The efficacy and tolerability of dapsone 5% gel in female vs male patients with facial acne vulgaris: gender as a clinically relevant outcome variable.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Gender differences in skin and acne have been reported.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of gender on the efficacy and tolerability of dapsone 5% gel.

METHODS:

This was a pooled analysis of data from 2 identical phase 3 randomized, double-blind, and vehicle-controlled trials (DAP0203 and DAP0204) of dapsone 5% gel conducted in the United States and Canada between November 2002 and September 2003. A total of 2,898 patients with acne vulgaris were included in the pooled analysis. Of these, 1,453 patients (753 female, 700 male) received dapsone 5% gel twice daily, and 1,445 patients (767 female, 678 male) received vehicle twice daily. End points included the mean percentage reduction from baseline in acne lesion counts and the proportion of patients achieving clinical success (Global Acne Assessment Scale score of 0, clear skin, or 1, almost clear skin). Assessments were performed at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12.

RESULTS:

The mean percentage reduction in acne lesion counts at 12 weeks was significantly greater in females than males in both treatment groups. The mean reduction in total lesion counts in dapsone-treated females and males was, respectively, 46.6% vs 35.8% (P<.0001). Reductions in papulopustular and comedonal lesion counts were likewise significantly higher in female than male patients (each P<.0001). Significantly more dapsone-treated females than males achieved clinical success (48.6% vs 34.4%; P=.0003).

CONCLUSION:

The response to dapsone 5% gel appears to be influenced by gender, with female patients experiencing a significantly greater reduction in acne lesion counts and a significantly higher clinical success rate following 12 weeks of treatment. These data suggest that gender is a novel predictor of outcome that should be considered in acne clinical trial design and analysis.

• Authors: Emil Tanghetti, Julie C Harper, Michael G Oefelein
• Journal: Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (J Drugs Dermatol) Vol. 11 Issue 12 Pg. 1417-21 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 1545-9616 [Print] United States
• PMID: 23377510 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Gels
• Dapsone

Topics

• Acne Vulgaris (drug therapy, pathology)
• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anti-Infective Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Dapsone (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Gels
• Humans
• Male
• Sex Characteristics
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult