C. Charoenvisal et al., EFFECTS ON ACNE OF 2 ORAL-CONTRACEPTIVES CONTAINING DESOGESTREL AND CYPROTERONE-ACETATE, International journal of fertility and menopausal studies, 41(4), 1996, pp. 423-429
To compare the effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing des
ogestrel (Marvelon) and an anti-androgenic preparation containing cypr
oterone acetate (Diane) in Oriental women suffering from acne. Methods
-In an open-label, bi-center, randomized study, 32 women using Marvelo
n(R) and 34 using Diane(R) were followed for 6 treatment cycles. The m
easured variables were objective and subjective severity of acne, and
related biochemical variables such as sex hormone-binding globulin and
free and total testosterone. Results-In Center A, with both preparati
ons a decrease in mean objective acne score was observed, reaching sta
tistical significance with Diane (P <.05). In addition, there was a si
gnificant between-group difference at cycle 6 (P <.05). In Center B, a
consistent and significant decrease in mean acne score was observed w
ith Marvelon after three and six treatment cycles (P <.05 and P <.01)
and with Diane after six treatment cycles (P <.001). There were no sig
nificant between-group differences. The decrease in percentage of seve
re/moderate acne was statistically significant with Marvelon in Center
B (P = 0.002) and with Diane in Centers A (P = 0.014) and B (P = 0.00
4). Both preparations increased plasma levels of sex hormone binding g
lobulin and seemed to decrease those of total and free testosterone, b
ut no statistically significant relationships between acne severity an
d biochemical variables could be detected. Conclusion-Both Marvelon an
d Diane are effective in the treatment of acne in Oriental women who a
lso need reliable contraception, without marked differences between th
e preparations.