Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Novel Prophylactic and Therapeutic Approaches. Part One: Topical Zinc Sulfate 25% and Heat Dermabrasion plus Topical Trichloroacetic Acid.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease; relatively mild XP patients are sometimes designated as having pigmented xerodermoid or xerodermoid pigmentosum (XP-V), a variant of XP. It is commonly associated with many long-standing skin conditions and tumors, including malignancies, management of which is necessary to prevent the progress of the disease. The objective of the study was to report the use of a number of innovative therapeutic and prophylactic treatments, beyond surgery, such as topical 5-fluorouracil, topical imiquimod, other topical immunomodulators, or photodynamic therapy, in treating skin eruptions and their complications in XP patients. This was a prospective therapeutic interventional study in which 50 patients with XP-V were evaluated. Age of subjects ranged from 2 to 50 years with a mean age of 18 years. This study was divided into two parts. In part one, patients were treated by applying topical zinc sulfate 25% twice daily on entire face for 2 months, then once daily for several months or years. In another instance, two women were treated with heat dermabrasion with needle diathermy on the entire face under local anesthesia, followed by application of trichloroacetic acid 35% peeling in a single session. In part two, topical podophyllin 25% was used as therapy for 18 patients, all of whom had XP complications, such as keratoacanthoma, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell cancers.1 Podophyllin was applied to the lesions until complete resolution was documented. All patients treated with topical zinc sulfate 25% responded well as determined by clearance of actinic keratoses (ActK) and small malignant lesions, minimization of pigmented freckles, prevention of new lesions, and ceased progress of eruptions. Heat dermabrasion administered in a single session resulted in the clearance of pigmented freckles, ActK, and small tumors, and cessation of new eruptions during follow-up that continued for up to 6 years.

Effectiveness and safety of topical application of diphenylcyclopropenone versus podophyllin in treatment of genital warts.

BACKGROUND: Many therapeutic modalities are available for treating genital warts; however, the effectiveness of both diphenylcyclopropenone and podophyllin is still controversial. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of diphenylcyclopropenone and podophyllin in treating genital warts. METHODS: This study included 57 patients, divided randomly into two groups. Group (A): diphenylcyclopropenone (n = 29). Group (B): podophyllin 25% (n = 28). In group (A), sensitization was done with 2% diphenylcyclopropenone. Then, after 1 or 2 weeks, treatment started with a weekly application of diphenylcyclopropenone solutions ranging between 0.001 and 1% until clearance, or for a maximum of 10 sessions. In group (B), podophyllin 25% was applied weekly until clearance or for a maximum of 6 weeks. RESULTS: Higher clearance was achieved in group A, with 19 of 29 (65.5%) patients, than in group B, with 9 of 28 (32.1%) (p-value = 0.004). Also, effectiveness increases with young age in group A. Shorter wart duration was associated with better response in both groups (p-value = 0.005). No serious adverse effects occurred in either group. No recurrence was detected in group A, while seven patients (77.8%) had recurrence in group B after 1 year of follow up. CONCLUSION: Diphenylcyclopropenone shows a higher success rate than podophyllin in treating genital warts and a lower recurrence rate.

Trends of genital wart in Korea according to treatment method classification: Big data analysis of health care in 2010-2019.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate disease trend of genital wart through changes in each treatment method over the past 10 years in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2019, surgical treatment including cauterization, excision, cryotherapy, and laser therapy, non-surgical treatment such as podophyllin, and surgical treatment for anorectal lesion were extracted and analyzed from 2010 to 2019. For each treatment method, characteristics such as sex, age, region, medical cost and average number of procedures were analyzed. RESULTS: The number of patients following all treatment modalities increased every year. Surgical treatment of genital wart and anorectal wart showed a significant increase in male patients. Number of non-surgical treatment decreased in males but increased in females. Surgical removal of the anorectal wart increased more than 250% in over 10 years, and males underwent surgery 4 times more than females. In both surgery and non-surgery, the mean session was higher in males. Most of them were carried out in primary medical institutions. In Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, the largest number of patients received treatment regardless of treatment method. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment for genital warts has increased rapidly over the past 10 years, and the increase in males is remarkable. The main treatment was surgery, and males mainly received surgical treatment, and females mainly received drug treatment. The primary medical institution was in charge of the most treatment. As the number of patients and related medical expenses are increasing rapidly, more attention and response to diseases are needed.

