
12 minute read
Abstracts
A summary of the latest clinical studies

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Title: Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Pattern Hair Loss in Male and Female Patients Authors: Hetz S P, Martin J, Pototschnig H Published: Cureus Journal of Medical Science, September 2022 Keywords: Hair Loss, Patient Satisfaction, Platelet-Rich Plasma Abstract: Hair loss is a widespread condition in both genders. Over the past decade, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a common treatment for hair loss. Our goal was to analyse patient satisfaction and the clinical effects of PRP on male and female pattern hair loss. Over a period of 12 months, we treated a total of 56 patients for androgenetic alopecia with a varying number of PRP injections. Follow-ups were conducted one month after the last treatment. A self-drawn questionnaire was used to assess the satisfaction and clinical results from the patient’s and clinician’s perspectives. The average age was 41 years (20-68 years). 57% of all patients were male and 43% female. In total, the patients were satisfied with the treatment results. The average score was 7.29 on a scale from 0 to 10. The clinician’s rating was similar (6.46). Moreover, with an average score of 8 on a scale from 0 to 10, it is very likely that the patients will recommend PRP treatments to friends. Our study revealed encouraging results for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss with PRP. The autologous treatment was rated with high satisfaction scores and can be considered a safe and effective treatment modality.
Title: Clinical Evaluation of Anti-Ageing Effects of Combined Therapy – Azelaic Acid, Phytic Acid and Vitamin C Applied Layer by Layer in Females with Fitzpatrick Skin Types II and III Authors: Markiewicz-Tomczyk A, Budzisz E, Erkiert-Polguj A Published: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2022 Keywords: Anti-Ageing, Combination Therapy, Skin Ageing Abstract: Vitamins C, E, A and substances of plant origin, including azelaic acid and phytic acid, are frequently used in cosmetic preparations to counteract oxidative stress and negative effects of free radicals. The aim of the study was to evaluate a novel combined therapy consisting of azelaic acid, ascorbic acid and phytic acid. 20 study participants received a series of eight treatments performed every seven days. 20% azelaic acid and then 30% phytic acid were applied to the entire face, with 40% l-ascorbic acid only on the left side. Skin parameters were measured before the series of treatments, after the series of eight treatments and one month after treatment ended. The combination resulted in a significant improvement in erythema and hyperpigmentation both on the forehead and cheeks; most pronounced effects were observed when all three active compounds were used. All the participants were satisfied with the effects of the treatment. A majority of them reported an improvement in skin hydration, firmness and elasticity, more uniform skin tone and a reduction of skin redness and wrinkles. Topical application of these active compounds resulted in improvement of skin elasticity and flexibility, reduction of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, erythema and telangiectasia, as well as amelioration of skin tone. Title: Aesthetic Evaluation of Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Fat Transfer vs. Implants Authors: Wederfoort J L M, et al. Published: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, September 2022 Keywords: Breast Reconstruction, Fat Transfer, Implant Abstract: Autologous fat transfer (AFT) seems to be a new minimally invasive method for total breast reconstruction, yet, how patients, surgeons and laymen evaluate cosmesis is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aesthetic outcome of AFT (intervention group) for total breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, as compared to implant-based reconstruction (IBR) (control group). A random and blinded 3D photographic aesthetic outcome study was performed on a selection of 50 patients, scored by three panels: plastic surgeons, breast cancer patients and laymen. Secondary outcomes included agreement within groups and possible patient characteristics influencing scoring. Breast cancer patients and plastic surgeons did not differ in the aesthetic scores between the treatment groups. In contrast, the laymen group scored AFT patients lower than IBR patients (- 1.04, p < 0.001). Remarkably, mean given scores were low for all groups and overall agreement within groups was poor (ICC < 0.50). Higher scores were given when subjects underwent a bilateral reconstruction and if a mamilla was present. Evaluation of aesthetic outcomes varies greatly. Hence, aesthetic outcome remains a very personal measure and this emphasises the importance of thorough patient counselling, including information on achievable aesthetic results, before starting a reconstructive procedure.
