Evaluation of efficacy and safety of intralesional bleomycin in the treatment of common warts: Results of a pilot study

Background: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of intralesional bleomycin in the treatment of common warts in 50 (32 men, 18 women) patients aged between 14 and 80 (mean ± SD, 28.5 ± 13.27) years. Methods: The warts were present over dorsal hands, feet, palms, soles and periungual skin for 1 month to 10 years. They were infiltrated with bleomycin (1 mg/ml) till blanching. The total cumulative dose did not exceed 2 mg in one session. The treatment was repeated after paring of eschar at 2 weeks in case there was no or partial response. The patients were reviewed at 4, 12 and 24 weeks for cure, adverse effects or recurrences and outcome satisfaction levels. Results: Complete cure without recurrence occurred in 40 (80%) patients and partial response occurred in 7 (14%) patients at the end of the 24-week study period. Three patients did not complete follow-up. No major systemic or local adverse effects other than injection site pain for 2–3 days were noted. All cured patients were very satisfied (Likert scale 5). Conclusion: Intralesional bleomycin appears to be an effective and safe treatment for common warts including palmoplantar and periungual warts. It carries the advantage of low dose, no significant adverse effects and high patient satisfaction. Small number of patients, lack of a control group, comparing different bleomycin concentrations and a short follow-up are a few limitations of this study. Better designed studies are warranted for this useful treatment modality.

Keywords

Bleomycin, human papilloma virus, verrucae, warts

Citation

Mehta Karan Inder Singh, Mahajan Vikram K, Chauhan Pushpinder Singh, Chauhan Shailja, Sharma Vikas, Rawat Ritu. Evaluation of efficacy and safety of intralesional bleomycin in the treatment of common warts: Results of a pilot study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2019 Jul; 85(4): 397-404

URI

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/192508

Collections

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology

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