Therapeutic effect of the combination of fractional laser and recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor in acne scar patients

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and safety of a combination therapy involving fractional laser treatment and recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rb-bFGF) in acne scar patients.Methods: 90 patients with acne scar admitted at Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from September 2020 to December 2022 were enrolled in retrospective study. Patients were divided into control group (n = 41), treated with rb-bFGF alone and study group (n = 49), which underwent fractional laser treatment using Lutronic fractional laser device involving 40 days per session for three sessions, with additional application of rb-bFGF in the affected area at a dose of 300 IU/cm2 , three times daily, for seven consecutive days following the completion of each laser treatment session. Treatment effect, skin physiological indices, lactic acid stinging test (LAST) scores, stratum corneum integrity, and incidence of adverse reactions were determined.Results: Study group demonstrated superior efficacy with a total effectiveness of 97.96 %, significantly outperforming control group at 85.3 % (p < 0.05). Pre-treatment, both groups exhibited comparable values in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, stratum corneum hydration, and erythema (a-value) (p> 0.05). Post-treatment, both groups exhibited significant improvements, with reduced TEWL, pH, and a-value, along with increased stratum corneum hydration (p < 0.05). Compared to control group, study group showed significantly lower TEWL, pH, and a-value, coupled with higher stratum corneum hydration (p < 0.05). Post-treatment, study group demonstrated lower total LAST scores, improved stratum corneum integrity, and a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions.Conclusion: The combination of fractional laser and rb-bFGF in patients with acne scar improves skin barrier function, reduces lactic acid-induced stinging, and enhances stratum corneum integrity. Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize the treatment protocols.