Title: Treating Sunken Upper Eyelid with Hyaluronic Acid: Recommendations and Results Authors: Spada J Published: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2022 Keywords: Dermal Filler, Eyelid, Hyaluronic Acid Abstract: Supraorbital hollowness is a feature that gives an aged aspect to the eyelids. This complex anatomic area is affected by different variables. Treating this area with dermal fillers poses a real challenge in terms of reducing risks and predicting natural results. We aimed to report outcomes observed in patients treated with injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) soft tissue fillers. Additionally, we have reviewed sunken upper eyelid (SUE) anatomy, aetiology and pathophysiology with the objectives of describing a new classification of SUE, showing a lower risk technique to fill the area, and explaining the importance of using a high cohesivity HA product. We included 32 adults without previous fillers in the area, who were injected with HA via a 25-gauge, 40 mm blunt cannula across two/three visits. The assessment was performed at day 0, day 14, day 30, and day 365. All patients showed natural results without significant edema on day 30. Only one patient required hyaluronidase injections to dissolve overcorrection of the area on day 14. No severe complications were observed. For most patients, obtained results remained stable on day 365. We present our results with a cohesive HA as a highly suitable filler for SUE. Given the high patient satisfaction, long-lasting results and reduced complication risk, our presented approach may represent a safe and effective novel treatment strategy.


Your patients with excess weight have the will. You can offer them the way.
Patients achieved signifi cant and sustained weight loss, in conjunction with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity, in 1-year and 3-year trials vs placebo 1,2*
Similar to natural glucagon-like peptide-1, Saxenda® works to decrease appetite and thereby reduce food intake3†



This is not a real patient but only an illustration.

This material relates to the adult indication only. Please refer to SmPC for full indication.
Adults: Saxenda® is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in adult patients with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥ 27 kg/m2 to < 30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as dysglycaemia (pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia or obstructive sleep apnoea. Treatment with Saxenda® should be discontinued after 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg/day dose if patients have not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight. If you would like to request a visit from a representative please contact us on obesityuk@novonordisk.com For all product related enquiries please contact Novo Nordisk Customer Care Centre on 0800 023 2573.
†The exact mechanism of action of liraglutide is not entirely clear.
Prescribing Information
Please refer to the Saxenda® summary of product characteristics for full information. Saxenda® Liraglutide injection 3 mg. Saxenda® 6 mg/mL solution for injection in a pre-fi lled pen. One pre-fi lled pen contains 18mg liraglutide in 3mL. Indication: Adults: Saxenda® is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in adult patients with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥ 27 kg/m2 to < 30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as dysglycaemia (pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia or obstructive sleep apnoea. Adolescents (≥12 years): Saxenda® can be used as an adjunct to a healthy nutrition and increased physical activity for weight management in adolescent patients from the age of 12 years and above with obesity (BMI corresponding to ≥30 kg/m2 for adults by international cut-off points) and body weight above 60 kg. Posology and administration: Saxenda® is for once daily subcutaneous use only. Is administered once daily at any time, independent of meals. It is preferable that Saxenda® is injected around the same time of the day. Recommended starting dose is 0.6 mg once daily. Dose should be increased to 3.0 mg once daily in increments of 0.6 mg with at least one week intervals to improve gastro-intestinal (GI) tolerability. Treatment with Saxenda® in adults should be discontinued after 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg/day dose if patients have not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight. Daily doses higher than 3.0 mg are not recommended. No dose adjustment is required based on age but therapeutic experience in patients ≥75 years is limited and not recommended. No dose adjustment required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment or mild or moderate hepatic impairment but it should be used with caution. Saxenda® for adolescents from the age of 12 to below 18 years old a similar dose escalation schedule as for adults should be applied. Treatment with Saxenda® in adolescents should be discontinued and re-evaluated if patients have not lost at least 4% of their BMI or BMI z score after 12 weeks on the 3.0mg/day or maximum tolerated dose. Saxenda® is not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment including endstage renal disease, or severe hepatic impairment or children below 12 years of age. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Special warnings and precautions for use: There is no clinical experience in patients with congestive heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV and Saxenda® is not recommended for use in these patients. It is also not recommended in patients with eating disorders or treatment with medicinal products that may cause weight gain. Use of Saxenda® is not recommended in patients with infl ammatory bowel disease and diabetic gastroparesis since it is associated with transient GI adverse reactions including nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Acute pancreatitis has been observed with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, patients should be informed of the characteristic symptoms. If pancreatitis is suspected, Saxenda® should be discontinued. If acute pancreatitis is confi rmed, Saxenda® should not be restarted. In weight management clinical trials, a higher rate of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis was observed in patients on Saxenda® than those on placebo, therefore patients should be informed of characteristic symptoms. Thyroid adverse events such as goitre have been reported in particular in patients with pre-existing thyroid disease. Saxenda® should be used with caution in patients with thyroid disease. An increase in heart rate was observed in clinical trials. For patients who experience a clinically relevant sustained increase in resting heart rate, treatment with Saxenda® should be discontinued. There is a risk of dehydration in relation to GI side effects associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Precautions should be taken to avoid fl uid depletion. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving Saxenda® in combination with insulin and/or sulfonylurea may have an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Episodes of clinically signifi cant hypoglycaemia have been reported in adolescents (≥12 years) treated with liraglutide. Adolescents should be informed about the characteristic symptoms of hypoglycaemia and the appropriate actions. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation: Saxenda® should not be used during pregnancy. If a patient wishes to become pregnant, or pregnancy occurs, treatment with Saxenda® should be discontinued. It should not be used during breast-feeding. Undesirable effects: Very common (≥1/10); nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, headache. Common (≥1/100 to <1/10); hypoglycaemia, insomnia, dizziness, dysgeusia, dry mouth, dyspepsia, gastritis, gastro-oesophageal refl ux disease, abdominal pain upper, fl atulence, eructation, abdominal distension, cholelithiasis, injection site reactions, asthenia, fatigue, increased lipase, increased amylase. Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); dehydration, tachycardia, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, urticaria, malaise, delayed gastric emptying Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); anaphylactic reaction, acute renal failure, renal impairment. The Summary of Product Characteristics should be consulted for a full list of side effects.
MA numbers and Basic NHS Price:
NI: EU/1/15/992/003. 5 x 3 ml pre-fi lled pens £196.20. GB: PLGB 04668/0409. 5 x 3 ml pre-fi lled pens £196.20. 3 x 3 ml pre-fi lled pens £117.72. Legal category: POM. Full prescribing information can be obtained from: Novo Nordisk Limited, 3 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0PA. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsværd, Denmark. Date last revised: March 2022
* In the 1 year trial patients taking Saxenda® (n=2487) had a baseline body weight of 106.2 kg. Completers’ (n=2437) mean weight loss at week 56 of treatment was 8.4 kg. Patients taking placebo (n=1244) had a baseline body weight of 106.2 kg. Completers’ (n=1225) mean weight loss at week 56 of treatment was 2.8 kg1, p<0.001. In the 3 year trial Patients taking Saxenda® (n=1505) had a baseline body weight of 107.5 kg. Completers’ (n=1472) mean weight loss at week 160 of treatment was 6.5 kg. Patients taking placebo (n=749) had a baseline body weight of 107.9 kg. Completers’ (n=738) mean weight loss at week 160 of treatment was 2.0kg2, p<0.0001. References: 1. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al; for the SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. A randomised, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22. 2. le Roux CW, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al; for the SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes NN8022-1839 Study Group. 3 years of liraglutide versus placebo for type 2 diabetes risk reduction and weight management in individuals with prediabetes: a randomised, double-blind trial. Lancet. 2017;389(10077):1399-1409. 3. Saxenda® Summary of product characteristics, NI&GB. Bagsvard, Denmark: Novo Nordisk A/S.