Bleomycin in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars by multiple needle punctures.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars has been difficult and a recent French study showed that bleomycin has been useful in the treatment of these lesions.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effectiveness and safety of bleomycin in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids when this drug is administered through multiple superficial punctures.

METHODS:

We applied bleomycin to keloids and hypertrophic scars in 13 patients using a multiple-puncture method on the surface of the skin. All patients were given bleomycin at a concentration of 1.5 IU/ml. Clinical response after treatment was classified according to the following scale: complete flattening (100%), highly significant flattening (>90%), or significant flattening (75-90%).

RESULTS:

The clinical response was very positive in all cases: complete flattening in six cases, highly significant flattening in six cases, and significant flattening in one case. Two patients presented a recurrence as a small nodule 10 and 12 months after the last infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS:

These clinical findings show that administration of bleomycin in keloids and hypertrophic scars shows promise and needs further investigation.

• Authors: A España, T Solano, E Quintanilla
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 23-7 (Jan 2001) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11231236 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bleomycin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Bleomycin (administration & dosage)
• Cicatrix, Hypertrophic (drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Keloid (drug therapy, pathology)
• Male
• Needles
• Punctures (methods)