Take a look at the Recent articles

Efficacy and safety of imiquimod for verruca planae: A systematic review

Xin-rui Zhang

Department of Dermatology, No 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China These authors contributed equally to this work

Bi-huan Xiao

Department of Dermatology, No 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China These authors contributed equally to this work

Rui-qun Qi

Department of Dermatology, No 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China These authors contributed equally to this work

Xing-hua Gao

Department of Dermatology, No 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China These authors contributed equally to this work

E-mail : xiaoqiliumin@163.com

DOI: 10.15761/GOD.1000189

Article
Article Info
Author Info
Figures & Data

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of imiquimod for treating verruca planae.

Methods: We searched the Pubmed, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, EMbase, CBM, CNKI and Wanfang databases (Chinese) to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We screened the retrieved studies according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality of include studies, and performed meta-analyses using the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.1. Software.

Results: Twenty-six RCTs involving 2169 patients with verruca planae were included and assessed. At the end of the 6th and ≥8th week, the effective rate of topical imiquimod was obviously higher than that of control [ RR=1.42, 95%CI (1.27, 1.60), P <0.00001; RR=1.43, 95%CI (1.22,1.67), P<0.00001]. The effective rate of imiquimod cream was higher than tretinoin cream, tazarotene gel and other antiviral drugs. [RR=1.41, 95%CI (1.25, 1.59), P <0.00001; RR=1.76, 95%CI (1.48, 2.10), P<0.00001; RR=1.71, 95%CI (1.29, 2.26), P =0.0002]. However, the effectiverate of imiquimod cream was lower than 5-ALA-PDT (RR=0.6, 95%CI (0.5, 0.71), P<0.00001).

Conclusions: The limited evidence demonstrates that topical imiquimod is safe and efficient. More multiple central RCTs with large samples are required to verify these conclusions.

Key words

imiquimod, verruca planae, plane warts, flat warts, systematic review, randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Verruca planae are warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), mostly by HPV type3, 10, 28 and 41. They primarily affect children and young adults [1]. The treatment cycle is usually prolonged. Current treatment options are anti-viral, immune-modulation and destruction of the infected tissue.

Imiquimod is a low molecular weight, synthetic immune response modifier which does not exert its antiviral effects directly on virus-infected cells. Imiquimod induces the production of antiviral cytokines that enhance cellular immunity necessary for the control or elimination of HPV infection. Imiquimod is often prescribed for condyloma acuminatum [2]. In recent years, there are reports that it has been used for flat warts and molluscum contagiosum, with satisfactory curative effect [3]. Here we performed a systematic review on the efficacy and safety of imiquimod cream in the treatment of verruca planae in order to provide the evidence for clinical decision.

Materials and methods

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined before the search was conducted. We included studies comparing the efficacy and safety of Imiquimod with other drugs on patients with verruca planae. Included studies must be randomized controlled trial (RCT). Case reports, reviews and document of incomplete data were excluded.

Intervention measure

The test group for 5% imiquimod cream alone or in combination with other treatment methods.

Outcome indicator

Cured: skin lesions completely disappeared or decreased >90%. Significantly improved: skin lesions decreased >60% (or >70%); Improved: over 30%, but less than 70% of decrease of skin lesions; Invalid: less than 30% in decrease of kin lesions. The effective rate is the sum of cured and significantly improved by the total number of the tested patients.

Data sources and searches

To identify relevant studies, three reviewers (Z.X.R, X.B.H, H.X.J) systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform. Search terms were based on specific agents (“Imiquimod,” “Verruca Planae,” “Plane Warts,” “Flat Warts,” “Systematic review,” “Randomized controlled trial,” “Treatment”)

Study selection

To determine eligibility for inclusion in the review, we searched all titles and abstracts that analyses the efficacy of imiquimod for treating verruca planae with control group. There were no limitations on the study design, participant’s age, gender, or nationality. We identified 68 articles in the initial search. Two of them were in English, others in Chinese. Through manual review of the citations from these articles, we removed 39 articles including general reviews, case reports, investigative research, commentaries and other non-clinical trials. We identified 28 original studies that were eligible for inclusion criteria assessment. After reviewing the full text of these 28 studies, we excluded 2 articles of non RCT nature. In the end, we selected 26 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review [4-29]. The search processes are presented in chart in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Flowchart of literature search and study selection

Data extraction

Studies were selected independently by two researchers who used the same criteria. The third researcher was involved in the discussion if there were controversial issues. If the information is not complete or not clear, we contact original author to obtain the information and determine whether the study will be included.

