Date of Award
2020
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is spironolactone an effective method for reducing lesion count in individuals with acne vulgaris?”
STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three English language studies published after 2009 in peer-reviewed journals, including two randomized, controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study.
DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study that evaluated spironolactone as a treatment for acne vulgaris were found using PubMed.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Reductions in total lesion counts (TLC).
RESULTS: All three studies supported the efficacy of spironolactone in reducing lesion counts in individuals with acne vulgaris. Kelidari et al. (Colloid Surface B. 2016;146:47-53. doi:10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.05.042) demonstrated a significant reduction in total lesion counts in both groups treated with spironolactone between baseline and week 8, with a p-value < 0.001. Afzali et al. (J Dermatol Treat. 2012;23(1):21-25. doi:10.3109/09546634.2010.488260) showed a significant difference between the case and control groups with p-value = 0.007, reflecting the efficacy of spironolactone in reducing total lesion count. The retrospective cohort study by Isvy- Joubert et al. (Eur J Dermatol. 2017;27(4):393-398. doi:10.1684/ejd.2017.3062) exhibited that 71% of patients treated with spironolactone for acne vulgaris experienced reduction in lesion counts.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the randomized, controlled trials and retrospective cohort study indicate that spironolactone is effective in reducing lesion counts in individuals with acne.
Recommended Citation
Waters, Alana M., "Is Spironolactone an Effective Method for Reducing Lesion Count in Individuals With Acne Vulgaris?" (2020). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 527.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/527