Uzma Ahsan.
Comparison of Efficacy, Safety, and patient Satisfaction with Tranexamic Acid Mesotherapy versus Ascorbic Acid Mesotherapy in Melasma.
J Sharif Med Dent Coll Jan ;7(02):75-9.

Objective: To determine the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with tranexamic acid mesotherapy versus ascorbic acid mesotherapy in melasma. Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Sharif Medical & Dental College, Lahore, after taking approval from the Institutional ethical committee. Eighty patients of either gender with melasma of any type (epidermal, dermal, or mixed) with Fitzpatrick skin type IV & V were enrolled in the study by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Patients were divided into two groups A & B, each group included 40 patients. Group A had tranexamic acid in mesotherapy and in group B mesotherapy was done with 20% ascorbic acid. Melasma severity score was calculated before and after each session using melasma area and severity index (MASI) score. The procedure was performed every 6 weeks, with a total of 3 sessions. Patients were followed-up after 6 weeks of the last treatment session to see any change in MASI score. The efficacy of the products used was assessed by comparing pretreatment MASI scores with posttreatment scores. Safety was established by assessing the side effects and observing the degree of tolerability to the products used. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Likert scale. Results: In group A, 32(80%) patients responded effectively (>50% reduction in MASI score) whereas, in group B, ascorbic acid mesotherapy was effective in 24(60%) of the patients. The difference in responses was statistically significant (p <0.05). Overall, the MASI score of both groups also declined. In group A, only 6 patients had complaints of mild irritation and burning over the treated areas, which subsided in a few days. In group B, 4 patients had transient itching after the procedure that settled with the use of emollients. Patients in group A were more satisfied as compared to group B. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid mesotherapy is more effective as compared to ascorbic acid mesotherapy in patients with melasma. Keywords: Melasma. Ascorbic acid. Mesotherapy. Tranexamic acid.

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