Quality assessment

We used RevMan 5.1 (Review Manager Version 5.1) to analyze the quality of the data, including random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, blinding of outcome assessment, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting and other bias (Figure 2).

Data synthesis and analysis

We analysed the data using RevMan 5.1.Chi square test was used to test for heterogeneity. The degree of heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 test. And I2 value >50% was considered there existed substantial heterogeneity. In such a case, random effects model was used. Results were expressed with relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) and the test level α=0.05. Publication bias was displayed graphically by using funnel plots (Figures 1 and 2).

Result

Characteristics of the included publications

The basic characteristics of the included studies were shown in Table 1, including the total number of cases, the number of excluded and the lost, the age, course of disease, the number of effective cases and the intervention measures.

Table 1. Characteristics of included studies

First author; publication year

Age (year)

 

Course of disease

Exit number

Total number

Effective

course of treatment

Intervention measures

 

T

C

T

C

(T/C)

(T/C)

(T/C)

 

T

C

Wang (2014)

19-39

20-40

3m-2y

2m-2y

-

40/40

1m:17/15

1m, 2m, 3m

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2m:30/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3m:34/21

 

 

 

Liu (2014)

12-34

 

7m-3.5y

 

3

37/37

24/14

6w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, intramuscular injection

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, intramuscular injection

Huang (2010)

8-40

 

1w-2y

 

-

40/38

34/21

8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

Ruan (2005)

10-45

 

1m-51m

 

4

34/33

26/18

8w

5% imiquimod cream and 0.025% vitamin A acid cream, every other day, alternative external use

0.025% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Zuo (2012)

10-43

 

1m-5y

 

5

35/33

29/17

8w

5% imiquimod cream and 0.025% vitamin A acid cream, every other day, alternative external use

0.025% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Chen (2008)

6-41

 

3w-4y

 

-

23/22

13/10

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Huang (2006)

12-51

 

2w-2.5y

 

-

32/26

4w:25/16

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

0.05% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:26/16

 

 

 

Wang (2006)

15-46

 

2w-2y

 

-

60/58

45/32

4w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Chen (2014)

15-34

14-35

half month-36m  1m-36m         

 

-

45/37

32/16

8w

5% imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

0.1% tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Xiong (2012)

10-42

 

6w-3y

 

-

46/48

42/25

8w

imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Yang (2011)

29.9

 

6m-15y

 

3

34/31

26/17

8w

5% imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

0.05% tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Zhang (2010)

12-45

 

1m-6y

 

-

47/81

33/24

8w

imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Yuan (2015)

13-51

 

2m-4y

 

-

52/42

41/23

16w

5% imiquimod cream and adapalene gel every other day, alternative external use

adapalene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Peng (2014)

12-42

15-45

1m-2y

15d-3m

 

110/120

2w:66/55

2w,4w,6w

5% imiquimod cream and adapalene gel, 1 time per day, external use

adapalene gel, 1 time per day, external use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w:77/51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:97/80

 

 

 

Chen (2010)

11-42

 

9m-6y

 

-

59/57

2w:9/5

2w,4w,6w,8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, 1ml each time, intramuscular injection

matrix, every other day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, 1ml each time, intramuscular injection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w39/25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:51/37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:56/42

 

 

 

She (2010)

18-47

 

1m-4y

 

-

34/34

18/14

8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and famciclovir tablets, 2 times per day, 0.2 g, oral administration

famciclovir tablets, 2 times per day, 0.2g, oral administration

Cai (2007)

7-40

 

half of month-24m

 

-

32/31

2w:2/2

2w,4w,6w,8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

placebo, every other day, external use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w:4/2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:6/2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:10/3

 

 

 

Wang (2011)

17-38

18-40

2m-3y

3m-4y

-

45/40

2w:6/3

2w,4w,6w,8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and transfer factor, 3mg, twice per week, subcutaneous injection

transfer factor, 3mg, twice per week, subcutaneous injection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w:16/9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:25/12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:35/16

 

 

 

Zhu (2014)

-

 

