The Safety and Efficacy of Intralesional Verapamil Versus Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide for Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Keloids and hypertrophic scars often result after skin trauma. Currently, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is the criterion standard in nonsurgical management of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Intralesional verapamil may be an effective alternative modality, but it has been insufficiently studied. Accordingly, the study authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the efficacy and safety of the two drugs.

Methods: The study authors systematically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for relevant trials published in any language through September 2018.

Results: According to the four studies included in this review, TAC improved scar pliability and vascularity more than verapamil after 3 weeks (P < .05). For scar height and scar pigmentation, no statistical difference was observed between the treatments (P > .05). The difference in effects on symptoms was not statistically significant (P = .89). For pain and telangiectasia, no statistical difference was observed (P > .05). Verapamil resulted in fewer cases of skin atrophy (P < .05).

Conclusions: It appears that TAC is more effective than verapamil for improving scar pliability and vascularity in keloids and hypertrophic scars after 3 weeks of treatment. However, verapamil has fewer adverse drug reactions than TAC, which allows for a longer treatment period and the possibility that it might be effective for patients who cannot receive TAC.