Use of spironolactone to treat acne in adolescent females. Issue 1 (3rd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roberts, Erin E.; Nowsheen, Somaira; Davis, Dawn M. R.; Hand, Jennifer L.; Tollefson, Megha M.; Wetter, David A.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric dermatology. Volume 38:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2020-10-03
• Subjects: acne -- adolescent -- female -- polycystic ovary syndrome -- spironolactone; Pediatric dermatology -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.925
• DOI: 10.1111/pde.14391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-8046

Abstract

Abstract: Background/objectives: Studies assessing the utility of spironolactone for treating acne in adolescent females are lacking. Thus, we sought to examine spironolactone's role in treating this patient population. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to determine the efficacy of spironolactone treatment in adolescent females seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 2007 to 2017. Results: In a cohort of 80 pediatric patients with a median age of 19 years (range, 14‐20 years), 64 patients (80%) experienced improvement of acne on treatment with spironolactone (median dose, 100 mg daily) with a favorable side effect profile. Approximately a quarter of patients (22.5%) had a complete response; more than half (58.8%) had a complete response or a partial response greater than 50%. Initial and maximal responses were observed at a median of 3 months and 5 months, respectively. Patients received treatment with spironolactone for a median duration of 7 months (range, 3‐45 months) with limited side effects. Conclusions: Spironolactone demonstrated efficacy in treating acne in adolescent females and is a safe long‐term alternative to systemic antibiotics in these patients.