Daily treatment with adapalene gel 0.1% maintains initial improvement of acne vulgaris previously treated with oral lymecycline

Topical retinoids are often recommended for preventing acne recurrence, but there are relatively few well-controlled maintenance studies published. The objective of the present study was to assess the maintenance effect of adapalene gel 0.1% relative to gel vehicle in subjects successfully treated in a previous 12-week adapalene-lymecycline 300 mg combination therapy study. This was a multicentre, investigator-blind, randomised, controlled study in 19 European centres. A total of 136 subjects with moderate to moderately-severe acne vulgaris who showed at least moderate improvement from baseline when treated with either adapalene plus lymecycline or lymecycline plus gel vehicle in a previous 12 week study were included. Subjects were randomised to receive adapalene gel 0.1% or vehicle once-daily for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety criteria included maintenance rate, percent reduction in lesion counts (total, inflammatory, non inflammatory), global severity assessment, cutaneous tolerability, and adverse events. Adapalene provided better results relative to gel vehicle for all efficacy assessments. The maintenance rate for total lesions was 84.7% vs. 63.5% (P = 0.0049) with adapalene and the vehicle, respectively. Adapalene was safe and well tolerated in this study. This study demonstrates a clinical benefit of continued treatment with adapalene gel 0.1% as a maintenance therapy for acne.     

Adapalene 0.1%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel

Adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Epiduo?, Tactuo?) is the only fixed-dose combination product available that combines a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide; it targets three of the four main pathophysiologic factors in acne. This article reviews the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of topical adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in the treatment of patients aged ≥ 12 years with acne vulgaris, as well as summarizing its pharmacologic properties. In three 12-week trials in patients aged ≥12 years with moderate acne, success rates were significantly higher with adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel than with adapalene 0.1% gel or benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel alone, and combination therapy had an earlier onset of action. In addition, significantly greater reductions in total, inflammatory, and noninflammatory lesion counts were seen in patients receiving adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel than in those receiving adapalene 0.1% gel or benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel alone. Adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel did not significantly differ from clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in terms of the reduction in the inflammatory, noninflammatory, or total lesion counts in patients with mild to moderate acne, according to the results of a 12-week trial. Twelve-week studies showed that topical adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in combination with oral lymecycline was more effective than oral lymecycline alone in patients with moderate to severe acne, and topical adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in combination with oral doxycycline hyclate was more effective than oral doxycycline hyclate alone in patients with severe acne. In patients with severe acne who responded to 12 weeks’ therapy with topical adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel plus oral doxycycline hyclate or oral doxycycline hyclate alone, an additional 6 months’ therapy with adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel was more effective than vehicle gel at maintaining response, with further improvement seen in adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel recipients. A noncomparative study also demonstrated the efficacy of 12 months’ therapy with adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in patients with acne vulgaris. Topical adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel was generally well tolerated in patients with acne. In 12-week trials, the most commonly occurring treatment-related adverse events included erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning; these dermatologic treatment-related adverse events were usually of mild to moderate severity, occurred early in the course of treatment, and resolved without residual effects. Topical adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel was generally well tolerated in the longer term, with dry skin being the most commonly occurring treatment-related adverse event over 12 months of treatment. In conclusion, adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel is a valuable agent for the first-line treatment of acne vulgaris.     

Adapalene gel, 0.1%, as maintenance therapy for acne vulgaris: a randomized, controlled, investigator-blind follow-up of a recent combination study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the maintenance effect of adapalene gel, 0.1%, relative to gel vehicle in subjects successfully treated in a previous 12-week study of adapalene-doxycycline, 100 mg, combination therapy. DESIGN: Multicenter, investigator-blind, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Thirty-four US centers. SUBJECTS: A total of 253 subjects with severe acne vulgaris who showed at least moderate improvement from baseline (50% improvement from baseline) when treated with either adapalene plus doxycycline or doxycycline plus gel vehicle in a previous 12-week study. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized to receive adapalene gel, 0.1%, or gel vehicle once daily for 16 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy and safety criteria included maintenance rate (subjects maintaining at least 50% improvement in lesion counts from previous therapy), lesion counts (total, inflammatory, and noninflammatory), global severity assessment, cutaneous tolerability, and adverse events. RESULTS: Adapalene maintenance therapy resulted in significantly larger maintenance rates (75% vs 54%; P<.001) and significantly lower lesion counts (total [P = .005], inflammatory [P = .01], and noninflammatory [P = .02]) compared with gel vehicle. Adapalene was safe and well tolerated in this study.Conclusion This study demonstrates a clinical benefit of continued treatment with adapalene gel, 0.1%, as a maintenance therapy for acne.     

