 years were included in the study out of 13285 circumcisions by thermocautery. No positive treatment outcomes were obtained by topical steroids, and all patients proceeded to surgery by modified sleeve technique. Median operative time was 25±2.3 minutes. Cosmetic and functional outcomes were satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSION: There is no place for topical steroids in management of iatrogenic phimosis after thermocautery is observed, thus, early surgery is advised to avoid emotional stress. Our modified sleeve technique can achieve maximum cosmetic and functional outcomes without leading to extreme shortening of the penile skin and mucosa.

The use of steroid cream for physiologic phimosis in male infants with a history of UTI and normal renal ultrasound is associated with decreased risk of recurrent UTI.

BACKGROUND: An uncircumcised male infant with a history of urinary tract infection (UTI), physiologic phimosis, and a normal renal ultrasound is a common patient referred to pediatric urology clinics. Topical steroid creams have been shown to effectively release physiologic phimosis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that use of steroid cream for physiologic phimosis is associated with a lower UTI recurrence in uncircumcised male infants with normal renal ultrasounds. STUDY DESIGN: Uncircumcised males younger than 12 months referred for a UTI with a normal renal ultrasound were included. A longitudinal data set was created, and recurrent UTIs were identified. The proportion with a recurrent UTI was compared between those who received a prescription for a steroid cream for phimosis and those who did not. The morbidity of the initial and recurrent UTIs was also described. The association of recurrent UTI with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 192 uncircumcised males with a median age of 5.8 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5-7.9 months) were included. Twenty-seven patients were treated with a course of betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, and 165 were not (Summary Table). There were no significant differences between groups in the frequency of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), diagnosis of VUR, or use of continuous prophylactic antibiotics (CAP). During a median follow-up of 8.7 months (IQR: 3.1-17.5 months), none of the patients treated with steroid cream had a recurrent UTI compared with 27 of 165 (16%) patients not treated (P = 0.02). Among the 173 patients whose initial UTI was febrile, recurrent febrile UTIs occurred in no treated patients and 23 of 150 (15%) untreated patients (P = 0.047). DISCUSSION: The results of this study are consistent with those of a previous randomized trial of steroid cream for physiologic phimosis which found lower recurrent UTI in those whose foreskins became retractable. In addition, the results are consistent with the declining incidence of UTIs in uncircumcised males mirroring the natural history of physiologic phimosis resolving. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and non-standardized follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of steroid cream for physiologic phimosis is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent UTIs in uncircumcised male infants with a normal renal ultrasound. In this group, steroid cream for physiologic phimosis is a well-tolerated and simple alternative to circumcision to potentially decrease risk of recurrent UTI.

Randomized open-label trial comparing topical prescription triamcinolone to over-the-counter hydrocortisone for the treatment of phimosis.

BACKGROUND: Phimosis is a common condition affecting most infant boys and generally resolves over time without symptoms. Severe cases of phimosis can lead to balanoposthitis, urinary tract infections, and urinary retention. Medical treatment for symptomatic phimosis includes topical corticosteroids with manual foreskin retraction. OBJECTIVE: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream was compared in a randomized controlled fashion with prescription triamcinolone 0.1% cream for the medical management of symptomatic phimosis. METHODS: The study institution conducted a randomized open-label trial for the treatment of grades 4-5 phimosis (phimosis grade scale 0-5). Boys aged 3-13 years were randomized to hydrocortisone 1% cream or triamcinolone 0.1% cream dosed at least twice daily for a course of 12 weeks. Instructions were provided for appropriate application and manual retraction of the foreskin. Evaluations were performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Successful completion of the study was determined by reaching phimosis grade 2 or less or after completing 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 52 boys enrolled in the trial, with a total of 32 boys completing the 12-week duration. Of the 13 boys in the hydrocortisone arm, there was a 30.8% success rate at 4 weeks, 53.8% success rate at 8 weeks, and 61.5% success rate at 12 weeks. Of the 19 boys in the triamcinolone arm, there was a 31.6% success rate at 4 weeks, 52.6% success rate at 8 weeks, and 68.4% success rate at 12 weeks. There was no statistical difference between the two arms at each interval. DISCUSSION: To the study authors' knowledge, this is the first open-label trial with direct comparison of hydrocortisone 1% cream with triamcinolone 0.1% cream. The study results support those reported in other studies when each topical steroid was compared with placebo. Limitations of the study include loss to follow-up, unblinded treatment allocation, and reduced power to detect differences by treatment frequency and duration. CONCLUSION: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream is not inferior to triamcinolone 0.1% cream when paired with manual retraction for the treatment of grade 4-5 phimosis. Successful treatment response may be seen up to 12 weeks.

Outcome of topical steroid application in children with non-retractile prepuce.

True phimosis is overdiagnosed due to the failure to distinguish it from physiological phimosis, which is a normal developmental non retractability of the foreskin. The non-retractile prepuce in children is a cause of parental anxiety and concern. This leads to the majority of the children undergoing surgical procedures. Pathological phimosis needs to be differentiated from physiologic phimosis to avoid unnecessary circumcision. In recent years, topical steroid application use in cases of non-retractile prepuce has shown a good success rate and is well accepted by the parents. It has low risks, is cost effective and avoids anaesthetic and surgical complications. This is an observational study of 100 children with non-retractile foreskin who were managed by local application of topical steroid cream (0.1% Mometasone) over a period of 6 weeks. The non-retractibility was classified according to Kikiro's classification. These patients were analyzed on the basis of age at presentation, complaints at the first presentation, grade of phimosis at first presentation (as per Kikiro's classification), results of the topical steroid application as assessed at 6 weeks after starting application and after stopping of the steroid administered for 6 weeks. The results were analyzed on the basis of the resolution of symptoms and the decrease in Kikiro's grade. Those patients in whom there was no response to treatment or who developed recurrence after stopping steroid treatment underwent circumcision. A total of 19 patients required surgical intervention in the form of circumcision. The use of topical steroids yields satisfactory results in patients with a non-retractile prepuce. It could be a first-line treatment for management in such cases and is an effective alternative designed to avoid unnecessary circumcision.

