The efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream in the prevention of recurrence of excised keloids
Chuangsuwanich, A.; Gunjittisomram, S.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 90(7): 1363-1367
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 17710978 Document Number: 3081
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 5% imiquimod cream in the prevention of recurrence of excised keloids.Material and Method: The patients with keloids that had occurred over I year and could be excised and primary sutured were enrolled in the study. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied to the scar 7 days after stitches removal. The patients were follow-up for recurrence and drug side effect at 4, 6, 8, 16, and 24 weeksResults: Forty-five patients enrolled to the study but only 35 patients finished the study. The keloids were at the pinnas in 22 patients, at the backs or shoulders in 7 patients, and at chest walls or necks in 6 patients. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied on the wound area 2 weeks after the operation, at alternate night for 8 weeks. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 9 months. Ten of the treated keloids recurred (28.6% recurrent rate). The lesion at the pinna had the lowest recurrent rate (2.9% recurrent of the total patients). The highest recurrent rate occurred at the chest wall or neck (83.3% recurrent of the chest wall or neck or 14.3% of the total patients). Side effects were found in thirteen patients (37. 1%). These were abrasions of the skin around the wound areas in ten patients and hyperpigmentation of the skin around the wounds in three patients.Conclusion: Imiquimod 5% cream could effectively prevent recurrence of the excised keloids, especially in the area that had less tension such as pinna.
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