3m-8y

 

-

30/30

23/10

6w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and placenta polypeptide injection, 1 time per day, intramuscular injection

placenta polypeptide injection, 1 time per day, intramuscular injection

Liu (2011)

8-42

 

20d-2y

 

-

40/39

40/26

4w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use and IFN-a2b cream, 3 times per day, external use

IFN-a2b cream, 3 times per day, external use

Tang (2015)

14-51

16-50

-

 

-

41/40

41/37

8w

imiquimod cream, every other day, external use and ALA-PDT, 1 time per 7 to10 days

ALA-PDT, 1 time per 7 to10 days

Liu (2006)

13-36

13-40

4m-3y

3m-4y

-

45/45

29/15

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use 

Ftibamzone liniment, 2 times per day, external use

Wu (2009)

12-50

 

2w-6y

 

-

35/32

30/18

8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and Pidotimod powder, two copies per day, oral administration

Penciclovir cream, 1 time per day, external use and Pidotimod powder, two copies per day, oral administration

Wang (2014)

18-26

19-25

1y-3y

1y-3y

-

35/35

20/35

4w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

ALA-PDT, once a week

Su (2015)

 

 

-

 

-

38/40

22/40

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

ALA-PDT, 1 time per 10 to 14 days

Jiang (2013)

18-26

19-25

1y-3y

1y-3y

1

15/16

10/16

3w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

ALA-PDT, once a week

Quality assessment

All included studies were referred to the randomized grouping, and only 4 studies [4,9,10,20] described the details. All the studies were unclear in reporting allocation concealment and blinding. 5 studies [5,7,8,14,29] reported the number of withdraw. Assessment of methodological quality of included studies was presented in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Assessment of methodological quality of included studies (2A. Risk of bias graph; 2B. Risk of bias summary)

Therapeutic evaluation

Total effect: Twenty six RCTs involving 2169 patients with verruca planae were included and assessed. Results showed that the effective rate of topical imiquimod combined with intramuscular injection or other oral drugs in the treatment of flat wart was obviously higher than using other drugs alone. (RR=1.35 (95% CI 1.181.54.), P<0.00001) (Figure 3), 10 studies [4,10-11,17-18,20-21,23,27,29] described the efficacy at the end of 4 weeks. As there exist statistical heterogeneity among the studies (P<0.00001, I²=82%), meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. The results showed that the efficacy of test group was significantly higher than that in control group. The difference had no statistical significance. (RR=1.81, 95%CI (0.91, 1.54), P=0.21) (Figure 4A.2.1.1.). 6 studies [5,17-18,20-22] described the efficacy at the end of 6 weeks. As there was no statistical heterogeneity (P=0.08, I²=48%), meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effects model. The results showed that the efficacy in the test group was significantly higher than that in control group (RR=1.42, 95%CI (1.27, 1.60), P<0.00001) (Figure 4B), 19 studies [4,6-21,24-26,28] described the efficacy at the end of 8 weeks. As there existed statistical heterogeneity (P<0.00001, I²=80%), meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. The results showed that the efficacy in the test group was significantly higher than that in control group (RR=1.43, 95%CI (1.22, 1.67), P<0.00001] (Figure 4A.2.1.2.).

Figure 3. Forest plot for the total effect of imiquimod in the treatment of verruca planae

Figure 4. Forest plot for treatment course (4A. 2.1.1. Efficacy in less than 4 weeks; 4A. 2.1.2. Efficacy in more than 8 weeks; 4B. Efficacy in 6 weeks)

I miquimod cream vs. Tretinoin cream: A total of 8 studies [4-11] were included, of which 3 studies [4-6] of the test group is imiquimod cream combined with BCG -PSN, the control group is tretinoin cream combined with BCG-PSN, 3 studies [7-9] of the test group was imiquimod cream only, the control group was tretinoin cream only. The 2 studies [10,11] of test group was imiquimod cream combined with tretinoin cream once a day each, the control group was only tretinoin cream once per day; results showed that the effective rate in imiquimod group was significantly higher than tretinoin cream group (RR=1.41, 95%CI (1.25, 1.59), P<0.00001); the effective rate of imiquimod combined with BCG-PSN group was higher than that of tretinoin cream combined with BCG-PSN group (RR=1.56, 95%CI (1.27, 1.91), P<0.0001); the effective rate of imiquimod alone or in combination with tretinoin cream group was higher than that of tretinoin cream alone group (RR=1.32, 95%CI (1.14, 1.54), P =0.0003) (Figure 5A.3.1.1.).

