A new treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars with combined triamcinolone and verapamil: a retrospective study

S. B. Kant*, E. van den Kerckhove, C. Colla, S. Tuinder, R. R. W. J. van der Hulst, A. A. Piatkowski de Grzymala

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Since the management of keloid and hypertrophic scars still remains a difficult clinical problem, there is need for adequate, effective therapy. In this study, we explored for the first time the efficacy and the potential synergetic effect of combined triamcinolone and verapamil for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars. The objective was to assess the efficacy of combined intralesional triamcinolone and verapamil therapy for hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Methods: Fifty-eight patients with hypertrophic scars ( n = 31) and keloid scars ( n = 27) were included. A specific injection therapy scheme was applied. Five follow-up moments were chosen, with a maximum follow-up of nearly 2 years. The effects of combination therapy on scar pliability, thickness, relief, vascularization, surface area, pain, and pruritus were examined by means of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS).

Results: Our results reveal a fast and abiding improvement of both keloid and hypertrophic scars after treatment with the combination therapy. All POSAS components showed a reduction in scar score, while scar relief, pain, itchiness, and surface area improved significantly ( P < 0.05) in keloids. Significant improvement in hypertrophic scars was found in scar pigmentation, vascularization, pliability, thickness, pain, and surface area. Overall POSAS scores revealed statistically significant decreases between baseline and 3-4 months, 4-6 months, and >12 months after start of therapy in both keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Conclusions: This study reveals that combined therapy of triamcinolone and verapamil results in overall significant scar improvement with a long-term stable result.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)69-80
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean Journal of Plastic Surgery
Volume41
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2018

Keywords

  • Hypertrophic scars
  • Keloids
  • Kenacort
  • Verapamil
  • ASSESSMENT SCALE
  • RISK-FACTORS
  • MANAGEMENT
  • PATIENT

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