Effect of Enalapril on Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Abstract

Scarring is a major concern to patient and surgeon following any kind of trauma. Excessive scarring can dramatically affect a patient’s quality of life, both physically and psychologically. Incidence rates of hypertrophic scarring vary from 40% to 70% following surgery to up to 91% following burn injury, depending on the depth of the wound. Most current treatment give unsatisfactory results. Recent studies have explored the role of tissue Angiotensin receptors in tissue healing. With potential benefit of Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in preventing cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis, its role in cutaneous scarring needs to be explored. There is need for randomized control trials to study the role of Enalapril in cutaneous scarring. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonist could be potential candidates for management of hypertrophic scars. Key words: Hypertrophic scars, Keloids, Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Enalapril.