Abstract | BACKGROUND/AIMS: Therapeutic options for the treatment of plaque morphea are limited. We explored the efficacy and safety of imiquimod cream in children with plaque morphea. METHODS: Prospective, open-label, double-baseline study, using imiquimod 5% cream topically for 9 months. The primary outcome measure was improvement in the thickening of morphea plaques using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the DIET score (dyspigmentation/induration/ erythema/ telangiectasia). Secondary outcome measures were clinicoradiographic correlations and frequency of adverse events. RESULTS: Nine patients, 89% females, with a mean age of 11.33 years (SD = 3.52) were enrolled. At 36 weeks, the mean VAS had decreased from 48.08 (SD = 18.85) to 22.7 (SD = 12.9) (p < 0.0001), and the mean DIET score from 4.38 (SD = 1.2) to 3.06 (SD = 1.39) (p = 0.23). There was very good interrater reliability between DIET score assessments (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.75) and VAS (ICC = 0.59) and moderate agreement between parent and investigator VAS (ICC = 0.5). Ultrasonographically measured dermis thickness changed from 1.05 (SD = 0.34) to 0.95 (SD = 0.19) (p = 0.001). One patient experienced ulceration that required temporary discontinuation of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This proof of concept study revealed that imiquimod 5% cream is effective in decreasing the thickening of plaque morphea and safe for pediatric use. Further prospective studies are warranted.
|
Authors | Elena Pope, Andrea S Doria, Marc Theriault, Arun Mohanta, Ronald M Laxer |
Journal | Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
(Dermatology)
Vol. 223
Issue 4
Pg. 363-9
( 2011)
ISSN: 1421-9832 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 22327486
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Copyright | Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel. |
Chemical References |
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Aminoquinolines
- Ointments
- Imiquimod
|
Topics |
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Adolescent
- Aminoquinolines
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Child
- Dermis
(diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Imiquimod
- Male
- Ointments
- Pilot Projects
- Prospective Studies
- Scleroderma, Localized
(diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
- Skin Ulcer
(chemically induced)
- Treatment Outcome
- Ultrasonography
|