Effectiveness of intralesional bleomycin in the management of difficult-to-treat and resistant cutaneous warts in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry: A quasi-experimental study.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intralesional injection of bleomycin in the management of difficult-to-treat and resistant cutaneous warts.

Material and methods: A total of 54 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 52 completed it. We administered 0.1% bleomycin over the warts and conducted follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. If the warts were not completely clear, we administered the next dose of intralesional bleomycin at each visit until the third visit. If the lesions resolved at the third visit, we conducted a telephonic interview for the next follow-up at the end of 12 weeks to record any recurrence of warts and residual side effects.

Results: Out of 54 patients enrolled in the study, two were lost to follow-up. About 49 (94.2%) patients had clearance of warts at the end of the study period. About 45 (86.5%) patients had complete resolution of lesions after the first session. Three patients achieved complete clearance after the second treatment session. One patient achieved complete clearance at the end of the 12^th week. One patient showed a partial response at the end of the 12-week treatment. There was no response for two patients at the end of 12 weeks. Two patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that intralesional bleomycin is an efficient and safe treatment option in the management of resistant and difficult-to-treat warts.