Effect of sequential application of topical adapalene and clindamycin phosphate in the treatment of Japanese patients with acne vulgaris

The efficacy of combined therapy with a retinoid and antibiotic for Japanese patients with acne vulgaris remains to be established. Further, maintenance strategies limiting the use of topical retinoids must be identified. The objectives of this study are to determine the efficacy of sequential application of topical adapalene and clindamycin phosphate and to assess the impact of this regimen on patients' quality of life. Sixty-six patients were recruited. The regimen comprised two phases. For the 4-week initial treatment, 1% clindamycin phosphate gel was applied twice daily and 0.1% adapalene gel, once. In the 4-week maintenance phase, patients were randomly assigned to the OD group (adapalene applied once daily) or the TW group (adapalene applied once daily on 2 days per week). The acne severity score, lesion counts, microcomedone count, and sebum amount were measured. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using Skindex-16. All parameters improved significantly by week 4 of initial treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in the improvement of clinical findings between the groups. All QOL scores improved significantly and did not significantly differ between the groups. Our regimen may enable clinical control of acne in Japanese patients and improve their QOL. For limiting retinoid use, weekly application of adapalene during maintenance is suitable.     

Adapalene–benzoyl peroxide, a unique fixed-dose combination topical gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a transatlantic, randomized, double-blind, controlled study in 1670 patients

Background  Combination therapy utilizing agents with complementary mechanisms of action is recommended by acne guidelines to help simultaneously target multiple pathogenic factors. A unique, topical, fixed-dose combination gel with adapalene 0·1% and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2·5% has recently been developed for the once-daily treatment of acne.
Objectives  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adapalene 0·1%–BPO 2·5% fixed-dose combination gel (adapalene–BPO) relative to adapalene 0·1% monotherapy (adapalene), BPO 2·5% monotherapy (BPO), and the gel vehicle (vehicle) in a large population for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Methods  In total, 1670 subjects were randomized in a double-blind controlled trial to receive adapalene–BPO, adapalene, BPO or vehicle for 12 weeks (1 : 1 : 1 : 1 randomization). Evaluations included success rate (subjects 'clear' or 'almost clear'), percentage change in lesion count from baseline, cutaneous tolerability and adverse events.
Results  Adapalene–BPO was significantly more effective than corresponding monotherapies, with significant differences in percentage lesion count change observed as early as 1 week. Cutaneous tolerability profile was similar to adapalene. Adverse events were more frequent with the combination therapy (mainly due to an increase in mild-to-moderate dry skin), occurred early in the study, and were transient.
Conclusions  Adapalene–BPO provides significantly greater and synergistic efficacy and a faster onset of action with an acceptable safety profile in the treatment of acne vulgaris when compared with the corresponding vehicle and the adapalene and BPO monotherapies.     

0.1%阿达帕林凝胶预防和减轻寻常痤疮复发的多中心随机对照临床试验

目的评价0.1%阿达帕林凝胶维持治疗对于预防和减轻寻常痤疮复发的作用.方法采用多中心、区组随机、开放、对照的方法,共入选患者246例,均为经过阿达帕林和克林霉素(特丽仙)联合治疗或特丽仙单独治疗获得有效(改善≥25%)的寻常痤疮患者,随机分为两组,一组外用0.1%阿达帕林凝胶,另一组不用药,均观察12周.结果239例患者完成治疗和观察,阿达帕林组121例,对照组118例.治疗4周后阿达帕林组炎性皮损数的减少显著优于对照组(P＜0.05),并维持至12周;治疗8周后阿达帕林组皮损总数和非炎性皮损数的减少也显著优于对照组(P＜0.01),并维持至12周.治疗结束后,阿达帕林组总体改善率为66.9%,对照组为4.2%(P＜0.01);阿达帕林组总复发率为4.1%,对照组为83.9%;两组间差异有显著性(P＜0.01).阿达帕林组有个别病例有轻度局部刺激反应,两组间不良反应差异无显著性(P＜0.05).结论阿达帕林凝胶可有效地治疗寻常痤疮,并维持治疗效果,且不增加局部刺激反应,对于减少病情复发具有显著效果.     

Adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% as a fixed-dose combination gel is as well tolerated as the individual components alone in terms of cumulative irritancy

International guidelines recommend the combination of retinoids (e.g. adapalene, tazarotene) and benzoyl peroxide for treating acne because of their complementary mechanisms of action. A new fixed-dose combination gel of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% (adapalene/BPO*) is an effective acne treatment and offers the advantage of a once daily application. This paper reports the results of a cumulative irritancy study in healthy volunteers comparing adapalene/BPO to adapalene 0.1% and BPO 2.5% applied separately, BPO 10% gel, tazarotene 0.1% gel and the gel vehicle as a control.There was no significant difference between the mean cumulative irritation index (MCII) for adapalene/BPO and any test product except tazarotene 0.1% gel, which had a significantly greater MCII than all other test products (p < 0.05). This study showed that adapalene/BPO as a fixed-dose combination is as well tolerated as BPO 2.5% gel alone or adapalene 0.1% gel alone in terms of cumulative irritancy.*Epiduotrade mark, Galderma S.A.     

A 6-month maintenance therapy with adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel prevents relapse and continuously improves efficacy among patients with severe acne vulgaris: results of a randomized controlled trial

Background Acne vulgaris is a chronic and frequently recurring disease. A fixed‐dose adapalene‐benzoyl peroxide (adapalene‐BPO) gel is an efficacious and safe acne treatment. Objectives To assess the long‐term effect of adapalene‐BPO on relapse prevention among patients with severe acne after successful initial treatments. Methods This is a multicentre, double‐blind, randomized and controlled study. In total, 243 subjects who had severe acne vulgaris and at least 50% global improvement after a previous 12‐week treatment were randomized into the present study to receive adapalene‐BPO gel or its vehicle once daily for 24 weeks. Results At week 24, compared with vehicle, adapalene‐BPO resulted in significantly higher lesion maintenance success rate (defined as having at least 50% improvement in lesion counts achieved in initial treatment) for all types of lesions (total lesions: 78·9% vs. 45·8%; inflammatory lesions: 78·0% vs. 48·3%; noninflammatory lesions: 78·0% vs. 43·3%; all P < 0·001). Significantly more subjects with adapalene‐BPO than with vehicle had the same or better Investigator’s Global Assessment score at week 24 than at baseline (70·7% vs. 34·2%; P < 0·001). The time when 25% of subjects relapsed was 175 days with adapalene‐BPO and 56 days with vehicle (17 weeks earlier; P < 0·0001). Adapalene‐BPO led to further decrease of lesion counts during the study and 45·7% of subjects were ‘clear’ or ‘almost clear’ at week 24. It was also safe and well tolerated in the study. Conclusions Adapalene‐BPO not only prevents the occurrence of relapse among patients with severe acne, but also continues to reduce disease symptoms during 6 months.     

Adapalene gel 0.1% is effective and safe for Japanese patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized, multicenter, investigator-blinded, controlled study

BACKGROUND: Topical retinoids, such as adapalene, are an integral part of acne therapy in most regions and are considered appropriate first-line therapy by international guidelines for all cases of acne with the exception of the most severe. However, there are currently no topical retinoids available for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Japan. OBJECTIVE: To confirm efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% versus the corresponding gel vehicle in the treatment of Japanese patients with acne vulgaris for up to 12 weeks. METHODS: A total of 200 patients were randomized to receive adapalene gel 0.1%, or vehicle once-daily for 12 weeks. Percent reduction in lesion counts (total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory) and subject satisfaction were evaluated. Safety was monitored through adverse events and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Adapalene gel 0.1% produced significantly better reductions in total (P<0.0001), inflammatory (P=0.0010), and non-inflammatory lesions (P<0.0001) at endpoint (week 12, last observation carried forward) than gel vehicle, with a higher overall subject satisfaction. The primary efficacy variable, the median percent reduction of total lesion counts at endpoint, was significantly greater with adapalene gel 0.1% (63.2%) compared to that with the vehicle (36.9%) in the ITT population (P<0.0001). Significantly greater results were observed as early as week 1. Adapalene was well tolerated, with adverse events that were mostly mild-to-moderate and transient in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Adapalene gel 0.1% was effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris in Japanese patients. Adapalene was safe and well tolerated, consistent with the good tolerability profile demonstrated in other patient populations.     