Cantharidin-Podophyllin-Salicylic Acid Formulation as a First-Line Treatment for Plantar Warts? A Case Report with Multiple Plantar Warts of Human Papillomavirus Biotype 27 and Previous Failed Treatments.

BACKGROUND Plantar warts are benign skin tumors caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are multiple treatments, but none ensure absolute success. Successful treatment depends on several factors, such as the location, number of lesions, HPV biotype, and the patient's health condition. This report presents a 53-year-old woman who had multiple recalcitrant plantar warts with HPV biotype 27 that were treated using a cantharidin-podophyllin-salicylic acid (CPS) formulation after 2 failed treatments. CASE REPORT A 53-year-old woman was seen on October 25, 2021. She had 6 plantar warts due to HPV biotype 27, which was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using a sample of hyperkeratosis scales obtained from the wart after debridement. Five cryotherapy sessions were applied, without clinical improvement. Two sessions of nitric-acid-zinc complex were then applied, from which the patient reported severe pain, without clinical improvement. Finally, 3 sessions of CPS formulation were applied, and the HPV remitted in all warts. CONCLUSIONS Conservative treatments, such as cryotherapy, have not been effective in a case of multiple recalcitrant plantar warts. The combined action of the 3 compounds of CPS formulation was key in the resolution of this case. Plantar wart treatment should be easy to apply, effective, fast, and efficient. In cases of recalcitrant or numerous warts, treatment should be more aggressive from the beginning if the patient's lifestyle allows it. It would be interesting to conduct randomized clinical trials to find out which patients could be indicated for the CPS formulation as a first line of treatment.

Giant perianal condyloma successfully treated with podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum

Purpose: Giant perianal condyloma (GPC) is a rare condition. The effective treatment is a multidisciplinary challenge; topical treatments are usually ineffective, and surgical resection has significant morbidity. Podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum (25%PSP) can be an effective treatment option for GPC. The aim of the present study was to assess its response and tolerability. Methods: This retrospective, single-center case series evaluated the clinical response of 14 patients with GPC treated with 25%PSP in a public hospital in Buenos Aires between December 2015 and December 2019. After obtaining a full history and performing a physical exam, the lesions were measured and photographed. Biopsies were performed to exclude malignancy, as well as exams to rule out pregnancy. Podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum was administered topically in cases of GPC and washed off by the patients at home after 4 hours. The patients underwent at least 4 weekly visits, which included interval history, photodocumentation of the lesions, and provider-applied 25%PSP. The response rate was assessed by comparingmeasurements and the overall decrease in volume of the GPC based on photos from the first and last sessions. Adverse outcomes were noted. Results: In total, 10 men, 3 women, and 1 transgender woman with GPC unresponsive to prior treatments and a mean age of 34.5 years were included. A total of 12 patients were immunosuppressed. All the perianal lesions were circumferential and measured between 8 cm and 20 cm. Overall, 7 patients had genital condyloma outside of the anus and perianus; the histology showed low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in all cases. While on treatment, 7 patients reported dermatitis, and 71% of the patients had 75% reduction in lesion size. Conclusions: Podophyllin at 25% in solid petrolatum is an effective, well-tolerated topical treatment option for GPC. (AU)

[Consensus on HPV of the Portuguese Society of Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Reproduction: Treatment]. / Consensos em HPV Masculino da Sociedade Portuguesa de Andrologia, Medicina Sexual e Reprodução: Tratamento.

The treatment of condyloma is generally a challenge in clinical practice. Although the spontaneous resolution rate is high, a significant proportion of patients seek treatment, not because of symptomatology, but mainly for aesthetic issues and concerns related to the transmission or worsening of existing lesions. The available treatments should be applied only for clinically evident macroscopic lesions. Ideally, available therapies should have rapid action onset and clearance, resolve symptoms, reduce recurrence rate and viral load, be effective in treating small lesions, and be well tolerated. However, none of the currently available treatments is clearly more effective than the others and there is no ideal treatment for all patients or for all condyloma. Therefore, the therapeutic decision should be based on the clinician's experience, available resources, lesion morphology, size, number and location, primary or recurrent lesions, disease severity, patient preference and expectations, patient's immune competence, convenience, tolerance, cost of treatment and results of previous therapies. The available treatments are divided into three groups: applied by the patient himself (imiquimod 3.75 or 5%, podophyllotoxin .5%, synecatekines 10% or 15%), applied by the health care provider (bi- and tricloacetic acids 80%-90%, intralesional interferon alpha, cryotherapy, surgical removal, electrofulguration, laser ablation) and experimental or alternative therapies (topical cidofovir, intralesional bleomycin, photodynamic therapy). Treatment methodologies can be further divided into their action - ablative or destructive treatment (cryotherapy, electrofulguration, laser ablation, surgical excision), cytotoxic or proapoptotic treatments (podophyllotoxin .5%, 5-fluoruracil, bleomycin) and immunomodulatory treatments (imiquimod 3.75% or 5%, synecatekines 10% or 15%, intralesional interferon alpha). The overall success rate of the various treatments available ranges from 23% to 94%. Only treatments that include cryotherapy or surgical excision are suitable in condyloma with any anatomical location and that have the highest success rate in monotherapy. Recurrences are common regardless of the treatment received. In contrast, immunomodulatory therapies despite having lower initial clearance rates appear to have higher probabilities of cure in the medium term, with low recurrence rates. Some treatments may be combined with each other and the effectiveness of combined therapies appears to be superior to monotherapy (proactive sequential treatment). The consensuses for the treatment of HPV also consider special situations: immunocompromised patients, meatus and intraurethral lesions and treatment of the partner.

Ingenol Mebutate Gel 0.05% in the Treatment of Anogenital Warts: A Prospective Controlled Trial Comparing It With Topical Podophyllin Solution 25.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital warts (AGWs) are a common therapeutic challenge. All therapies are associated with burning, pain, and frustrating high rate of recurrence. The search for a new alternative continues. Recently, a diterpene ester extracted from the Euphorbia peplus plant (ingenol mebutate [IM]) has been shown to possess activity against AGWs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of topical 0.05% ingenol gel with another herbal extract medication (topical 25% podophyllin solution) in treatment of AGWs. METHODS: This was a comparative single blinded nonrandomized, 2-arm trial of ingenol 0.05% gel versus podophyllin solution 25% administered up to 6 times to patients with AGWs. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, the complete clearance rate and recurrence rate were assessed 1 and 12 weeks after last treatment, respectively. Safety was assessed by occurrence and severity of pain and local skin reaction (LSR). RESULTS: Of 31 and 36 patients in the IM group and podophyllin group who completed the study, initial complete resolution was observed in 20 (64.5%) and 14 (38.9%) patients, respectively (P = 0.03). The initial clearance was faster in the IM group (2.00 ± 0.91 weeks) compared with the podophyllin group (4.21 ± 1.05 weeks, P = 0.00). After 3 months, recurrence was seen in 13 (65.0%) of 20 patients in the IM group and 6 (42.8%) of 14 in the podophyllin group (P = 0.20). The number of patients with complete resolution after 3 months was not different between the 2 groups (7/31 in the IM group and 8/36 in the podophyllin group, P = 0.97). The mean ± SD severity scores for LSR and pain in the IM group were 6.65 ± 1.76 and 6.13 ± 2.57, respectively, which was significantly higher than their scores (3.39 ± 1.57 and 2.58 ± 1.38) in the podophyllin group (P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Ingenol mebutate 0.05% gel is effective as podophyllin 25% solution in treating AGWs, with further benefit of being much more rapid. However, high recurrence rate, sever pain, and LSR limit its use.

Unusual presentation of a disseminated oral HPV infection after combined antiretroviral therapy initiation.

HPV clinical manifestations have their characteristics modified by the use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), although its incidence is unaffected by cART. We report an unusual presentation of oral HPV infection and discuss an effective treatment for disseminated HPV lesions. A 52-year-old male of Asian-origin, HIV-seropositive, presented with extensive nodular lesions throughout the oral mucosa extending to the oropharyngeal region. Biopsy followed by histopathological examination and HPV genotyping were performed. The treatment was initiated with topical application of podophyllin and trichloroacetic acid. HPV lesions in oral mucosa are generally easy to handle. Extensive lesions can make it difficult to choose an effective treatment that meets the patient's particularities and medication availability.

