Studio multicentrico in aperto sul trattamento dell'acne lieve/moderata con adapalene in monoterapia o in terapia combinata

Background. Adapalene is a synthetic arotinoid molecule which exerts a potent retinoid activity with a selective binding to RAR-β and -γ receptors. Adapalene shows additional innovative features, including the molecular stability, the pharmacokinetics (with high levels in the epidermis and a selective delivery into the pilosebaceous units), and the intrinsic anti-inflammatory effects. Controlled trials have demonstrated that adapalene is at least as effective as tretinoin, possibly acting more rapidly, and is superior with respect to tolerability and patient preference. We have carried out an open randomized trial to assess the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene 0.1% gel, alone or in combination with other topical anti-acne treatments, in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods. Study population consisted of a total of 162 patients. The following treatment groups were compared: group A: adapalene gel o.d.; group B: adapalene gel b.i.d.; group C: adapalene gel o.d. + benzoyl peroxide gel AC 5% o.d.; group D: adapalene o.d. + erythromycin gel 4% o.d. Patients were visited at 8 weeks (T1) and after 16 weeks of treatment (T2). Clinical evaluations included the count of acne lesions, using a scale ranging from 0 (= no lesions) to 3 (= >20 lesions), and the assessment of severity of symptoms (erythema, dryness, scaling, burning, pruritus and greasiness), based on a 0 (=absent) to 3 (=severe) scale. Data were statistically analysed with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests.