Safety and efficacy of locally applied imiquimod cream 5% for the treatment of condylomata acuminata of the vulva.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of local application of imiquimod cream 5% for managing condylomata acuminata of the vulva in women referred to a tertiary University Hospital centre.


METHODS
From a total of 283 patients referred over a 3-year period, 73(26%) were treated with imiquimod.


RESULTS
Approximately 6% failed to continue therapy due to lack of therapeutic effect whereas 71% experienced total clearance of the lesions and 85% reduction of more than 50% in the size of the condylomata. Forty-three percent of the patients observed complete response in the first 6 weeks of therapy. There were no serious adverse events encountered with mild erythema being the commonest. From the patients who were followed-up for the next 12 weeks from the completion of treatment, 13% presented recurrent warts and were managed by a different mode of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Imiquimod cream 5% seems to be an effective and safe method for treating condylomata acuminata of the vulva resulting possibly in lower recurrence rates than other current therapies.
Haidopoulos
Dimitrios
D
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Colposcopy Unit, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, Vassilisis Sophias str 80, 115 28 Athens. Greece. dhaidopoulos@hotmail.com
Diakomanolis
Emmanuel
E
Rodolakis
Alexandros
A
Vlachos
George
G
Elsheikh
Alexandros
A
Michalas
Stylianos
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod