EFFECTS ON ACNE OF 2 ORAL-CONTRACEPTIVES CONTAINING DESOGESTREL AND CYPROTERONE-ACETATE

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.