ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the efficacy of intra-dermal platelet rich plasma (PRP) versus 50% trichloracetic acid (TCA) using chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) technique in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.
Study design: Non-randomised controlled trial.
Place and duration of study: Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from October 2019 to April 2020.
Methodology: In this study, cases of either gender and age 20 to 40 years with atrophic acne scars were included. The severity of the scar was graded on the basis of global acne scarring grading system. The cases in group A were managed by monthly injections of 1 ml intra-dermal PRP every month; while those in Group B were given treatment with 50% TCA, which was applied by CROSS technique every month. Both treatments were offered for three months. They were assessed at every four weeks for initial three months. Then these cases were followed another three months and final outcome was seen at 6th month.
Results: In this study, there were 92 cases, 46 in each group. The mean age in group A and B was 27.72 ± 8.05 vs. 26.50 ± 8.20 years (p= 0.474). The mean global scar score at baseline was 36.07 ± 5.37 vs. 38.70 ± 4.80 (p= 0.015). The mean scar score at 4 weeks was 28.87 ± 5.27 vs. 29.00 ± 3.07 (p= 0.885), at 8 weeks 23.22 ± 4.10 vs. 23.11±2.49 (p=0.878), at 12 weeks 14.15 ± 3.05 vs. 17.57 ± 4.51 (p<0.001), and at 24 weeks it was 7.09 ± 1.46 vs. 10.09 ± 3.58 (p = <0.001).
Conclusion: PRP is significantly better than 50% TCA in reducing post-acne atrophic scars. Key Words: Acne, Atrophic scar, Platelet rich plasma, 50% TCA.