I miquimod cream vs. Tazarotene gel: A total of 4 studies [12-15] were included, of which the test group was imiquimod cream combined with tazarotene gel once a day each, the control group was tazarotene gel alone once per day. The results showed the effective rate in test group was higher than tazarotene group (RR=1.76, 95%CI (1.48, 2.10), P<0.00001) (Figure 5A.3.1.2.). One study [16] reported that the effective rate in imiquimod group was higher than that of adapalene group.

I miquimod Cream vs. Other antiviral medications: A total of 2 studies [25,26] were included, of which the test group was imiquimod cream alone or combined with pidotimod powder. Pidotimod powder alone served as control group. The results showed that the effective ratein imiquimod group was higher than in control group (RR=1.71, 95%CI (1.29, 2.26), P=0.0002) (Figure 5A.3.1.3.).

I miquimod Cream vs. ALA-PDT: A total of 3 studies [27-29] were included, of which of the test group was imiquimod cream alone once every other day and ALA-PDT in the control group. The results showed that the effective rate of imiquimod group was lower than that of ALA-PDT group (RR=0.6, 95%CI (0.5, 0.71), P<0.00001) (Figure 5A.3.1.4.).

I miquimod Cream Combined with Other Drugs vs. Others drugs: A total of 9 studies [16-24] were included, of which the test group was imiquimod cream alone or in combination with adapalene, BCG-PSN, famciclovir, transfer factor, Alpha 2 b interferon cream , ALA-PDT and placebo. And adapalene, BCG-PSN, famciclovir, transfer factor, Alpha 2b interferon cream and ALA-PDT were in the control groups, correspondingly. Results show that the effective rate of imiquimod (or in combination with other drugs) was higher than that of the control groups (RR=1.46, 95% CI (1.20, 1.78), P=0.0002) (Figure 5B). The heterogeneity is significant due to the different intervention measures for each of the control groups.

Figure 5. Forest plot for Intervention measures (5A. 3.1.1. Forest plot for comparison ofimiquimod cream therapy with tretinoin cream therapy; 5A. 3.1.2. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream therapy with tazarotene gel therapy; 5A. 3.1.3. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream therapy with other antiviral medications; 5A. 3.1.4. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream therapy with ALA-PDT therapy; 5B. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream combine with other drugs therapy with other drugs)

Adverse events: 22 studies [4-17,21,23-29] reported the adverse events. However, the adverse reactions were mild, and patients could recover soon after stopping or reducing the drugs.

Publication bias

Funnel plot analysis showed that the figure was basically symmetrical upside down funnel, and there was no significant publication bias (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Funnel plot for evaluating publication bias

2021 Copyright OAT. All rights reserv

Follow up

8 studies reported the follow-up. Lium [5] followed the patients for 2 months. There was no recurrence in the cured patients in the test group, and 2 cases who significantly improved also cured. Some of the patients in the control group had increase in the lesions. Huangm [6] followed the patients for a month, test group had 2 recurrent cases, control group had 7 recurrent cases. Tang [24] closely observed the cured patients in both groups for 3 months. The recurrence cases in the test group in 1, 2, 3 months were less than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), Wang [4] followed up for 3 months then observed both groups showed no recurrence. Su [28] followed up the cured patients for 3 months; there were no cases of recurrence. Jiang [29] followed up for half a year, the test group and the control group had no recurrence. Liu [25] followed up for 2 months the results showed no recurrence, Wu [26] followed up for six months, 2 recurrent cases occurred in the treatment group (5.71%) and 4 in the control group (12.5%).

Discussion

During the search, we found that many articles reported that imiquimod cream alone or in combination with other drugs could make a good effect on treatment of verruca planae. But there was no systematic review about efficacy and safety of imiquimod cream on the verruca planae. This systematic review included all RCT on verruca planae. The meta-analysis results showed that the effective rate of imiquimod cream in the treatment of flat wart was higher than other treatments. We found that the effective rate of ALA-PDT in treatment of verruca planae was more effective than imiquimod. However, the report about ALA-PDT use was limited.

