Preliminary results of a nonrandomized, multicenter, open-label study of patient satisfaction after treatment with combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel for mild to moderate acne.
BACKGROUND
Assessments of patient satisfaction are needed to determine treatment-related improvement in acne from the patient's perspective.


OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to assess patient satisfaction, drug efficacy, and the social aspects of quality of life after treatment with benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel in patients who were dissatisfied with their previous acne treatment regimens.


METHODS
This nonrandomized, open-label, multicenter study was open to patients aged > or = 12 years who were dissatisfied with their previous acne treatments. Patients applied topical benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin gel twice daily for 8 weeks. Patient satisfaction was assessed on an 11-point analog scale (0 = not satisfied; 10 = very satisfied). The social effects of acne were assessed using a 9-question acne quality of life (AQOL) scale, and treatment efficacy was assessed using the global acne grading system (GAGS). Safety and tolerability were monitored continuously through self-reporting and patient questioning.


RESULTS
Preliminary results were gathered for 257 patients. Relative to baseline, patients were significantly more satisfied after 8 weeks of treatment with benzoyl peroxide/ clindamycin gel (P < 0.001). The mean overall cumulative AQOL score improved significantly among 249 patients aged > or = 12 years (P < 0.001), but the clinical relevance of this finding is unknown. The mean GAGS score decreased from 15.9 (SD = 6.0) at baseline to 8.2 (SD = 5.7) at week 8 (P < 0.001). The most common adverse events were dry skin and skin irritation.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that patients who are dissatisfied with their current acne regimen may be more satisfied after treatment with benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin gel. However, more definitive conclusions can be drawn only following the completion of the study.
Weiss
Jonathan W
JW
Gwinnett Clinical Research Center, Sneliville, Georgia, USA.
Shavin
Joel
J
Davis
Matthew
M
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D002981:Clindamycin; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide