Efficacy and safety of injectable complex of stabilized and native hyaluronic acid and sorbitol for lip skin hydration in patients taking systemic retinoids

Cheilitis caused by oral retinoids is a predictable, controlled and completely reversible side effect of systemic therapy. However, severe dryness of the lips can have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients, up to and including refusal of treatment. Objective. To determine the effectiveness and safety of using an injectable form of a complex of stabilized and native hyaluronic acid and sorbitol to reduce dry lips when using oral retinoids. Material and methods. The study included 10 women (average age 26±3.2 years) taking oral isotretinoin at a dose of 0.3-1.15 mg/kg and complaining of pronounced dry lips, peeling lips, the formation of cracks and crusts on the lips. The patients received an injection of 1 ml of the drug based on a complex of stabilized and native hyaluronic acid and sorbitol. To assess the effectiveness of therapy, the Ornelas cheilitis severity scale, the GAIS 5-point scale for assessing the overall aesthetic result, and the DLQI questionnaire (Dermatology Life Quality Index) were used. Results. The severity of cheilitis on the Ornelas scale decreased from 6±1.6 points at the screening stage to 0.8±0.8 points 4 weeks after the procedure. The average score of overall satisfaction with the result according to the GAIS questionnaire 4 weeks after the procedure was 4.9±0.18 points among doctors and 4.6±0.56 points among patients, while an inverse correlation was found between the dose of isotretinoin taken and the level of satisfaction. According to the DLQI questionnaire, there was a significant improvement in the quality of life (before the start of the study, the score was 15±4.4 points, 2 weeks after the procedure, the index was 4.1±3.1 points, after 4 weeks — 0.8±0.96 points). At the same time, an inverse correlation was also found between the dose of isotretinoin and changes in the DIC scale. The patients noted a significant aesthetic improvement in the appearance and condition of the lips without affecting their shape and volume. Conclusion. The results of the study demonstrate the high efficacy and safety of using a dermal implant based on native and cross-linked hyaluronic acid and sorbitol for dry lips caused by oral retinoids.