The review made the conclusion that imiquimod was efficacy and safe on verruca planae based on the limited evidence. First, owing to the studies of imiquimod on verruca planae was investigated mostly by Chinese, we included a total of 26 randomized controlled trials that all come from China which may cause language bias. Second, quality of the included studies was not high, only 1 study described exclusion or losses of follow up. All studies did not mention the blinding and allocation concealment which may cause selection bias, performance bias and measurement bias. Third, the intervention measures in the test group and the control group were different, and it was difficult to extract and combine the data. Fourth, each of the intervention measures included in the studies was relatively small. Therefore, the results of these articles need to be confirmed and re-evaluated by more RCTs with high quality, large scale and multicenteral.

Acknowledgement

We thank Yan Wu, Yan Sun, Yang Yang for their excellent technical assistance. This research is supported by Fund program: Natural Science Foundation of China (81301368); Key Laboratory of basic research foundation, Department of Education, Liaoning Provincial (LZ2014041).

References

  1. James WD, Timothy GB, Dirk ME (2006) Andrew’s diseases of the skin: clinical dermatology (10th edtn) Elsevier, Philadelphia, USA.
  2. Richwald GA (1999) Imiquimod. Drugs Today 35:497-511. [Crossref]
  3. Schwab RA, Elston DM (2000) Topical imiquimod for recalcitrant facial flat warts. Cutis 65:160-162. [Crossref]
  4. Wang Q (2014) Evaluating the clinical efficacy of treating Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream and Polysaccharide Nucleic Acid Fraction of Calmette-Guerin (BCG-PSN). Chinese Medical Cosmetology 4: 109-110.
  5. Liu GX, Chen J (2014) Clinical Observation Treating Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream and Polysaccharide Nucleic Acid Fraction of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG-PSN). China Medical Abstracts (Dermatology) 31: 205-205.
  6. Huang MH, Qin XF, Huang Y, Yao W (2010) Observation Treating Verruca Plana withI miquimod Cream and Polysaccharide Nucleic Acid Fraction of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG-PSN).The Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 24: 442-443.
  7. Ruan JP, Zhu RQ, Zhu HL (2005) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Imiquimod Cream and Tretinoin. Journal of Gannan Medical College 25: 641-642.
  8. Zuo YH, Wu YQ (2012) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Imiquimod Cream and Tretinoin. China Journal of Leprosy and Skin Diseases 28: 570-570.
  9. Chen GX (2008) Clinical Observation Treating Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream. Zhejiang Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine 18: 208-208.
  10. Huang Q (2006) Clinical Observation Treating Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream. Journal of Chinese Physician 8: 995-995.
  11. Wang X, Yang GM (2006) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream. Journal of Practical Medical Techniques 13: 3981-3981.
  12. Chen JY, Wang J, Song PF (2014) 45 Cases on treatment of verruca Plana with Imiquimod and Tazarotene Gel. Jiangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine 45: 39-41.
  13. Xiong B (2012) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Tazarotene Cream and Imiquimod Cream. Journal of Dermatology and Venereology 34: 308-308.
  14. Yang HL, Li YZ, Sun R, Zhao XD (2011) The clinical observation on treatment of verruca Plana with Imiquimod and Tazarotene Gel. Heilongjiang Medicine and Pharmacy 34: 42-43.
  15. Zhang JP, Zhou ZL, Shao Q (2010) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Tazarotene Cream and Imiquimod Cream. The Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 24: 240-240.
  16. Yuan B, Chen ZJ, Wang L (2015) The Study on Topical Treatment of  Verruca Plana with Adapalene Gel and 5% Imiquimod Cream. Journal of China Prescription Drug 13: 85-86.
  17. Peng J, Xie YF, Wang Q (2014) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Adapalene Gel and 5% Imiquimod Cream. Journal of Leprosy and Skin Diseases 30: 596-596.
  18. Chen YP (2010) The Study on Treatment of Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream and Polysaccharide Nucleic Acid Fraction of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG-PSN). Journal of Dermatology and Venereology 32: 37-37.
  19. She XH (2010) 68 Cases on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream. Proceeding of Clinical Medicine 19: 427-428.
  20. Cai CB (2007) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream. Journal of Clinical Dermatology 36: 400-400.
  21. Wang Z (2011) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Transfer Factor and 5% Imiquimod Cream. Journal of Medical Forum 32: 73-74.
  22. Zhu HP, Xin L (2014) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Placenta Polypeptide Injection and Imiquimod Cream. Jilin Medical Journal 35: 7818-7818.
  23. Liu JP (2011) 40 Cases on treatment of verruca Plana with Imiquimod and Interferon. Journal of Dermatology and Venereology 33: 182-182.
  24. Tang B, Chang XL, He CF, Qiang D, et al. (2015) The Study on Treatment of Topical Photodynamic Therapy for Flat W arts. Anhui Medical Journal 2015: 940-942.
  25. Liu F, Liu Y, Wang Q (2006) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with 5% Imiquimod Cream. The Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 20: 654-654.
  26. Wu YF, Cao P (2009) The Study on Topical Treatment of Verruca Plana with Pidotimod Powder and Imiquimod Cream. China Modern Doctor 47: 51-51.
  27. Wang M, Zou Q, Ye FS, Tao XH, Shuai CD (2014) Clinical Observation of Topical Photodynamic Therapy for 35 Cases of Facial Flat Warts. Journal of Diagnosis and Therapy on Dermato-Venereology 21: 465-466.
  28. Su P, Gan CB, Zhang XN (2015) The Study on Topical Treatment of Photodynamic Therapy for Facial Multiple Flat Warts. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine 24: 43-45.
  29. Jiang FX, Hu B, Zhao ZL, Zhu L, Liu W, et al. (2013) Clinical Observation of Topical Photodynamic Therapy for 16 Cases of Recalcitrant Facial Flat Warts. The Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology 27: 583-584. 

Editorial Information

Editor-in-Chief

Torello Lotti

Article Type

Research Article

Publication history

Received date: July 01, 2016
Accepted date: August 03, 2016
Published date: August 05, 2016

Copyright

© 2016 Zhang XR. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Citation

Zhang XR, Xiao BH, Qi RQ, Gao XH (2016) Efficacy and safety of imiquimod for verruca planae: A systematic review. Glob Dermatol 3: DOI: 10.15761/GOD.1000189.

Corresponding author

Rui-qun Qi

Department of Dermatology, No 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China, Tel: +86 24 8328 2742; Fax: +86 24 8328 2742

E-mail : xiaoqiliumin@163.com


Xing-hua Gao

Department of Dermatology, No 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China, Tel: +86 24 8328 2326; Fax: +86 24 8328 2326

E-mail : gaobarry@hotmail.com

Table 1. Characteristics of included studies

First author; publication year

Age (year)

 

Course of disease

Exit number

Total number

Effective

course of treatment

Intervention measures

 

T

C

T

C

(T/C)

(T/C)

(T/C)

 

T

C

Wang (2014)

19-39

20-40

3m-2y

2m-2y

-

40/40

1m:17/15

1m, 2m, 3m

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2m:30/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3m:34/21

 

 

 

Liu (2014)

12-34

 

7m-3.5y

 

3

37/37

24/14

6w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, intramuscular injection

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, intramuscular injection

Huang (2010)

8-40

 

1w-2y

 

-

40/38

34/21

8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, 3 times per week, 2 ml each time, intramuscular injection

Ruan (2005)

10-45

 

1m-51m

 

4

34/33

26/18

8w

5% imiquimod cream and 0.025% vitamin A acid cream, every other day, alternative external use

0.025% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Zuo (2012)

10-43

 

1m-5y

 

5

35/33

29/17

8w

5% imiquimod cream and 0.025% vitamin A acid cream, every other day, alternative external use

0.025% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Chen (2008)

6-41

 

3w-4y

 

-

23/22

13/10

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Huang (2006)

12-51

 

2w-2.5y

 

-

32/26

4w:25/16

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

0.05% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:26/16

 

 

 

Wang (2006)

15-46

 

2w-2y

 

-

60/58

45/32

4w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

0.1% vitamin A acid cream, 1 time per day, external use

Chen (2014)

15-34

14-35

half month-36m  1m-36m         

 

-

45/37

32/16

8w

5% imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

0.1% tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Xiong (2012)

10-42

 

6w-3y

 

-

46/48

42/25

8w

imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Yang (2011)

29.9

 

6m-15y

 

