Abstract
Background
Different dosage protocols may be advocated by different clinicians for the same keloid lesion. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal frequency of injection of triamcinolone for the purpose of reducing the size of keloid, by monitoring volume change in lesions.
Methods
Volume of all lesions was measured, and 40 mg of triamcinolone was injected once. Lesion volume was thereafter monitored weekly for 6 weeks.
Results
Mean pretreatment volume was 6.4 ml. Following triamcinolone injection, mean lesion volume became 5.1, 3.7, 3.6, and 3.6 ml at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks postinjection, respectively. The mean lesion volume was 3.7 and 3.9 ml at 5 and 6 weeks postinjection. Mean lesion volume was 1.29 ml lower at 1 week than at pretreatment stage (SD ± 0.8797), 1.35 ml lower in volume at 2 weeks than 1 week (SD ± 1.0386), and 0.138 ml lower in volume at 3 weeks than 2 weeks (SD ± 0.159). Mean lesion volume was 0.0250 ml lower at 4 weeks than at 3 weeks (SD ± 0.3215), 0.1000 ml greater in volume at 5 weeks than 4 weeks (SD ± 0.1713), and 0.2000 ml greater in volume at 3 weeks than 2 weeks (SD ± 0.0418). There is a statistically significant difference between the mean volume at 1 week postinjection and that at pretreatment stage, between 2 and 1 week, and between 3 and 2 weeks (p ≤ 0.05). Reduction in volume was found to be most profound and statistically significant within the first 2 weeks postinjection.
Conclusions
This study finds that the optimal frequency of intralesional injection of triamcinolone involves a 2-week injection interval.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study
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Acknowledgments
Dr. Akinbo Ayanmo Omolara was exceptionally helpful in carrying out this research. We also thank Dr. Oyedele Oluwadara Ini, and Dr. Dodo Sa’ad Muhammad, Dr. Agochi Kenneth Kenile, and Dr. Onyenwe Betty ijeoma for clinical assistance.
Conflict of interest
Bayo Aluko-Olokun, Ademola A. Olaitan, Akinola L. Ladeinde, Oluseun A. Aluko-Olokun, Morenike Olubunmi Alade, Oluwaseyi Ibukun-Obaro, Funmilola S. Adenaike declare they have no conflict of interest.
Patient consent
Consent for inclusion in this study and use of their photographs was given by all patients.
Ethical standards
This study has been carried out with approval from ethical committee of National Hospital Abuja in accordance with the ethical standards set forth in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.
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Aluko-Olokun, B., Olaitan, A.A., Ladeinde, A.L. et al. Determination of the optimal frequency of injection of triamcinolone: monitoring change in volume of keloid lesions following injection of 40 mg of triamcinolone. Eur J Plast Surg 39, 119–124 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1139-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-015-1139-5