Safety and efficacy of topical nitric <scp>oxide‐releasing</scp> berdazimer gel for molluscum contagiosum clearance: A systematic review and <scp>meta‐analysis</scp> of randomized controlled trials
Izabela Pera Calvi, Isabela Reis Marques, Sara Almeida Cruz, Yasmin Mesquita, Eduardo Messias Hirano Padrão, Rafaela de Moraes‐Souza, Andrew E. Brown, Danielle G. V. Caçador, Lidía M. Poppe, Laís Lopes Almeida Gomes
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a contagious infection that, although benign, can become an aesthetic burden and lead to other opportunistic infections, secondary dermatitis, and self-isolation. Currently, several treatment options are available for MC, including the newly investigated nitric oxide-releasing berdazimer gel, leading this review to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing berdazimer gel with a vehicle for treating MC. The meta-analysis included three reports and four RCT involving 1854 patients, with 1106 (59.6%) randomized to receive berdazimer. Our findings suggest that berdazimer is effective in the management of MC lesions, but the increased clearance of lesions and reduction of scarring must be weighed against the potential for topical adverse effects, particularly when considering the use of this therapy in pediatric patients.