3

34/31

26/17

8w

5% imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

0.05% tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Zhang (2010)

12-45

 

1m-6y

 

-

47/81

33/24

8w

imiquimod cream and tazarotene gel, every other day, alternative external use

tazarotene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Yuan (2015)

13-51

 

2m-4y

 

-

52/42

41/23

16w

5% imiquimod cream and adapalene gel every other day, alternative external use

adapalene gel, 1 time per day, external use

Peng (2014)

12-42

15-45

1m-2y

15d-3m

 

110/120

2w:66/55

2w,4w,6w

5% imiquimod cream and adapalene gel, 1 time per day, external use

adapalene gel, 1 time per day, external use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w:77/51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:97/80

 

 

 

Chen (2010)

11-42

 

9m-6y

 

-

59/57

2w:9/5

2w,4w,6w,8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, 1ml each time, intramuscular injection

matrix, every other day, external use and BCG-PSN, every other day, 1ml each time, intramuscular injection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w39/25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:51/37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:56/42

 

 

 

She (2010)

18-47

 

1m-4y

 

-

34/34

18/14

8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and famciclovir tablets, 2 times per day, 0.2 g, oral administration

famciclovir tablets, 2 times per day, 0.2g, oral administration

Cai (2007)

7-40

 

half of month-24m

 

-

32/31

2w:2/2

2w,4w,6w,8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

placebo, every other day, external use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w:4/2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:6/2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:10/3

 

 

 

Wang (2011)

17-38

18-40

2m-3y

3m-4y

-

45/40

2w:6/3

2w,4w,6w,8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and transfer factor, 3mg, twice per week, subcutaneous injection

transfer factor, 3mg, twice per week, subcutaneous injection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4w:16/9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6w:25/12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8w:35/16

 

 

 

Zhu (2014)

-

 

3m-8y

 

-

30/30

23/10

6w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and placenta polypeptide injection, 1 time per day, intramuscular injection

placenta polypeptide injection, 1 time per day, intramuscular injection

Liu (2011)

8-42

 

20d-2y

 

-

40/39

40/26

4w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use and IFN-a2b cream, 3 times per day, external use

IFN-a2b cream, 3 times per day, external use

Tang (2015)

14-51

16-50

-

 

-

41/40

41/37

8w

imiquimod cream, every other day, external use and ALA-PDT, 1 time per 7 to10 days

ALA-PDT, 1 time per 7 to10 days

Liu (2006)

13-36

13-40

4m-3y

3m-4y

-

45/45

29/15

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use 

Ftibamzone liniment, 2 times per day, external use

Wu (2009)

12-50

 

2w-6y

 

-

35/32

30/18

8w

5% imiquimod cream, 1 time per day, external use and Pidotimod powder, two copies per day, oral administration

Penciclovir cream, 1 time per day, external use and Pidotimod powder, two copies per day, oral administration

Wang (2014)

18-26

19-25

1y-3y

1y-3y

-

35/35

20/35

4w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

ALA-PDT, once a week

Su (2015)

 

 

-

 

-

38/40

22/40

8w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

ALA-PDT, 1 time per 10 to 14 days

Jiang (2013)

18-26

19-25

1y-3y

1y-3y

1

15/16

10/16

3w

5% imiquimod cream, every other day, external use

ALA-PDT, once a week

Figure 1. Flowchart of literature search and study selection

Figure 2. Assessment of methodological quality of included studies (2A. Risk of bias graph; 2B. Risk of bias summary)

Figure 3. Forest plot for the total effect of imiquimod in the treatment of verruca planae

Figure 4. Forest plot for treatment course (4A. 2.1.1. Efficacy in less than 4 weeks; 4A. 2.1.2. Efficacy in more than 8 weeks; 4B. Efficacy in 6 weeks)

Figure 5. Forest plot for Intervention measures (5A. 3.1.1. Forest plot for comparison ofimiquimod cream therapy with tretinoin cream therapy; 5A. 3.1.2. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream therapy with tazarotene gel therapy; 5A. 3.1.3. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream therapy with other antiviral medications; 5A. 3.1.4. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream therapy with ALA-PDT therapy; 5B. Forest plot for comparison of imiquimod cream combine with other drugs therapy with other drugs)

Figure 6. Funnel plot for evaluating publication bias