Topical Retinoids in Acne Vulgaris

Topical retinoids represent a mainstay of acne treatment because they expel mature comedones, reduce microcomedone formation, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. The first-generation retinoid tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) and the synthetic third-generation polyaromatics adapalene and tazarotene are approved for acne treatment by the US FDA, whereas topical tretinoin, isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid), and adapalene are accredited in Canada and Europe. Topical retinoids have a favorable safety profile distinct from the toxicity of their systemic counterparts. Local adverse effects, including erythema, dryness, itching, and stinging, occur frequently during the early treatment phase. Their impact varies with the vehicle formation, skin type, frequency and mode of application, use of moisturizers, and environmental factors such as sun exposure or temperature. The broad anti-acne activity and safety profile of topical retinoids justifies their use as first-line treatment in most types of non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. They are also suitable as long-term medications, with no risk of inducing bacterial resistance, for maintenance of remission after cessation of initial combination therapy.     

Benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, and their combination in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Benzoyl peroxide and adapalene are among the most effective topical agents used in the treatment of acne. We planned an open-labeled, prospective study to compare the effects and side effects of these two drugs alone and in combination in the treatment of acne vulgaris. One hundred and five consecutive patients (30 men and 75 women) with acne vulgaris were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups with 35 patients in each. The groups were randomly assigned to 0.1% adapalene gel, 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion, or combination of 0.1% adapalene gel +5% benzoyl peroxide treatment. Acne lesions were classified as noninflammatory (open and closed comedones) and inflammatory (papule, pustule, nodule, cyst), and the lesions on the face were counted before the therapy, during the control visits, and after the treatment. Erythema, dryness, burning, and other side effects were recorded during the treatment. The mean age of the patients was 18.44 +/- 3.75 years. Eight patients were excluded because of noncompliance with the treatment regimen or the follow-up schedule, and four patients were excluded due to allergic contact dermatitis. The study revealed that all three therapy protocols were effective in treating noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions in acne vulgaris (p<0.05) and that there was no significant difference between the groups in efficacy or side effects (p>0.05). Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are effective and well tolerated agents for acne vulgaris; combination therapy has no superiority over adapalene or benzoyl peroxide alone.     

Phototoxic effects of topical azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and adapalene were not detected when applied immediately before UVB to normal skin

The enhancing effects on UVB erythema of topical agents applied on sun exposed areas are important due to their increased sunburn risk. Since the lesions in acne vulgaris are seen primarily on the face, the effects of topical agents used in acne treatment on the erythemogenicity of UVB is important. The aim of the present study was to examine whether azelaic acid cream, benzoyl peroxide gel, adapalene gel have the enhancing effects on UVB erythema which are widely used in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. The minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined with phototest in 30 volunteers and the test was repeated with thin (0.1 cc/25 cm(2)) and thick (0.3 cc/25 cm(2)) azelaic acid cream, benzoyl peroxide gel, adapalene gel. The effects of each agent on MED was determined after 24 hours. MEDs of UVB were unaffected by azelaic acid cream, benzoyl peroxide gel and adapalene gel when applied immediately before irradiation. According to our results azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and adapalene do not seem to have enhancing effects on UVB erythema and thus increased sunburn risk.     

