The Therapeutic Effect of 1% Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate Sclerotherapy of Pyogenic Granuloma

Chae, Soo Yuhl; Sim, Hyun Bo; Jang, Yong Hyun; Lee, Weon Ju; Kim, Do Won; Lee, Seok Jong

Abstract

BACKGROUND
For the treatment of pyogenic granuloma (PG), surgical excision, electrocautery, and laser therapy have been employed, apart from other methods. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) sclerotherapy, as a minimally invasive treatment for vascular lesion, is frequently used for vascular malformations with considerable efficacy and safety. However, there have been a few reports about its use in the treatment of PG.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, recurrence, and side effects of sclerotherapy using 1% STS in the treatment of PG.
METHODS
We evaluated 72 patients with PG who were treated with 1% STS from January 2008 to December 2014. Sclerotherapy using 1% STS was performed by "blind" intralesional injection without the aid of imaging such as ultrasonography. The results were evaluated by physical examination, photographic evaluation, and the patient's subjective satisfaction, and then they were classified into 3 groups: complete remission, partial remission, and no change. Recurrence and side effects were also evaluated.
RESULTS
Complete remission of PG was achieved in 65 (90.3%) of patients after 1.23 average sessions (range, 1~5 sessions). The remaining patients showed partial remission, with no instances of the treatment resulting in no change. One case of recurrence (1.4%) from partial remission group was seen after 3 months. Clinically, side effects such as pain, tenderness, hyperpigmentation, ulcer, numbness, scarring, and hair loss patches were noted in 18 (25%) patients, but these were all mild and transient.
CONCLUSION
1% STS sclerotherapy can be recommended as an effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of PG with insignificant adverse effects and low recurrence rate.