The Effect of Tranilast 8% Liposomal Gel Versus Placebo on Post-Cesarean Surgical Scars: A Prospective Double-Blind Split-Scar Study.

Background: Tranilast (N-[3, 4-dimethoxycinnamoyl] anthranilic acid), an antiallergic drug, has been shown to attenuate scar formation possibly through inhibition of transforming growth factor beta 1 activity and consequent suppression of collagen synthesis in fibroblasts.
Objective: The authors aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of tranilast 8% gel in improving the appearance and symptoms of new post-cesarean section surgical wounds.
Methods: In this prospective double-blind split-scar study, the authors treated each half scar of 26 women with either tranilast 8% liposomal gel or tranilast-free liposomal gel (placebo). Treatment was applied twice daily for 3 months. Twenty women completed the trial. Scar halves were evaluated by 2 investigators and by the patients 9 months after the last application using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The participants also rated overall satisfaction and recorded side effects of the treatment.
Results: The mean POSAS scores at 9 months post-treatment were significantly lower for tranilast-treated half scars compared with placebo-treated half scars (p < .001). The women were significantly more satisfied with the tranilast-treated half-scar appearance (p = .002). Three participants reported itching and erythema on the tranilast-treated side.
Conclusion: Topical tranilast 8% gel provided significantly better postcaesarian section scar cosmesis and user satisfaction compared with placebo.