Podofilotoxina 1, 5 mg/g e imiquimode 50 mg/g para condilomas acuminados decorrentes de infecção por papilomavírus humano (HPV) / Podofilotoxin 1. 5 mg / g and imiquimod 50 mg / g for condyloma acuminata due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

CONTEXTO: Condilomas acuminados, ou verrugas anogenitais, são lesões provocadas pela infecção por HPV. Trata-se de uma infecção sexualmente transmissível, de alto contágio. A maior parte dasinfecções por HPV são assintomáticas e o organismo elimina o vírus em poucos meses. Contudo, em alguns casos o vírus permanece nas genitálias, ânus ou na orofaringe e se observa o surgimento de lesões, como os condilomas acuminados, bem como o risco do desenvolvimento de diversas neoplasias. A transmissibilidade da infecção por HPV é maior quando há condilomas acuminados. Não há tratamentos que eliminem ou interfiram na história natural da infecção por HPV. No entanto, existem procedimentos e alternativas farmacológicas para a eliminação dos condilomas acuminados. Os procedimentos e alguns medicamentos são de administração exclusiva por profissionais médicos. Outros medicamentos podem ser aplicados pelo próprio paciente. No Brasil, há registro sanitário para podofilotoxina 1,5 mg/g (ou 0,15%) ou imiquimode 5% (ou 50 mg/g), ambos administráveis pelo paciente. No SUS, estão disponíveis o medicamento podofilina, em concentrações variando entre 100 mg/mL e 250 mg/mL (ou 10% a 25%), e os procedimentos de excisão cirúrgica e de tratamento geral de infecção sexualmente transmissível. TECNOLOGIAS: Podofilina 100 mg/mL a 250 mg/mL solução, podofilotoxina 1,5 mg/g creme e imiquimode 50 mg/g creme. PERGUNTAS: Podofilotoxina é mais eficaz/efetiva e segura em relação a podofilina para o tratamento de pacientes com condilomas acuminados associados à infecção por HPV? Para pacientes com verrugas anogenitais o uso de imiquimode comparado ao placebo ou a outro tratamento farmacológico há regressão completa ou parcial das verrugas após o tratamento? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Evidências clínicas: foram elaborados dois Pareceres Técnico-Científicos, um para cada pergunta de pesquisa. Apenas um estudo comparou diretamente podofilotoxina 0,15% em relação a podofilina 25%. Neste estudo, não houve diferença significativa entre elas para a completa remissão de condilomas acuminados após quatro semanas de tratamento, com proporção de cura de, respectivamente, 44,8% e 44,9%. Este estudo também avaliou a utilização de podofilotoxina 0,5% e esta tecnologia foi significativamente mais eficaz, com 60,0% dos pacientes com remissão completa em quatro semanas. Em outro estudo, podofilotoxina 0,5% não foi significativamente mais eficaz que podofilina 20% na cura em quatro semanas, com eficácia em, respectivamente, 81,2% e 59,3% dos pacientes em seus grupos. Em outros estudos, observou-se que a eficácia de podofilotoxina é significativamente maior que placebo e semelhante a outrastecnologias. Podofilotoxina 0,5% proporciona maior risco para a ocorrência de eventos adversos locais. Já podofilotoxina 0,15% e as variadas concentrações de podofilina proporcionam perfil de segurança semelhante entre si. Sobre a eficácia e segurança de imiquimode 5%, observou-se que o medicamento é mais eficaz que placebo (RR: 4,03; IC 95%: 2,03 a 7,99). Um estudo de metanálise envolvendo comparações diretas e indiretas (Mixed Treatment Comparison), a eficácia de imiquimode 5% foi semelhante à de podofilina de 20% a 25% (OR: 1,07; ICr 95%: 0,15-3,45). Neste estudo, podofilotoxina 0,5% foi significativamente mais eficaz que podofilina ou imiquimode, contudo não avaliou podofilotoxina 0,15%. O perfil de segurança de imiquimode 5% foi considerado semelhante a podofilina e melhor que o de podofilotoxina 0,5%. Não houve comparação em relação a podofilotoxina 0,15%. AVALIAÇÃO DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: A avaliação de podofilotoxina 0,15% e de imiquimode 5% considerou o período entre os anos de 2018 e 2022, as projeções populacionais calculadas pelo IBGE, a prevalência de condilomas acuminados na população, a cobertura da atenção básica pelo SUS e a população sexualmente ativa nos últimos 12 meses. A estimativa de impacto orçamentário total em cinco anos para a potencial incorporação de podofilotoxina 0,15% foi de R$ 758.049,13 para novos casos e R$ 102.159.244,64 para os casos prevalentes. Para imiquimode 5% foi de, respectivamente, R$ 895.438,59 e R$ 120.674.671,98. Considerando os casos prevalentes, o impacto orçamentário médio por habitante para podofilotoxina 0,15% e imiquimode 5% foi de, respectivamente, R$ 0,48 e R$ 0,57. Análises de sensibilidade demonstraram maior que a variação na prevalência afeta mais o resultado do impacto orçamentário em relação ao preço dos tratamentos. As variações nas taxas de difusão das tecnologias proporcionam maior amplitude nas estimativas do impacto orçamentário. RECOMENDAÇÃO DA Conitec: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na 60ª reunião da CONITEC, realizada na data de 04/10/2017, consideraram que a podofilina 10 mg/mL a 250 mg/mL não deve ser excluída do SUS e que a podofilotoxina 1,5 mg/g creme e de imiquimode 50 mg/g creme devem ser incorporados ao SUS. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A Consulta Pública nº 60/2017 foi realizada entre os dias 25/10/2017 e 13/11/2017. Foi recebida uma contribuição sobre experiência com os tratamentos. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na 62ª reunião da CONITEC, 06/12/2017, deliberaram por recomendar a incorporação de podofilotoxina 1,5 mg/g creme, a incorporação do imiquimode 50mg/g creme e a não exclusão de podofilina 100 mg/mL para o tratamento de pacientes com verrugas anogenitais causadas pela infecção por vírus papiloma humano (HPV). Respectivamente, foram assinados os registros de deliberação nº 307/2017, nº 308/2017 e nº 321/2017. DECISÃO: A Portaria nº 64, de 28 de novembro de 2018, publicada no DOU nº 228,seção 1, página 142, tornou pública a decisão de incorporar a podofilotoxina 1,5 mg/g creme e imiquimode 50 mg/g creme e não excluir podofilina 100 mg/mL para o tratamento de pacientes com verrugas anogenitais causadas pela infecção por vírus papiloma humano (HPV), no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS.