[Topical application of clobetasol propionate cream in the treatment of phimosis in prepubertal children: A report of 237cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of 0.02% clobetasol propionate cream (CPC) on phimosis in prepubertal children. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 237 prepubertal children with phimosis present at the Outpatient Department from June 2012 to December 2015. The patients were aged 2－14 (mean 8.6) years, all treated by topical application of 0.02% CPC to the narrowed opening and adhered part of the foreskin twice a day, in the morning and evening respectively. At the time of CPC application, the foreskin was slightly retracted. We evaluated the therapeutic effect every week from the end of the first week of treatment. RESULTS: Totally, 233 of the patients completed the 8-week treatment, of whom 181 (77.68%) showed full retraction of the foreskin, 28 (12.01%) experienced improvement (disappearance of the phimotic ring), and 24 (10.30%) failed to respond, with a total effectiveness rate of 89.70%. No significant local or systemic adverse reactions were observed during the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of 0.02% Clobetasol Propionate Cream is a safe, effective, painless, and inexpensive option for the treatment of phimosis in prepubertal chilodren.

Ultrastructural Analysis of the Foreskin in Patients With True Phimosis Treated or Not Treated With Topical Betamethasone and Hyaluronidase Ointment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the possible alterations of the foreskin connective tissue in patients with true phimosis submitted to topical treatment with betamethasone and hyaluronidase ointment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 15 patients (mean 5.3 years old) submitted or not to topical application of betamethasone 0.2% and hyaluronidase cream. For qualitative analysis of the connective tissue, we studied 5 samples from each foreskin, with 2 mm length. The samples were submitted to fixation for SEM by immersing tissue fragments in a modified Karnovsky solution for 48 hours at 4°C. The obtained acellular preparations were then processed for high-vacuum SEM, and observations were performed on a LEO 435 (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) scanning electron microscope with an acceleration voltage of 15 to 20 kV. RESULTS: Parents of 7 children did not agree with the clinical treatment and opted for circumcision directly. These patients served as the control group (nontreated). Eight patients submitted to topical treatment could not expose the glans and were referred for circumcision. In SEM, with a magnification of 5000×, we observed important differences in the organization of the collagen and elastic system fibers when comparing treated and nontreated patients with betamethasone and hyaluronidase. Treated patients presented a different organization of collagen with a clear decrease in the elastic system fibers. CONCLUSION: The treatment of phimosis with betamethasone + hyaluronidase showed changes in the structure of the foreskin with a decrease of elastic system fibers, which is characteristic of the healing processes.

[Benefit of post-circumcision application of skin wound induction gel in the treatment of phimosis in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of skin wound induction gel on the glans scabbing rate, class-A wound healing rate, and wound healing time of circumcision for phimosis in pediatric patients. METHODS: We randomly assigned 48 six to thirteen years old children with phimosis to an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 23) to be treated by circumcision. After surgery, the patients in the experimental group received application of skin wound induction gel while those in the control group received that of povidone iodine only to the glans and incision. We recorded and compared the glans scabbing rate, class-A wound healing rate, and wound healing time between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Glans scabbing was observed in 3 cases in the experimental group and 17 cases in the control group (12.0% vs 73.9%, P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found in the rate of class-A wound healing between the two groups (100% vs 91.3%, P > 0.05). The wound healing time was significantly shorter in the experimental than in the control group ([10.7 ± 1.7] d vs [11.9 ± 2.1] d, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Post-circumcision application of skin wound induction gel to the glans and incision can effectively reduce glans secreta, alleviate inflammatory reaction, and shorten the healing time in the treatment of phimosis in children.

Is steroids therapy effective in treating phimosis? A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We evaluated a systematic review on the therapeutic efficacy of topical steroids in children with phimosis to provide data for the clinical options of pediatric phimosis. METHODS: We searched the related original studies on topical steroid therapy in pediatric phimosis before August 2014. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, data extraction, risk of bias and reporting quality assessment with confirmation by cross-checking. The quality of eligible studies was appraised with the 'Cochrane handbook.' The meta-analysis was performed by REVMAN 5.2 software. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included with 1669 patients among which 1093 received topical steroids and 576 cases treated with placebo or only manual reduction. Significant difference of the treatment efficacy was detected among the three methods [OR 7.46, 95 % CI (4.42, 12.58), p < 0.00001]. In subgroup analysis, significant difference of the treatment efficacy was also detected whether with placebo or manual reduction only [respectively, OR 5.04, 95 % CI (3.19, 7.95), p < 0.00001; OR 16.28, 95 % CI (6.06, 43.69), p < 0.00001]. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the placebo or manual reduction method, the topical steroid therapy is more effective in the treatment of phimosis in children. Although there is still controversy in the different type and dosage of steroid, this could be used against phimosis before circumcision.