Date of Award

2016

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

Department Chair

John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not “Is Brimonidine Tartrate gel 0.5% effective in reducing facial erythema of Rosacea?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCT), and one 1-year longitudinal open-label study.

DATA SOURCES: All studies were published in peer-reviewed journals found via the use of PubMed or Medline.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Patients were divided into two groups: those who received the Brimonidine Tartrate gel and those who received the vehicle (placebo) gel. Efficacy of Brimonidine tartrate gel was compared to the efficacy of the vehicle gel. Outcomes were measured at baseline and at various intervals post treatment using Clinician’s Erythema Assessment (CEA) and Patient’s Self-Assessment (PSA) scales. Both scales were designed as tools for evaluation of erythema. In the 1-year open label study, inflammatory lesion counts and telangiectasia were also evaluated to determine the long-term efficacy of the drug. Additionally, in this study, the subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the impact of rosacea on their social life at various points during the study.

RESULTS: In both RCT, (Fowler – 2011 and Fowler – 2013) results of Brimonidine tartrate gel versus Vehicle gel reached statistical significance and proved to be an effective form of treatment in patients with facial erythema of Rosacea (p < 0.001 and p

CONCLUSION: Both RCT and one-year open label studies included in this review indicate that Brimonidine Tartrate gel 0.5% is an effective treatment for facial erythema of Rosacea in regards to quality of life and self-confidence due to the appearance.

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