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Safety and efficacy of locally applied imiquimod cream 5% for the treatment of condylomata acuminata of the vulva

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Abstract

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of local application of imiquimod cream 5% for managing condylomata acuminata of the vulva in women referred to a tertiary University Hospital centre.

Method

From a total of 283 patients referred over a 3-year period, 73(26%) were treated with imiquimod.

Results

Approximately 6% failed to continue therapy due to lack of therapeutic effect whereas 71% experienced total clearance of the lesions and 85% reduction of more than 50% in the size of the condylomata. Forty-three percent of the patients observed complete response in the first 6 weeks of therapy. There were no serious adverse events encountered with mild erythema being the commonest. From the patients who were followed-up for the next 12 weeks from the completion of treatment, 13% presented recurrent warts and were managed by a different mode of therapy.

Conclusion

Imiquimod cream 5% seems to be an effective and safe method for treating condylomata acuminata of the vulva resulting possibly in lower recurrence rates than other current therapies.

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Correspondence to Dimitrios Haidopoulos.

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Haidopoulos, D., Diakomanolis, E., Rodolakis, A. et al. Safety and efficacy of locally applied imiquimod cream 5% for the treatment of condylomata acuminata of the vulva. Arch Gynecol Obstet 270, 240–243 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-003-0559-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-003-0559-9

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