Infección genital masculina por virus de papiloma humano / Male genital infection by human papiloma virus

El virus del papiloma humano (VPH) es una de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual más comunes. Puede afectar tanto el aparato genital masculino y femenino, como también el área perianal, ano, y diversas áreas de cabeza y cuello y otorrinolaringológicas, ya sea como lesiones benignas o como promotor de lesiones malignas. Las lesiones benignas por VPH en genitales masculinos se caracterizan fundamentalmente por la aparición de lesiones verrugosas, aunque también puede manifestarse mediante lesiones planas atípicas. En algunos casos hay ausencia de lesiones macroscópicamente visibles que pueden hacerse evidentes con la prueba de ácido acético. La biopsia de la lesión, su evaluación anatomopatológica y, sobre todo, la determinación de la existencia y el tipo de virus involucrado mediante PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa) permiten confirmar el diagnóstico. En algunas ocasiones es necesario realizar una cistoscopia para diagnosticar lesiones intrauretrales y vesicales. Los tratamientos propuestos son muy variados y de eficacia dispar, desde las topicaciones y la electrocirugía o la criocirugía, hasta el empleo de la tecnología láser. La prevención con el uso de protección durante el acto sexual así como la educación sexual son fundamentales. En los últimos 10 años se ha implementado el uso de la vacuna para el VPH en niñas con el fin de disminuir la incidencia de lesiones de alto grado y de cáncer de cuello uterino, pero su indicación en varones es menos clara y aún no ha sido consensuada. (AU)

Human papiloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexual transmitted diseases. It can affect the male genitalia, as well as the perianal and anal regions and multiple areas of the head and neck and otorhinolaryngological structures, as benign lesiones or as a promoter of malignant lesions. Benign male genitalia lesions are characterized mainly by verrucous lesions, although flat atypical lesions can be found, as well as the abscence of macroscopic visible lesions that in some cases can become evident using the acetic acid test. Lesion biopsy, its histological evaluation, and the determination of the existence and type of virus using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) can confirm the diagnosis. In some cases is necessary to do a cistoscopy to diagnose intraurethral and vesical lesions. Proposed treatments are varied and with a wide range of efficacy, from topications to electro or cryosurgery, and the use of laser technology. Sexual education and the use of sexual protection are essential in prevention. In the last 10 years the use of VPH vaccine in girls was widely spread, in order to decrease the incidence of high grade lesions and cervix cancer. Its indication in male patients is less clear and not yet consented among specialists. (AU)

