Submitted by Armen Hareyan on Feb 4th, 2008
Southern California-based dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD and co-investigators Mikiko Enokibori, MD, and Vic Narurkar, MD, conducted a global multi-center study using Isolaz to treat patients suffering from various degrees of acne, ranging from mild and moderate inflammatory acne to severe nodular and cystic acne.
The February edition of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology will report the results of this study using the Isolaz device (Aesthera Corp, Pleasanton, CA) for the treatment of mild to severe acne.
Prospective and retrospective data was collected from 56 patients who had undergone two to four treatments with a photopneumatic device (Isolaz). Evaluation criteria included lesion counts, using blinded physician evaluations of acne clearance, as well as treatment satisfaction surveys given to the participating physicians and patients.
In this study, 23 percent of patients had mild acne, 23 percent had moderate acne, 31 percent had severe nodular acne, and 8 percent had severe cystic acne. Results of the study demonstrated a 50 percent improvement in lesion counts post first treatment and a 90 percent improvement in lesion counts after the fourth treatment. Median acne severity (Burton Scale) decreased from level 4 before treatment to level 2 after final treatment. Median acne improvement was 4.5 (scale 1 - 5), and median acne clearance was 3 (scale 1 - 4). Erythema ratings decreased significantly with subsequent treatments and clinically significant adverse events were not reported. Both physician and patient satisfaction was high and increased with number of treatments given throughout the trial.
"The Isolaz system powered by photopneumatic technology provides severe acne sufferers with a safe and effective treatment option without the potential side effects associated with drug-based treatment alternatives," explains Dr. Shamban.
The unique mechanism of photopneumatic technology combines the proven therapeutic qualities of broadband light with pneumatic energy to physically evacuate the sebaceous gland. Dislodging the follicular ostia results in an almost immediate clearance of lesions 24 - 48 hours post treatment.
"Patients notice immediate improvement of acne that is not attainable with traditional medical therapies," notes co-investigator Dr. Narurkar. "In addition, painless and quick treatments with continued long-term improvement differentiate Isolaz treatments from other device-based treatments while contributing to high patient satisfaction levels," he adds.
Source:
Ava Shamban, MD 