Clinical trials

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Crisaborole 2% cream compared with placebo in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema. AD is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itching, redness, and recurrent flares that can significantly impair quality of life. Eligible participants aged 12 to 50 years with mild to moderate AD will be randomly assigned to receive either Crisaborole 2% cream or a placebo cream applied twice daily for four weeks. The primary outcome is treatment success at Day 28, defined using the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) as a score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with at least a two-grade improvement from baseline. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, Day 14, and Day 28. Safety, tolerability, and compliance will also be assessed. The results of this RCT may provide locally relevant evidence to guide the management of mild to moderate AD.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by well-defined, non-scarring patches of hair loss on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas. Although several treatment options are available, there is no universally accepted standard therapy, and treatment responses vary widely among patients. Minoxidil is commonly used for hair regrowth due to its ability to stimulate hair follicles and prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Methotrexate, an immunosuppressive agent traditionally used in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, has also been explored as a potential treatment for alopecia areata because of its ability to suppress immune-mediated follicular damage. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of topical methotrexate 1% gel versus minoxidil 5% spray in patients with localized alopecia areata. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either topical methotrexate gel or minoxidil spray and will be followed for 24 weeks. Treatment response will be assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. The findings of this study may help identify an effective therapeutic option for patients with localized alopecia areata and contribute to improving clinical management strategies for this condition.

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disorder. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare the efficacy and safety of 2% metronidazole gel versus 1% clindamycin gel in adults with moderate acne vulgaris at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. Sixty eligible participants (18-35 years) will be enrolled using consecutive sampling and randomized in a 1:1 ratio using blocked randomization. Participants will apply the assigned gel as a thin layer twice daily for 12 weeks. Acne severity will be assessed using the Modified Global Acne Grading System (mGAGS) at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants achieving at least a 50% reduction from baseline in total mGAGS score at week 12. Local adverse effects (e.g., erythema, itching, irritation) will be recorded at each follow-up visit.

The goal of this Randomized Controlled Trial is to compare the effectiveness of radiotherapy-specific, physician-led educational videos introduced before the initial Radiation Therapy consultation . The primary objective is to assess the impact on patient-reported knowledge of RT, with secondary objectives including assessment of patient-reported anxiety and satisfaction with the educational process. Patients will be randomly assigned to two groups. 1. Video Group - Patients will receive a WhatsApp message containing the educational video prior to their consultation. 2. Verbal Instruction Group - Patients will receive standard verbal education from a radiation oncologist during their consultation. The participants will fill Pre and post intervention questionnaire forms

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the incidence of postoperative sore throat in adult patients of either gender belonging to ASA I or II ,undergoing endotracheal intubation using betamethasone gel versus lidocaine gel. It aims to determine 1: Difference in efficacy of Betamethasone gel and lidocaine gel in prevention of post operative sore throat after endotracheal intubation. Patients will be assessed for the presence of a sore throat at 6 hours and 24 hours postoperatively. The severity of the sore throat will be graded using the Post-Operative Sore Throat (POST) score.

In order to successfully treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA), this study compares the efficacy of low-dose oral minoxidil dosages of 0.25 mg and 1 mg. It addresses a critical gap in current research, as few studies have examined the relationship between low dosage and outcomes like hair diameter, density, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects, including hypertrichosis. Previous research suggests that low dose of oral minoxidil is a safe and well-tolerated option for hair loss, but the optimal dose for maximizing benefits while minimizing side effects remains unclear. This study aims to determine which dose offers the best balance of efficacy and safety for AGA patients.

This randomized controlled trail study will be carried out on OPD patients in the Department of Dermatology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center. Institutional Ethical committee permission will be obtained and clinical trial registration number (CTN) will be obtained for the study. Written consent will obtained from all the participants of the study. All the diagnosed patients of Tinea Pedis who will meet the selection criteria will be enrolled and will be educated regarding the study. Participants will be randomly allocated in into two groups utilizing envelop method; patients of Group-A will use topical Sertaconazole 2% and patients in Group-B will use Clotrimazole 1%. Randomization: Random number sequence will be generated on computer by a simple randomization schedule. Each randomization number will be sealed in an opaque envelope with a serial number on it. The patient with a known serial number opened the corresponding envelope to be informed of the assignment. Treatment: After cleaning the identified lesions, the patients will topically self-apply the both products/creams using a cotton swab applicator, where the applied amount will be able to make the lesions be covered with a thin layer of medication. Both the creams will be applied topically twice daily for 4 weeks. Patients will be followed up weekly for clinical improvement and side-effects of therapy upto 4 weeks of the treatment. At final follow up (after 4 week of treatment), the patients will be evaluated by all clinical investigations and microscopic examination (10% potassium hydroxide) of a skin scraping from site of the lesion. Adverse effects of the drugs among all patients will also be recorded. The photograph of the lesions taken before treatment and at the end of the study will be used for assessing the clinical improvement of the cases. Detailed questionnaires will be followed regarding demographic and clinical characteristics like age, BMI, symptoms and co morbidities etc. Proper selection criteria will be used to control any biasness. Efficacy will be reported as per operational definition. In case of, topical therapy will be terminated and the concerned patient will be switched over to an oral antifungal drug at the discretion of the dermatologist. Any adverse events during the study will also be reported.

Erythroderma is a rare and severe dermatological manifestation of a variety of diseases. The most common form of erythroderma is erythrodermic psoriasis (EP), which accounts for 1-2.25% of all psoriatic patients, with a male predominance as demonstrated by a male to female ratio of 3:1. EP clinically manifests with diffuse erythema involving also skin folds with or without exfoliate dermatitis. Secukinumab is a FDA approved biological targeting interleukin-17A (IL17A) cytokine used in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Many clinical trials have been undertaken to establish its efficacy and safety in psoriasis. Numerous studies have highlighted the efficacy and safety of secukinumab. Secukinumab yields rapid and sustained improvements of signs and symptoms in patients EP. Secukinumab also had the lowest treatment cost compared with other biologic treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis. Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-17, a key player in psoriasis pathogenesis, making it highly effective for psoriasis management. Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a rare, severe form of the disease, affecting over 90% of the body, with significant health risks like electrolyte imbalance and infection. Treatment options for EP are not standardized due to its rarity, and conventional therapies such as acitretin, ciclosporin, and methotrexate have limited efficacy and tolerance issues. While biologics are well-studied for plaque psoriasis, data on EP is scarce. This study aims to evaluate secukinumab's efficacy in EP and explore factors influencing treatment outcomes.