Actualización sobre el tratamiento de las verrugas vulgares en los niños / Treatment of Warts in Children: An Update

Las verrugas víricas son una de las infecciones cutáneas más frecuentes en los niños. Aunque existen múltiples opciones de tratamiento, no hay ningún tratamiento que garantice una total eficacia con una única sesión terapéutica. En la edad pediátrica el tratamiento es particularmente complicado, no solo porque algunos métodos son mal tolerados, sino también porque a menudo las expectativas de los padres respecto a la eficacia del tratamiento son poco realistas. Este artículo proporciona una actualización sobre las diferentes terapias antiverrugas, particularmente enfocado a los pacientes pediátricos, excluyendo el tratamiento de las verrugas de la mucosa oral y anogenital

Warts are among the most common skin infections in children. Although numerous treatment options are available, none are completely effective in a single session. Treatment is particularly complicated in children, not only because certain treatments are poorly tolerated, but also because parents frequently have unrealistic expectations. In this article, we offer an update on the treatments available for warts, focusing specifically on pediatric patients. We do not discuss treatments for oral and anogenital warts

Imiquimod for anogenital warts in non-immunocompromised adults.

BACKGROUND: 30% of people with anogenital warts (AGW) have spontaneous regression of lesions but there is no way to determine whether a specific lesion will remain. There are a wide range of options available for treating people with AGW and selection is based on clinician's experience, patient preferences and adverse effects. The imiquimod could offer the advantages of patient-applied therapies without incurring the limitations of provider-administered treatments. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of imiquimod for the treatment of AGW in non-immunocompromised adults. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Sexually Transmitted Infections Group Specialized Register (15 April 2014), CENTRAL (1991 to 15 April 2014), MEDLINE (1946 to 15 April 2014), EMBASE (1947 to 15 April 2014), LILACS (1982 to 15 April 2014), World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP) (15 April 2014), ClinicalTrials.gov (15 April 2014), Web of Science (2001 to 15 April 2014) and OpenGrey (15 April 2014). We also handsearched conference proceedings, contacted trial authors and reviewed the reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of imiquimod with placebo, any other patient-applied or any other provider-administered treatment (excluding interferon and 5-fluorouracil which are assessed in other Cochrane Reviews) for the treatment of AGW in non-immunocompromised adults. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We resolved any disagreements through consensus. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: Ten RCTs (1734 participants) met our inclusion criteria of which six were funded by industry. We judged the risk of bias of the included trials as high. Six trials (1294 participants) compared the use of imiquimod versus placebo. There was very low quality evidence that imiquimod was superior to placebo in achieving complete and partial regression (RR 4.03, 95% CI 2.03 to 7.99; RR 2.56, 95% CI 2.05 to 3.20, respectively). When compared with placebo, the effects of imiquimod on recurrence (RR 2.76, 95% CI 0.70 to 10.91), appearance of new warts (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.00) and frequency of systemic adverse reactions (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.32) were imprecise. We downgraded the quality of evidence to low or very low. There was low quality evidence that imiquimod led to more local adverse reactions (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.53) and pain (RR 11.84, 95% CI 3.36 to 41.63).Two trials (105 participants) compared the use of imiquimod versus any other patient-applied treatment (podophyllotoxin and podophyllin). The estimated effects of imiquimod on complete regression (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.48), partial regression (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.47), recurrence (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.11) or the presence of local adverse reactions (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.54) were imprecise (very low quality evidence). There was low quality evidence that systemic adverse reactions were less frequent with imiquimod (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.98).Finally, two trials (335 participants) compared imiquimod with any other provider-administered treatment (ablative methods and cryotherapy). There was very low quality of evidence that imiquimod did not have a lower frequency of complete regression (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.28). There was very low quality evidence that imiquimod led to a lower rate of recurrence during six-month follow-up (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.56) but this did not translate in to a lower recurrence from six to 12 months (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.25; very low quality evidence). There was very low quality evidence that imiquimod was associated with less pain (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.54) and fewer local reactions (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.74). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The benefits and harms of imiquimod compared with placebo should be regarded with caution due to the risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency for many of the outcomes we assessed in this Cochrane Review. The evidence for many of the outcomes that show imiquimod and patient-applied treatment (podophyllotoxin or podophyllin) confer similar benefits but fewer systematic reactions with the Imiquimod, is of low or very low quality. The quality of evidence for the outcomes assessing imiquimod and other provider-administered treatment were of very low quality.