阿达帕林凝胶治疗寻常痤疮10年回顾

目的 总结阿达帕林凝胶治疗寻常痤疮的临床文献,为临床合理用药提供参考。方法 对阿达帕林凝胶上市10年来国内有关治疗寻常痤疮的疗效及安全性观察的中文文献进行整理和分析。结果 联合用药组疗效高于单用药物组,阿达帕林凝胶组疗效与其他维A酸类药物疗效相当,但高于其他痤疮药物组,不良反应低于其他药物。结论 阿达帕林凝胶治疗轻中度痤疮安全、有效,可单独或联合用药,还可作为维持治疗。     

Single-blind and comparative clinical study of the efficacy and safety of benzoyl peroxide 4% gel (BID) and adapalene 0.1% Gel (QD) in the treatment of acne vulgaris for 11 weeks

objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a gel containing benzoyl peroxide 4%, used twice daily, with a gel containing adapalene 0.1% used once daily, in the treatment of acne vulgaris for 11 weeks. methods: 178 patients bearing acne vulgaris, aged between 13 and 30 years, were studied in a comparative and single-blind clinical study. The 178 patients were divided into two groups: 89 patients treated with benzoyl peroxide 4% and 89 patients treated with adapalene 0.1%. The treatment duration was 11 weeks. The efficacy assessment was conducted through an accounting of both the inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions in all visits. The safety assessment was conducted through reports regarding adverse reactions and local tolerance in all visits and an overall tolerance at the end of the study. conclusions: The results showed that both treatments were efficient in the reduction of acne lesions after 11 weeks treatment and were well tolerated, without any serious adverse event report. The benzoyl peroxide 4% was superior in the reduction of the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions at weeks 2 and 5, when compared to adapalene 0.1%.     

Japanese Dermatological Association Guidelines: Guidelines for the treatment of acne vulgaris 2017

The Guidelines for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris of the Japanese Dermatological Association was first published in Japanese in 2008 and revised in 2016 and 2017. These guidelines (GL) indicate the standard acne treatments in Japan and address pharmaceutical drugs and treatments applicable or in use in Japan. In these GL, the strength of the recommendation is based on clinical evidences as well as availability in Japanese medical institutions. In the 2016 and 2017 GL, some of the clinical questions were revised, and other questions were added in accordance with approval of topical medicines containing benzoyl peroxide (BPO). Rather than monotherapies of antibiotics, the 2017 GL more strongly recommend combination therapies, especially fixed‐dose combination gels including BPO in the aspects of pharmacological actions and compliance in the acute inflammatory phase to achieve earlier and better improvements. The 2017 GL also indicate to limit the antimicrobial treatments for the acute inflammatory phase up to approximately 3 months and recommend BPO, adapalene, and a fixed‐dose combination gel of 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% BPO for the maintenance phase to avoid the emergence of antimicrobial‐resistant Propionibacterium acnes. The 2017 GL also discuss rosacea, which requires discrimination from acne and a different treatment plan.     

The efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.3% in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized, multicenter, investigator-blinded, controlled comparison study versus adapalene gel 0.1% and vehicle

A randomized, multicenter, investigator-blinded, active- and vehicle-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.3% versus adapalene gel 0.1% and the corresponding gel vehicle. Subjects were assigned randomly to receive either adapalene gel 0.3%, adapalene gel 0.1%, or vehicle once daily for 12 weeks. A total of 214 subjects with moderate to moderately severe acne vulgaris were enrolled, and 85% of subjects completed the study. Adapalene gel 0.3% was significantly superior to adapalene gel 0.1% in total and noninflammatory lesion counts and in global severity score (P < .05 for all). A concentration-dependent increase in clinical benefit for all efficacy assessments was observed. As expected, there were also statistically significant differences in all efficacy parameters in the adapalene gel 0.3% group relative to the vehicle group (P < .001 for all). Treatment-related adverse events were mostly mild-to-moderate and similar between active groups. The results of this study show that adapalene gel 0.3% was superior to adapalene gel 0.1% and vehicle in the treatment of moderate to moderately severe acne while retaining a similar safety and tolerability profile to adapalene 0.1% gel.     

Effects of Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide Combination Gel in Treatment or Maintenance Therapy of Moderate or Severe Acne Vulgaris: A Meta-Analysis

Background

An antibiotic-free, fixed-dose combination gel with adapalene (A) 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% has been developed for treatment of acne vulgaris.

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of A-BPO combination gel with vehicle gel for treatment or maintenance therapy of patients with acne vulgaris.

Methods

An electronic search of the database PubMed (1966 to September 2012), Embase (1984 to September 2012), and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL; 3rd Quarter, 2012) was undertaken to identify relevant studies. Main clinical outcomes were success rate, treatment-related adverse events (AEs), AEs leading to discontinuation, satisfaction with the effectiveness, and overall satisfaction.

Results

Six studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. The A-BPO group yielded better clinical outcomes regarding the success rate (p<0.00001), satisfaction with the effectiveness of treatment (p=0.005), and overall satisfaction (p=0.005) compared to the vehicle group. The incidence of treatment-related AEs in the A-BPO group was comparable with that of vehicle group (p=0.09), while the A-BPO group was associated with a slightly increase in the incidence of AEs leading to discontinuation when compared with the vehicle group (p=0.02).

Conclusion

A-BPO combination gel yields better clinical outcomes including success rate, satisfaction with the effectiveness, and overall satisfaction compared to vehicle gel, despite an increased incidence of AEs leading to discontinuation. The A-BPO combination agent most likely contributes to the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris rather than severe acne vulgaris, but it may be useful in maintenance therapy of patients with severe acne vulgaris.     

夫西地酸乳膏联合阿达帕林凝胶治疗寻常痤疮的临床观察

目的评价2%夫西地酸软膏联合0.1%阿达帕林凝胶治疗轻、中度寻常痤疮的临床疗效及安全性。方法寻常痤疮246例,随机分为3组,治疗组98例,采用2%夫西地酸软膏联合0.1%阿达帕林凝胶治疗;对照A组81例,采用1%克林霉素磷酸酯凝胶联合0.1%阿达帕林治疗;对照B组67例,单独使用0.1%阿达帕林凝胶治疗。均连用8周,分别在治疗后第2,4,8周末观察疗效并评价安全性。结果在治疗后第8周,治疗组有效率93.88%,与对照A组(81.48%)相比差异有统计学意义(P=0.010);治疗组Ⅲ级痤疮的有效率93.02%,与对照A组(69.70%)相比差异有统计学意义(P=0.007);疗程结束后,治疗组复发5例,复发率5.10%,远低于2个对照组。单独外用阿达帕林疗效均欠佳,且复发率较高。在治疗过程中,3组均未见明显不良反应。结论 2%夫西地酸软膏联合0.1%阿达帕林凝胶治疗轻、中度寻常痤疮具有疗效较好、复发率低、不良反应少等优点,是较理想的治疗方案。     

Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation

Adapalene and tretinoin are molecules used in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Commercial formulations (adapalene 0·1% gel and tretinoin 0·025% gel) were mixed with equal volumes of commercially available benzoyl peroxide formulation (10% lotion) and subsequently exposed to light over 24 h. With and without exposition to light, adapalene exhibits a remarkable stability whereas tretinoin is very sensitive to light and oxidation. The combination of benzoyl peroxide and light results in more than 50% degradation of tretinoin in about 2 h and 95% in 24 h.     

New photographic techniques for clinical evaluation of acne

Clinical evaluation of acne is usually based on direct visual assessment and ordinary flash photography, both of which are compromised by viewer subjectivity. It is difficult to accurately assess individual acne lesions and to observe early response to therapy. Standard flash photography has inherent limitations owing to the physics of light; it does not permit consistent visualization of subtle cutaneous characteristics like erythema or microcomedones, and it tends to blur distinctions between active inflammatory lesions and older hyperpigmented macules. Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in newer techniques aimed at increasing the accuracy and objectivity of acne evaluation. These include parallel‐polarized light photography, cross (or perpendicular)‐polarized light photography, videomicroscopy, and fluorescence photography. This article will review the advances of the past decade and summarize new techniques to evaluate acne lesions. Moreover, findings of a study that evaluated the course of individual acne lesions and the effects of adapalene gel 0.1% on inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesions will be viewed. In this study, the use of parallel‐polarized and cross‐polarized photography, in combination with videomicroscopy and sebum production measurement, provided objective, detailed information on the evolution of different variable acne lesions and their response to adapalene gel 0.1%. Adapalene treatment produced rapid resolution of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions, and inhibited formation of new lesions. Sebum secretion rates also declined during treatment. Use of the new assessment techniques proved to be a valuable, non‐invasive and reliable method of assessing acne vulgaris and its response to treatment.