DefinePK

Research Objective

To compare the efficacy of Intradermal Tranexamic acid (ITA) and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) in the treatment of melasma.

Methodology

Interventional study conducted in the Department of Dermatology, HIT Hospital from December 2022 to May 2023. 88 female participants aged 18-50 with melasma were included. Participants were divided into two groups: ITA group received intradermal tranexamic acid (4mg/ml) monthly for four sessions, and IPL group received fortnightly IPL treatments for four sessions. Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) was used to assess severity before and after treatment. Patient perception of efficacy and side effects were recorded. Statistical analysis included paired t-test, independent t-test, and chi-square test using SPSS-28.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Participant Recruitment 88 Females, 18-50 yrs"] --> B["Random Allocation"];
    B --> C["Group ITA: Intradermal Tranexamic Acid 4mg/ml, monthly x 4"];
    B --> D["Group IPL: Intense Pulse Light fortnightly x 4"];
    C --> E["Assess mMASI Score Baseline"];
    D --> E;
    E --> F["Administer Treatment"];
    F --> G["Assess mMASI Score Post-treatment"];
    G --> H["Record Patient Perception & Side Effects"];
    H --> I["Statistical Analysis SPSS-28"];
    I --> J["Compare Efficacy Paired & Independent t-tests"];
    I --> K["Compare Side Effects Chi-square test"];
    J --> L["Conclusion"];
    K --> L;                    

Discussion

The study suggests that both ITA and IPL are effective therapeutic options for melasma. While both modalities significantly improve melasma severity, ITA is associated with a higher incidence of side effects. Patient perception also favored IPL. The findings are consistent with previous research comparing various melasma treatments. Limitations include a relatively small sample size and short study duration.

Key Findings

Both ITA and IPL treatments showed a highly significant reduction in melasma severity (p < 0.000) within their respective groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of melasma severity between the ITA and IPL groups (p = 0.512). Participants in the ITA group experienced significantly more side effects compared to the IPL group (p = 0.002). Patient perception of treatment efficacy was higher in the IPL group.

Conclusion

Intradermal Tranexamic acid (ITA) and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) are secure and efficacious therapeutic choices for melasma. ITA was associated with a higher occurrence of side effects compared to IPL, and patients perceived IPL as more effective.

Fact Check

1. Number of participants: 88 female participants aged between 18 and 50 were included in the study. (Confirmed)
2. Treatment frequency for ITA: Participants in the ITA group received monthly injections for four sessions. (Confirmed)
3. Statistical significance of side effects: The p-value for the comparison of side effects between the two groups was found to be statistically significant at 0.002. (Confirmed)

Mind Map