Efficacy of combination therapy of oral zinc sulfate with imiquimod, podophyllin or cryotherapy in the treatment of vulvar warts.

AIM: Zinc sulfate is beneficial in the treatment of epithelial warts. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy of combination therapy of oral zinc sulfate with conventional treatments in the treatment of vulvar warts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample size was 42 in each group. Women aged 20-50 years were placed by the block randomized method into six groups: the podophyllin-, imiquimod- and cryotherapy-treated groups, and another three groups receiving 8-week combination therapy of 400 mg oral zinc sulfate with one of the above-mentioned treatments. Data were analyzed using anova and Fischer's exact test with spss16. RESULTS: A total of 228 patients were recruited and completed the study in six treatment groups. No significant difference was observed in the response to treatment among these groups. Relapse after 6 months was significantly higher in the podophyllin-, imiquimod- and cryotherapy-treated patients compared to patients receiving these treatments in combination with oral zinc sulfate (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy of oral zinc sulfate with conventional treatments of vulvar warts appears to reduce the relapse rate.

Giant disseminated condylomatosis in SLE.

INTRODUCTION: Females with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have higher prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can lead to the development of warts. Herein we report the first case of giant disseminated condylomatosis (GDC) in a SLE female on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). CASE REPORT: The patient, a 33-year-old, Black female, was diagnosed with SLE during her first pregnancy in 2003 based on the features of arthritis, skin rash, seizures, nephritis and presence of antinuclear antibodies. Her pregnancy resulted in preterm delivery of a stillborn fetus at 28 weeks. Since that time she has been treated with steroids and different regimens of immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and lately MMF. In the last few years she presented GDC involving the genital area in addition to skin on the lower abdomen. Topical therapy with trichloroacetic acid, imiquimod and podophyllin was only partially effective. Different types of HPV were identified in the lesions, being HPV-11 in abdomen, HPV 6, 11, 42 in vulva, HPV-6, 11 in vagina and HPV-6, 11 in endocervix. CONCLUSIONS: GDC may be a complication of SLE, secondary to the disease itself, its treatment or other factors not yet identified.

[Comparative assessment of the methods of treatment of Condylomata acuminata].

The treatment of Condylomata acuminata often causes disappointment to both the physician and the patient since most of the current medical approaches require multiple examines while on the other hand success rates are low and recurrence rates remain high. The treatment approaches include surgical as well as non-surgical methods. The non-surgical treatment includes the application of local agents such as imiquimod, podophyllotoxin, and 5-fluorouracil. Other local agents, used in outpatient treatment settings, include trichloroacetic acid (TCA), podophyllin, or the intralesional application of agents such as interferon and bleomycin. The surgical methods include cryotherapy, electrosurgery, excision and laser therapy. Their major goal is the removal of the visible lesions. The development of the laser systems and the new HPV vaccines are a significant progress in the treatment and prevention of the HPV infections.

New alternative in treatment of callus.

The pathological transformation of the skin into a thick and hard callus due to repetitive trauma or friction is commonly known as corn. Although a variety of medical and operative treatment choices have been proposed, an ideal treatment method is yet to be defined. Effectiveness of tangential excision together with topical cantharidin has been evaluated. We used Canthacur-PS as an adjunct to excision in an outpatient setting. Canthacur-PS is a commercially available topical solution that includes 1% cantharidin, 30% salicylic acid and 5% podophyllin. The treatment has been applied to 72 patients. We found that 65 patients (90.3%) had corn on their feet and seven patients (9.7%) on their hands. Thick, hard and hyperkeratotic skin area was scraped with the help of a no. 15 blade. The solution was applied on and around the periphery (up to 1­2 mm) of the lesion with a cotton swab, and kept closed for 5 days with an antibiotic dressing. All the patients had been followed up for at least 1 year and evaluated by clinical examination and patient satisfaction query. One session of treatment succeeded in 57 (79.2%) corn patients. Two sessions in nine corn patients (12.5%), three sessions in five corn patients (6.9%) and four sessions in one patient (1.4%) were needed. Only one recurrence (1.4%) was seen. No scar formation or other side-effects were seen. Our findings show that this treatment method is a simple, minimally invasive and reliable treatment for calluses.

