Date of Award
2018
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 EBM review is to determine whether or not topical eflornithine is an effective adjunctive therapy in reducing unwanted facial hair in women diagnosed with hirsutism.
STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from peer reviewed journals, published in 2006, 2007 and 2016.
DATA SOURCES: The studies analyze the effectiveness of eflornithine in women with hirsutism and were found using PubMed, Embase and Medline.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Reduction of unwanted facial hair was measured through hair counts done at 0, 1, 3 and 6 months, Physician Global Assessment which considered hair length, density and darkening of skin, and Patient Self-Assessment.
RESULTS: Two of the randomized control trials suggested that the addition of topical eflornithine was statistically significant in the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women with hirsutism. The other study suggested that while eflornithine may initially be beneficial in the reduction of unwanted facial hair, it’s utility decreases after 6 months.
CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of hair counts, Physician Global Assessments, and Patient Self- Assessment, it can be concluded that topical eflornithine is an effective adjunctive therapy in reducing unwanted facial hair in women diagnosed with hirsutism for at least the first 6 months.
Recommended Citation
Jordan, Jasmine, "Is topical eflornithine an effective adjunctive therapy in reducing unwanted facial hair in women diagnosed with hirsutism?" (2018). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 340.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/340