Research Appraisals
Evidence-based critical appraisals of the latest medical research, systematically evaluated using Oxford CEBM methodology.
Showing 4 appraisals
Lasers in medical science
Facial contour modulation and skin tightening using 40.68-MHz unipolar radiofrequency
To evaluate changes in facial contour and skin elasticity following full-face treatment with 40.68-MHz unipolar radiofrequency (RF), and to assess its safety and tolerability in adults with mild-to-moderate facial laxity. This prospective single-arm interventional clinical study evaluated adults with mild-to-moderate facial laxity who underwent three full-face 40.68-MHz unipolar RF treatment sessions at 4-week intervals. The primary endpoint was the change in VECTRA-derived three-dimensional facial volumetric parameters from baseline to Week 20. Secondary outcomes included Cutometer-derived skin elasticity parameters (R2 and R5), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), FACE-Q satisfaction scores, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and adverse event monitoring. Of the 30 enrolled participants, 26 completed follow-up and were included in the final analysis. By Week 20, VECTRA 3D analysis demonstrated modest volume reductions in the cheek (- 2.2 mL), jowl (- 1.7 mL), and submental region (- 2.9 mL). Skin elasticity parameters increased over time, with R2 increasing from 0.62 to 0.69 and R5 from 0.53 to 0.59. GAIS improvement was observed in 88.5% of participants, and the mean FACE-Q score increased to 72.4 ± 10.1. Treatment was well tolerated, with low mean pain scores (VAS 1.2 ± 0.9). Only transient erythema and mild edema were reported, with no serious adverse events observed. Three sessions of 40.68-MHz unipolar RF were associated with modest measurable improvements in facial contour and skin elasticity that were maintained during the 20-week observation period, with good tolerability and no serious adverse events. Because this was an uncontrolled single-arm study, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary and require confirmation in controlled studies with longer follow-up.
27 July 2026
Read appraisal →The Journal of dermatological treatment
Beyond efficacy: pulse duration is crucial for adverse events in pulsed dye laser therapy for rosacea
BACKGROUND: Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is widely used for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR); however, the influence of pulse duration remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of 6 and 10 ms PDL pulse durations for ETR. METHODS: In this single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study, 80 patients with ETR received single PDL treatment using either a 6 or 10 ms pulse duration (9-11 J/cm2, 7 mm spot size). Erythema was assessed by blinded dermatologists using the Clinical Erythema Assessment (CEA) and telangiectasia scores, and Rosacea Area and Severity Index (RASI). ImageJ analysis measured the Relative Intensity of Redness (RIR) and Percentage of Erythema Area (PEA). Adverse events were recorded on days 3 and 7, and patient global assessment (PGA) and symptom improvement were evaluated at week 4. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in CEA, RASI, RIR, and PEA (p < 0.001), with no significant between group differences. However, edema (p < 0.05) and purpura (p < 0.001) were more frequent with the 6 ms setting. No significant differences were observed between the groups on the PGA, erythema improvement scale, or symptom improvement scale. CONCLUSION: Both pulse durations effectively reduced erythema, but 10 ms demonstrated more favorable tolerability.
13 May 2026
Read appraisal →The Journal of dermatological treatment
Comparative efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and concentrated growth factors (CGF) for female pattern hair loss (FPHL): a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial
BACKGROUND: Comparative studies among different autologous platelet concentrate types for FPHL remain lacking. METHODS: Patients with FPHL (Sinclair gradeII-III) were enrolled and randomized to receive 4 sessions of PRP, i-PRF or CGF treatment at 4-week intervals. The primary endpoint was the inter-group comparison of the non-vellus target area hair count (TAHC)-increase (%) at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included: within-group changes in TAHC from baseline; within-group changes in hair diameter (HD) from baseline and inter-group comparison of HD-increase (%) at 24 weeks; Growth factor concentrations were quantified to explore correlations with efficacy. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients completed the study. Post-treatment TAHC increased significantly from baseline in all groups (all p < 0.05). The TAHC-increase(%) was significantly greater in the CGF (27.11 ± 14.80%) and i-PRF (26.54 ± 11.46%) groups compared to the PRP group (14.53 ± 8.65%; p < 0.05), with no significant difference between CGF and i-PRF. Regarding HD increase, all three groups showed improvement, with no statistically significant differences observed among groups (p > 0.05). The i-PRF group showed the lowest adverse event rate. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the percentage increase in TAHC (r = 0.527, R2=0.278, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CGF and i-PRF demonstrated superior efficacy in increasing TAHC in FPHL patients. The i-PRF group had the lowest adverse event rate. VEGF levels may play a potential role in promoting hair growth.
2 May 2026
Read appraisal →Chinese medical journal
Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution in the treatment of Chinese men with androgenetic alopecia: A phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
BACKGROUND: Topical finasteride is a novel treatment for men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution in Chinese men with AGA. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial enrolled 270 individuals with AGA from 16 sites across China between December 2021 and March 2023. The participants were randomized at a ratio of 2:1 to receive either topical finasteride or placebo treatment once daily for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in target area (0.903 cm 2 area) hair count at week 24. The secondary endpoints were change from baseline in target area hair count at week 12, target area terminal hair count at weeks 12 and 24, target area terminal hair width at week 24, and target area hair width at week 24; an improvement of vertex hair growth assessed by the investigator at week 24; and the patient-assessed scores on the Male Hair Growth Questionnaire at week 24. RESULTS: A total of 270 individuals were enrolled and randomized, and 251 completed the study (165 in topical finasteride group, 86 in placebo group). Compared with the placebo group, in the topical finasteride group, the change from baseline in target area hair count was significantly higher at week 24 ( P <0.05), although it was only numerically higher at week 12 ( P = 0.0688). Significant differences favoring topical finasteride over placebo were observed for change from baseline in target area terminal hair count at weeks 12 ( P <0.05) and 24 ( P <0.01). The improvement of vertex hair growth assessed by the investigator was significantly greater in the topical finasteride group vs. the placebo group at week 24 ( P <0.01). Topical finasteride was generally safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: In Chinese men with AGA, topical finasteride spray solution increased hair growth and showed good safety and tolerability profile during a 24-week treatment period. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05135468.
5 Apr 2026
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