title: Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Melasma: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.
abstract: Tranexamic acid is a novel treatment option for melasma; however, there is no consensus on its use. This systematic review searched major databases for relevant publications to March 2016. Eleven studies with 667 participants were included. Pooled data from tranexamic acid-only observational studies with pre- and post-treatment Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) showed a decrease of 1.60 in MASI (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20-2.00; p<0.001) after treat-ment with tranexamic acid. The addition of tranexamic acid to routine treatment modalities resulted in a further decrease in MASI of 0.94 (95% CI 0.10-1.79; p = 0.03). Side-effects were minor, with a few cases reporting hypo-menorrhoea, mild abdominal discomfort, and transient skin irritation. These results support the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid, either alone or as an adjuvant to routine treatment modalities for melasma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seok Hoon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Sang Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Jeong Deuk
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hei Sung
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008548:Melanosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D008543:Melanins; D014148:Tranexamic Acid