The Therapeutic Effect of 5% Imiquimod Cream on Pyogenic Granuloma / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Conventional interventions for pyogenic granuloma include excision, electrodessication and curettage, cryotherapy, and laser ablation, all of which can be associated with local tissue destruction, scarring, and recurrence in some cases. Although imiquimod is commonly regarded as an immune response modifier, it also induces antiangiogenic factors such as tissue inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), IL-12 and increases apoptosis in vascular tumors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of imiquimod on pyogenic granuloma. METHODS: Twelve patients with pyogenic granuloma were treated with 5% imiquimod cream every night for up to 8 weeks. Therapeutic efficacy, side effects and patient's satisfaction scale were evaluated. RESULTS: The onset time of effects ranged from 1 to 11 days (mean: 4.6 days). The clearance rate at 8 weeks after treatment was 83.3% and the mean time for clearance was 3.6 weeks. 3 of 12 (25%) patients experienced local pain, erosion and hemorraging as adverse events. However, there has been no recurrence, scarring, or hypopigmentation after more than 8 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Imiquimod may represent a safe, simple and effective alternative in the management of pyogenic granuloma. This therapeutic modality may be of particular benefit in children and patients whose lesions are on the face.