ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF A TOPICAL TREATMENT ON STRIAE GRAVIDARUM DURING PREGNANCY: A MULTICENTER OPEN STUDY ON PRIMIPARE

Philippe Msika1, Nadge Lachmann1, Marjorie Biassette1, Evelyne Boy2 and Bernard Chadoutaud2
1 2

Innovation R&D Direction, Laboratoires Expanscience, Epernon, France. ClinReal Online, Toulouse, France.

Keywords: Stria gravidarum, prevention, topical application INTRODUCTION Stretch marks, also called striae gravidarum (SG), are a form of scarring on the skin with an off-color hue which occurred in more than 50% of pregnant women and are commonly found on the abdomen and breasts. The origins of stretch marks are still remaining unclear. An epidemiologic study published by Atwal et al. in 2006 performed on 309 primiparae, indicated that a low maternal age, previous and family history of SG, a body mass index >26, dry skin, high maternal weight gain and high neonatal birth weight were 1 factors significantly associated with the occurrence of stretch marks . To observe the preventive effect of a topical treatment in primipare with high risk of developing SG. The cream contains patented ingredients : lupeol, natural biopeptides and arabinogalactane which counteract tissue inflammation and stimulate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. METHODOLOGY An open study, involving obstetricians, was conducted on 26 primipare. Women were included between 16-19weeks of amenorrhea and were followed up during their pregnancy (D0, D30, D60 and D120) and 1 month after delivery. Primipare were selected according factors which have been associated with the SG occurrence. The cream was applied twice daily during 5 months. Data were collected at all kinetic points in the form of questionnaire and clinical examination. Occurrence and description of stretch marks (breast, thighs, abdomen and buttocks) and skin quality were especially analyzed. RESULTS Primipare presented a mean age of 31 years and a mean BMI of 23.9 at the baseline. Obstetricians observed a significant absolute prevention in 96 % of the case (25/26). An arbitrary score, designed to assess the intensity of dryness showed a significantly reduction (p<0.01) compared to the baseline. 96 % of women also validated the preventive effect and 100% were satisfied with the cream. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated the preventive effect of a topical cream on the occurrence of SG in primipare with high risk of developing SG.