Eficacia terapéutica comparativa entre la podofilina y el allium sativum en el condiloma acuminado / Comparative therapeutic eficiency between podophylline and allium savitum in verruga acuminata

Se realizó un estudio abierto, controlado, para comparar la eficacia de podofilina 25 por ciento y Allium sativum en el tratamiento del Condiloma Acuminado. Se incluyeron al azar 30 pacientes: 15, en el grupo A y 15, en el grupo B, en la consulta dermatológica del Hospital Universitario Celia Sánchez Manduley 2006-2007; aplicando al grupo A podofilina 25 por ciento, 2 veces a la semana, y el grupo B Allium sativum, 2 veces por semana. Ambos productos tópicamente por 6 semanas. La eficacia terapéutica fue evaluada una semana después de culminar el tratamiento comparando el estado inicial y final de las lesiones. A los pacientes curados, se les realizó seguimiento trimestral durante un año para detectar posibles recidivas. La eficacia terapéutica fue mejor en el grupo B 73,3 por ciento con menos recidivas 9,1 por ciento, aunque estadísticamente la diferencia fue poco significativa. El resultado empezó a verse generalmente entre la 3-4 semana del tratamiento. Se demostró la eficacia del Allium sativum en esta dermatosis(AU)

An opened and controlled study was carried-out, to compare the efficiency of Podophylline 25 percent and Allium sativum in the treatement of verruca acuminata. 30 patients were taken at random: 15 in group A and 15 in group B in the Dermatology consultation of Celia Sánchez M. Universitary Hospital in the year 2006-2007; applaying to group A, Podophylline 25 percent twice per week and Allium savitum to group B twice per week. Both products per six weeks. The therapeutic efficiency was evaluated a week after finishing the treatment comparing the initial state and final lesion. To the cured patients a tracking every three months was carried out during the whole year to detect possible relapses. The therapeutic efficiency was better in group B 73,3 percent with less relapses9,1 percent, although statistically the difference was less significant. The results started to be seen between the three-four weeks of treatment. The eficiency of Allium sativum was proved in this dermatoid lesions(AU)

Eficacia terapéutica comparativa entre la podofilina y el allium sativum en el condiloma acuminado / Comparative therapeutic eficiency between podophylline and allium savitum in verruga acuminata

Se realizó un estudio abierto, controlado, para comparar la eficacia de podofilina 25 por ciento y Allium sativum en el tratamiento del Condiloma Acuminado. Se incluyeron al azar 30 pacientes: 15, en el grupo A y 15, en el grupo B, en la consulta dermatológica del Hospital Universitario Celia Sánchez Manduley (2006-2007); aplicando al grupo A podofilina 25 por ciento, 2 veces a la semana, y el grupo B Allium sativum, 2 veces por semana. Ambos productos tópicamente por 6 semanas. La eficacia terapéutica fue evaluada una semana después de culminar el tratamiento comparando el estado inicial y final de las lesiones. A los pacientes curados, se les realizó seguimiento trimestral durante un año para detectar posibles recidivas. La eficacia terapéutica fue mejor en el grupo B (73,3 por ciento) con menos recidivas (9,1 por ciento), aunque estadísticamente la diferencia fue poco significativa. El resultado empezó a verse generalmente entre la 3-4 semana del tratamiento. Se demostró la eficacia del Allium sativum en esta dermatosisAU)

An opened and controlled study was carried-out, to compare the efficiency of Podophylline 25 percent and Allium sativum in the treatement of verruca acuminata. 30 patients were taken at random: 15 in group A and 15 in group B in the Dermatology consultation of Celia Sánchez M. Universitary Hospital in the year 2006-2007; applaying to group A, Podophylline 25 percent twice per week and Allium savitum to group B twice per week. Both products per six weeks. The therapeutic efficiency was evaluated a week after finishing the treatment comparing the initial state and final lesion. To the cured patients a tracking every three months was carried out during the whole year to detect possible relapses. The therapeutic efficiency was better in group B (73,3 percent) with less relapses (9,1 percent), although statistically the difference was less significant. The results started to be seen between the three-four weeks of treatment. The eficiency of Allium sativum was proved in this dermatoid lesions(AU)