Efficacy of saline injection therapy for atrophic acne scars

Objective: To determine the efficacy of saline injection in post-acne atrophic scars on face. Study Design: Non-randomized clinical trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from January to July 2019. Methodology: All patients with mild, moderate and severe post-acne atrophic scars, above the age of 15 years without any comorbid conditions were included in the study. Intra-dermal isotonic saline solution was administered under local anesthesia, into the scars weekly for 12 weeks. The results were assessed subjectively and objectively by photographs, Sharquie scoring system and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline and at the end of treatment. SPSS 23 was used for analyzing data. Results: Out of 49 patients, 41 (83.7%) were females and 8 (16.3%) were males. The mean age was 24.69 ±4.35 years. According to Sharquie scoring system of grading scars at baseline, 3 (6.1%), 34 (69.4%) and 12 (24.5%) patients had mild, moderate and severe scarring respectively while at the end of treatment, 35 (71.4%), 12 (24.5%) and 2 (4.1%) patients had mild, moderate and severe scarring respectively (p=0.001). Regarding degree of satisfaction of patients, 6 (12.2%), 27 (55.1%), 12 (24.5%) and 4(8.2%) patients were mildly, moderately, greatly and completely satisfied respectively. The mean DLQI was 12.14 ±3.29 and 5.86 ±2.26 at baseline and at the end of treatment respectively (p=0.001). Conclusion: The response of saline injection was significant in all types of post-acne atrophic scars as assessed with Sharquie score and DLQI, but more significant in mild and moderate scars, without any significant side effects. (author)