The effectiveness of combined topical product with fluocortolone pivalate and lidocaine for hemorrhoids: results of a multicenter observational study

AIM : to assess the changes in hemorrhoids symptoms and satisfaction with treatment against the background of treatment with a combined topical product Relief® Pro. PATIENTS AND METHODS: multicenter prospective non-interventional cohort study was done in 13 clinical centers in Russia. The study included patients aged 18 to 65 years with acute hemorrhoids of stages 1–2 treated with the combined product Relief® Pro (rectal suppositories, cream or a combination thereof). The follow-up period was up to 14 days (in the case of 2 visits to the clinical center after receiving the initial data). The analysis was performed on the basis of data obtained at Visit 2 (5–7 days of therapy) and Visit 3 (10–14 days of therapy) vs the initial data (Visit 1). Following criteria were used: the severity of hemorrhoid symptoms on the Sodergren scale, the severity of hemorrhoid symptoms (pain, bleeding, itching, edema, the presence of discharge, a feeling of discomfort), the size of the largest hemorrhoid node, the satisfaction of the doctor and the patient with treatment, assessment of the patient’s adherence to recommendations for lifestyle changes and treatment, evaluation of the use of the drug Relief® were evaluated as endpoints About the treatment process and patient preferences regarding the dosage form of the prescribed drug. In addition, adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS : the study included 1000 patients aged 18 to 65 years (men — 54.5%, women — 45.5%) Patients had grade 1 acute hemorrhoids (330 patients), grade 2 acute hemorrhoids (345 patients) and exacerbation of chronic hemorrhoids (325 patients). The drug Relief® Pro rectal cream was used by 333 patients; suppositories — 383 patients; joint therapy with both dosage forms — 284 patients. During follow-up (visits 2 and 3), positive dynamics was observed in patients — a decrease in the severity of hemorrhoid symptoms both during objective examination and according to patient questionnaires. So, according to the patients’ estimates, the use of Relief® Pro, regardless of the form, led to a decrease in the severity or disappearance of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids — bleeding, itching, edema, the presence of discharge, discomfort already by Visit 2 and in almost all patients by the end of observation. A similar change of the symptoms due the digital examination: by day 5–7, the severity of edema and bleeding in the perianal region, bleeding decreased. About 96% of patients and about 97% of doctors were satisfied with the treatment. Application of both forms of Relief® The ABM was characterized by good tolerability: there were no adverse events associated, according to the researcher, with the studied drug. CONCLUSIONS : combined topical product Relief® Pro is effective for hemorrhoids.