Physician and Patient Assessment of Triamcinolone Acetonide Spray for Steroid-responsive Dermatoses

Abstract

Objective: To assess the clinical outcomes of triamcinolone acetonide spray for steroid-responsive dermatoses using investigator and patient global assessment scores and evaluate patient satisfaction.

Design: This open-label, single-center, noncomparator study enrolled 42 patients (aged 18 years or older) with dermatoses. Patients were instructed to use triamcinolone acetonide spray 1 to 4 times daily, depending on investigator instructions, for up to 28 days.

Measurements: Investigators and patients scored the overall severity of dermatoses based on a global assessment scale. Investigators also rated signs and symptoms of dermatoses and evaluated clinical outcomes based on an improvement assessment scale. Patient satisfaction with treatment was assessed at the end of treatment or at Day 28 using a questionnaire. Patients were evaluated on Days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Complete clearing of dermatoses warranted early discontinuation from the study.

Results: Triamcinolone acetonide spray effectively improved dermatoses scores, clinical outcomes, and signs and symptoms of dermatoses. More than 80 percent of patients entered the study with moderate or severe dermatoses. Within 14 days, none had severe dermatoses, and by 28 days, 64 percent of patients were completely clear or almost clear. From the patient perspective, 51.3 percent experienced improvement in only three days, and 84.6 percent experienced improvement in seven days. An overwhelming number of patients (95%) preferred triamcinolone acetonide spray over creams and ointments, and more than half experienced a cooling effect upon contact with the spray.

Conclusion: Triamcinolone acetonide spray is an effective topical corticosteroid that should be considered for patients with steroid-responsive dermatoses of all ranges of severity.

Figures 1a–1c

Investigators rated the severity of dermatoses at the baseline visit and at each follow-up visit based on a Global Assessment Score of 0=clear, 1=almost clear, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=severe, and 5=very severe. No patients entered had a score of 5. Throughout the study period, dermatoses improved. At baseline, the majority of patients had moderate or severe dermatoses. Severity of dermatoses improved at Day 14; 50% of patients had mild dermatoses. By Day 28, 64% of patients were clear or almost clear.

Figures 1a–1c

Investigators rated the severity of dermatoses at the baseline visit and at each follow-up visit based on a Global Assessment Score of 0=clear, 1=almost clear, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=severe, and 5=very severe. No patients entered had a score of 5. Throughout the study period, dermatoses improved. At baseline, the majority of patients had moderate or severe dermatoses. Severity of dermatoses improved at Day 14; 50% of patients had mild dermatoses. By Day 28, 64% of patients were clear or almost clear.

Figures 1a–1c

Investigators rated the severity of dermatoses at the baseline visit and at each follow-up visit based on a Global Assessment Score of 0=clear, 1=almost clear, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=severe, and 5=very severe. No patients entered had a score of 5. Throughout the study period, dermatoses improved. At baseline, the majority of patients had moderate or severe dermatoses. Severity of dermatoses improved at Day 14; 50% of patients had mild dermatoses. By Day 28, 64% of patients were clear or almost clear.

Figure 2

Patients rated their improvement with triamcinolone acetonide spray. More than half noted improvement in three days.

Figure 3

As treatment with triamcinolone acetonide spray continued to Day 28, signs and symptoms of erythema, papules/vesicles, excoriation, pruritus, and burning/stinging improved. Investigators rated signs and symptoms based on the following scale: 0=clear, 1=mild, 2=moderate, and 3=severe.

Figure 4a

Mild scalp psoriasis (left). The patient used triamcinolone acetonide spray twice daily and cleared in seven days.

Figure 4a

Mild scalp psoriasis (left). The patient used triamcinolone acetonide spray twice daily and cleared in seven days.

Figure 4b

Leg psoriasis—left (moderate), middle (mild), and right (almost clear). The patient used triamcinolone acetonide spray twice daily and was almost clear by Day 21.

Figure 4b

Leg psoriasis—left (moderate), middle (mild), and right (almost clear). The patient used triamcinolone acetonide spray twice daily and was almost clear by Day 21.

Figure 4b

Leg psoriasis—left (moderate), middle (mild), and right (almost clear). The patient used triamcinolone acetonide spray twice daily and was almost clear by Day 21.

Figure 5

At the conclusion of the study (Day 28 or earlier), patients were given a questionnaire that allowed them to express their experiences with using triamcinolone acetonide spray.