Efficacy of Intralesional Vitamin D3 Injection in Cutaneous Warts

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous warts are common dermatological viral infection caused condition which causes cosmetic problems besides it primary morbidity like pain and discomfort. Intralesional vitamin D3 derivatives therapy is recent and effective modality for treatment of cutaneous warts. Objective: To determine the efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in cutaneous warts in local patients. Methods and patients: A descriptive case series study conducted from June to December 24, 2019 at Dermatology OPD, SMBBMU- Larkana.A sample of 65 patients with cutaneous warts, either gender, age 20-50 years, 3 months to 6 months history were included after taking a valid informed/ written consent. Pregnant and lactating women, patients on immunosuppersive therapy, signs of any systemic or local inflammation or infection, history of pasthma allergic skin disorders meningitis or convulsions, history of hypersensitivity to Vitamin D3 were excluded. The injections of vitamin D3 (vials containing 6,00,000 IU of cholecalciferol in 1 ml = 15 mg)were given at 2 weekly intervals for a maximum of four injections.A standard questionnaire was used to collect demographic and study related data. Data analysis was performed through SPSS Version-21. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Stratification was done and post stratification chi square test was applied. P-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 27.9±5.1 with C.I (26.63-29.16) years. The Mean ± SD of duration was 4.4±1.9 with C.I (3.92-4.87) months. The Mean ± SD of number of warts was 14.3±4.2 with C.I (13.25-15.34). Out of 65 patients, 35 (53.8%) were malewhile 25 (38.5%) patients were belong to urban areas. Primary outcome of this study i-e; the efficacy was n=54 (83.1%). Stratified analysis revealed that younger age (20 – 30 years), male gender, urban residence, 3-5 mm size, 2-3 months duration (p value = 0.009) were associated with more efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in cutaneous warts. Conclusion:This study clearly demonstrates that recalcitrant plantar warts can be treated successfully with intralesional vitamin D3 injection. The immunotherapy of injection vitamin D3 has better patient compliance, good therapeutic response without cosmetic disfigurement and capable of preventing recurrences. Keywords: Efficacy, Intralesional Vitamin D3, Cutaneous Warts, Treatment,Immunotherapy