The Effect of Tranilast 8% Liposomal Gel Versus Placebo on Post-Cesarean Surgical Scars: A Prospective Double-Blind Split-Scar Study

Tranilast (N-[3, 4-dimethoxycinnamoyl] anthranilic acid), an antiallergic drug, has been shown to attenuate scar formation possibly through inhibition of transforming growth factor beta 1 activity and consequent suppression of collagen synthesis in fibroblasts.The authors aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of tranilast 8% gel in improving the appearance and symptoms of new post-cesarean section surgical wounds.In this prospective double-blind split-scar study, the authors treated each half scar of 26 women with either tranilast 8% liposomal gel or tranilast-free liposomal gel (placebo). Treatment was applied twice daily for 3 months. Twenty women completed the trial. Scar halves were evaluated by 2 investigators and by the patients 9 months after the last application using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The participants also rated overall satisfaction and recorded side effects of the treatment.The mean POSAS scores at 9 months post-treatment were significantly lower for tranilast-treated half scars compared with placebo-treated half scars (p < .001). The women were significantly more satisfied with the tranilast-treated half-scar appearance (p = .002). Three participants reported itching and erythema on the tranilast-treated side.Topical tranilast 8% gel provided significantly better postcaesarian section scar cosmesis and user satisfaction compared with placebo.