title: Assessment of the efficacy and safety of a combination of 2 topical retinoids (RetinSphere) in maintaining post-treatment response of acne to oral isotretinoin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The high rate of relapse of acne lesions following oral isotretinoin treatment is a common problem which remains unsolved. To avoid or minimize relapses, topical retinoids have been used for many years as maintenance treatment. However, adverse effects frequently occur.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy and safety of a new retinoid combination (Retinsphere technology) in maintaining post-treatment response to oral isotretinoin.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, randomized, double-blind and vehicle-controlled study of 30 patients with acne previously treated with isotretinoin. Treatment with the retinoid combination was applied to one side of the face and vehicle was applied to the other, once daily, for 3 months. Standardized photographs were taken using RBX technology at baseline, 1.5 months and 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was the appearance of relapse on the treated side compared to the vehicle-treated side. Other endpoints included lesion count, investigator-reported improvement, patient-reported improvement, impact on quality-of-life, and side effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although the majority of patients did not reach the total target dose of oral isotretinoin, the relapse rate was significantly lower on the retinoid-treated side compared to the vehicle-treated side. Likewise, improved lesion count and excellent tolerance were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new retinoid combination (Retinsphere technology) were effective and safe as maintenance therapy after post-treatment response to oral isotretinoin in patients with acne.
authors.affiliation: University Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: maytetd@yahoo.es.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Truchuelo
authors.affiliation: University Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jiménez
authors.affiliation: Regional Dermatology Training Centre Kilimanjaro Christion Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mavura
authors.affiliation: University Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jaén
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D060046:Maintenance Chemotherapy; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012176:Retinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D012176:Retinoids; D015474:Isotretinoin
keywords: Acne; Acné; Isotretinoína oral; Maintenance therapy; Oral isotretinoin; Recaídas; Recurrences; Recurrencias; Relapses; Retinoides tópicos; Terapia de mantenimiento; Topical retinoids