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For patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) was safe and effective for improving the signs and symptoms of rosacea, according to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different regimens of MFU-V as a treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Included in the study were 88 healthy adults with a diagnosis of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea who had baseline Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) scores ≥3 and Patient Self-Assessment (PSA) of erythema scores ≥2. A screening visit occurred 14 days after baseline and included a medical history, current medications, physical examinations, 2-D digital imaging, and rosacea assessments and questionnaires.
Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment cohorts: 1 or 2 low-density treatments and 1 or 2 high-density treatments. They were evaluated for signs and symptoms of rosacea at 90, at 180, and at 365 days after treatment. The primary end point was changed in the CEA score at 90 days, and the secondary end points were changes in the CEA score, PSA of erythema score, and Dermatology Life Quality Index score at all evaluation time points. Facial sensory and motor assessments, treatment discomfort, and adverse events were evaluated before and after treatments.
All cohorts showed improvement at 90 days post-treatment. Those who had 1 high-density treatment experienced the greatest degree of improvement: 91.3% of the cohort improved their CEA scores by ≥1 point. Cross-analysis indicated that 1 treatment with either low- or high-density MFU-V had the highest efficacy when analyzing all potential outcome measurements. Overall, treatment efficacy was maintained for a year. The following treatment-related adverse events were reported: 44% had bruising, 43% had tenderness and soreness, and 35% had redness, with most being rated as mild adverse events.
Patients receiving 2 treatments reported more adverse events in general and more tenderness and soreness specifically (P =.0005).
Based on the results of this pilot study, a future large, randomized, controlled study examining the effectiveness of high-density MFU-V is reasonable.
The researchers concluded that “a single, high-density [microfocused ultrasound with visualization] treatment may be the most efficacious for treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.”
This study was funded by Merz North America.
Reference
Schlessinger J, Lupin M, McDaniel D, George R. Safety and effectiveness of microfocused ultrasound for treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(6):522-531
