Efficacy of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing 20 μg of ethinyl estradiol and 100 μg of levonorgestrel for the treatment of moderate acne: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial - 01/09/11
Abstract |
Background: Acne is a multifactorial disease in which androgens appear to play an important role. A low-dose oral contraceptive containing 20 μg of ethinyl estradiol and 100 μg of levonorgestrel (EE/LNG) has been shown to improve biochemical markers of androgenicity. Lowering bioavailable androgens may improve acne. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing 20 μg of EE and 100 μg of LNG for the treatment of moderate acne. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, healthy female subjects (n = 371; ≥14 years old) with regular menstrual cycles and moderate facial acne were randomly assigned to receive EE/LNG or placebo for 6 cycles of 28 days. Acne lesion counts and clinician global assessment were performed at the end of each cycle. Patient self-assessments were collected and biochemical markers of androgenicity were also measured. Results: At the end of the study, the number of inflammatory and total lesions was significantly lower with EE/LNG compared with placebo (P < .05). Patients in the EE/LNG group also had significantly better scores for clinician global and patient self-assessments than those in the placebo group (P < .05). Biochemical markers of androgenicity improved during EE/LNG treatment compared with placebo and baseline values. Conclusion: A low-dose oral contraceptive containing EE/LNG is effective and safe for the treatment of moderate acne. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47:399-409.)
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Abbreviations : 3⍺-diol G, AG, ANCOVA, CGA, DHEAS, DHT, EE, LNG, OC, SHBG
Plan
Funding sources: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. |
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Disclosure: Drs Leyden, Shalita, Hordinsky, Swinyer, and Stanczyk have received research grants from and/or have served as consultants for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Dr Margaret Weber is an employee of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Competing conflicts of interest are: Dr Leyden (Parke-Davis and Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc); Dr Shalita (Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc); Dr Hordinsky (Parke-Davis); Dr Swinyer (RW Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute and Parke-Davis); and Dr Stanczyk (none). |
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Reprint requests: Margaret E. Weber, MD, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, 150 Radnor-Chester Rd, St Davids, PA 19087. |
Vol 47 - N° 3
P. 399-409 - septembre 2002 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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