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Tranilast 8% liposomal gel demonstrates efficacy in treating postcesarean scars

Tranilast 8% liposomal gel provided significantly better aesthetic postcesarean surgical scar treatment when compared with placebo, according to study results published in Dermatologic Surgery.

“The good cosmesis and hidden anatomical area make most [cesarean section] scars acceptable and negligible,” Libi Kohavi, MD, of the dermatology department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel, and colleagues wrote. “However, in the minority of cases, [C. section] delivery may produce abnormal, aesthetically unpleasing scarring.”

Kohavi and colleagues conducted a prospective, double-blind study of 26 women (mean age, 35.2 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV and had given birth via C. section up to 5 weeks before entering the study. Each half scar was treated with either tranilast 8% liposomal gel or placebo gel, with treatment applied twice daily for 3 months.

Twenty women completed the 9-month follow-up. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale was used by patients and two investigators to evaluate the scar halves, with patients also rating overall satisfaction and recording adverse events with treatment.

Patient Scar Assessment scores were significantly lower on the tranilast-treated side: 18.5 vs. 26.8 (P = .005). Observer Scar Assessment scores were also lower for the tranilast-treated side: 18.2 vs. 27.6 (P = .007).

The women reported being significantly more satisfied with the outcome of the tranilast-treated half of the scar at follow-up (P = .003).

There were no significant adverse events reported. Transient erythema and pruritus were reported by some patients on the tranilast-treated side of the scar, which resolved spontaneously.

“Further studies are required to compare the efficacy of tranilast with other modalities and to evaluate the possible advantage of combination treatments, such as topical tranilast and intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide and/or 5-fluorouracil, cryotherapy, laser therapy and silicone-based products, for achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: Kohavi reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the study for the other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.