Index words:
Balanitis xerotica obliterans;
Topical steroids;
Boys;
Circumcision
Abstract Objective: The aim
of this study was to assess the effectiveness of using
topical steroid-based creams in the management of
clinically diagnosed balanitis xerotica obliterans
(BXO) in boys. Methods: The
response in 56 boys to locally applied steroid-based
creams was studied retrospectively. All had been
referred by their general practitioners with symptoms
of penile pathology and then subsequently had a
clinical diagnosis of BXO made. The boys were initially
assessed after 3 months of treatment and then at
various intervals depending on their response. Results: The mean
age at presentation of the boys was 8.9 (4 to 15)
years. After the initial 3-month assessment, 10 (17.9%)
boys had complete resolution. When the treatment period
was prolonged by an average of 14 months, the total
number of boys showing resolution increased to 17
(30.4%). All boys showing resolution had clinically
mild BXO limited to the prepuce only. Those patients
with established scar formation on the foreskin showed
no significant improvement. Conclusions:
Topical steroids seem to offer a reliable option only
in the management of mild BXO limited to the prepuce in
boys with minimal scar formation. Steroid-based creams
can be offered to such patients provided they and their
families are realistic as to the likelihood of success.
This treatment is ineffective in the face of
established scarring.
D 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Vincent MV, MacKinnon E. The response of clinical balanitis xerotica obliterans to the application of topical steroid-based creams. J Pediatr Surg 2005;40(4):709-12. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2004.12.001
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