Comparison of efficacy of intralesional 5-fluorouracil plus triamcinolone acetonide versus intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of keloids

Objective To compare efficacy of intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) versus intralesional TCA alone in the treatment of keloids. Methods The study included 100 patients with keloids. Patients were divided into two groups. Randomization was done through lottery method. For each 1 cm area, group A was given intralesional 5-FU 50 mg/ml (0.9ml) plus TCA 40mg/ml (0.1ml) after every 4 weeks and group B was given intralesional TCA 40mg/ml (0.1ml) after every 4 weeks for total period of 12 weeks. Administration of the drugs was continued till the keloid flattened or for a maximum period of 12 weeks. Follow-up was done every 4 weeks for total period of 12 weeks after the administration of last injection. Decrease in total score using Vancouver Scar Scale was calculated. Results After the completion of study mean reduction in Vancouver Scar Score was -71.18 ± 8.69 in the intralesional 5-FU plus TCA group as compared to -50.80 ± 8.59 in the intralesional TCA group ( p =0.001). 5-FU + TCA was efficacious in 98% of cases (group A) and TCA alone in 62% of cases (group B). No serious adverse effects were noticed in either group. Conclusion Intralesional 5-FU plus TCA is significantly better than intralesional TCA alone in the treatment of keloids.