Comparison of efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide at 2-, 4-, and 6-week intervals in hypertrophic scars and keloids

Context: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are a cause of severe impairment of quality of life. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide has been used at different intervals at various centers. Aim: This study was aimed to compare the efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide at 2-, 4-, and 6-week intervals in hypertrophic scars and keloids. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in the plastic surgery outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. This is an interventional prospective study, randomization was done using a computer-generated sequence. Materials and Methods: In this study conducted from October 2015 to January 2017, administration of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/ml at 2-weekly, 4-weekly, and 6-weekly intervals was done in case of hypertrophic scars and keloids for up to 8 doses or till Vancouver Scar (VCS) scale of 4 was achieved. VCS, pain, and itching were noted and compared. Statistical Analysis: VCS scale was used for comparison using analysis of variance test. The visual analog scale was compared using an unpaired t-test. Qualitative data were compared using the Chi-square test/Fischer's exact test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 2-weekly regimen was found to show better results in terms of pain and scar improvement. It also required a lesser number of doses to produce the same effect. The response to itching was comparable in 2- and 4-weekly groups and was better than 6-weekly group. Minimal complications were noted in the three groups. Conclusion: Two-weekly regimen of triamcinolone acetonide is recommended for intralesional use in hypertrophic scars and keloids.