The role of Bleomycin in management of hypertrophic scars and keloids – A clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Keloids and hypertrophic scars remain a nagging problem even with the emergence of multiple modalities in their treatment. The wide range of modalities used for their treatment also point out that no single treatment is definitively superior. Aims: The aim of this study was to define the role of Bleomycin and to confirm its effectiveness in the management o keloids and hypertrophic scars. Settings and Design: This was a prospective clinical trial involving 20 patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids. Methods and Material: The patients were treated with four monthly injections of Bleomycin and were followed for 6 months after the termination of treatment course. Assessment of the size of keloids and hypertrophic scars was done at the beginning, at the time of stopping the therapy and during the follow-up. Statistical analysis used: The response to treatment was divided into the following categories: 75 percent flattening = excellent response. Results: Of the twenty patients, 13(65%) showed excellent response, 3(15%) showed good response, 2(10%) showed fair response and 2(10%) showed poor response. There was complete resolution of symptoms in 11 patients (55%) and improvement in the other 9(45%). Conclusions: Bleomycin is one of the most effective and safest modality for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids

Keywords

• Bleomycin
• hypertrophic scars