The Effects of Once-Daily Tretinoin 0.05% Lotion on Quality of Life in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Acne Vulgaris

• Published in: American journal of clinical dermatology 2020-12, Vol.21 (6), p.891-899
• Main Authors: Tyring, Stephen K., Kircik, Leon, Pariser, David M., Woolery-Lloyd, Heather C., Harper, Julie C., Bhatt, Varsha, Pillai, Radhakrishnan, Guenin, Eric
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acne; Clinical trials; Dermatology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Research Article; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Pharmacotherapy; Population; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Self image; Standard deviation; Success
• ISSN: 1175-0561; 1179-1888
• DOI: 10.1007/s40257-020-00559-3

Background In two phase III clinical trials of patients with moderate-to-severe acne (NCT02932306, NCT02965456), tretinoin 0.05% lotion reduced inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions relative to vehicle lotion, with low potential for cutaneous irritation. Objective Data from these studies were analyzed post hoc to investigate the effects of tretinoin 0.05% lotion on patient-reported quality of life, as assessed using the Acne-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (Acne-QoL). Methods Mean changes from baseline to week 12 in Acne-QoL scores were analyzed in the pooled intent-to-treat population and a subgroup with treatment success (≥ 2-grade improvement on the Evaluator’s Global Severity Scale and rating of “clear” or “almost clear”). Pearson correlations were conducted in the pooled intent-to-treat population to assess the relationship between the Acne-QoL acne symptoms domain and each of the other three domains. Results In the pooled intent-to-treat population ( n  = 1640), greater mean improvements were found with tretinoin 0.05% lotion vs vehicle in all four domains: self-perception (mean change: 7.4 vs 6.7); role-emotional (6.8 vs 6.0); role-social (4.8 vs 4.6); acne symptoms (6.5 vs 5.6); all p