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1761399 
Journal Article 
Molluscum Contagiosum: Therapeutic Response to Trichloroacetic Acid in Pregnant Patients 
Audisio, TM; Pelliza Palmes, MN; Ringelheim, C; Rodriguez Gonzalez, O; Crespo Roca, F; Ruperez, C 
2009 
Yes 
Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease
ISSN: 1089-2591
EISSN: 1526-0976 
13 
4 
252-255 
WOS:000270831600011 
Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical
response of pregnant patients affected by Molluscum contagiosum (MC) to treatment with a 90%
solution of trichloroacetic acid (TCA). It also aimed to study the diagnostic frequency of MC in
adult women coming for consultation to a Lower Genital Tract Office hospital-based outpatient
clinic in the city of Cordoba (Argentina) and, second, to study the response of the MC to
treatment with Imiquimod cream in some cases. Materials and Methods. A retrospective case-series
analysis of 30 patients presenting with MC. The data collected included the prevalence of MC in
pregnant versus nonpregnant women, patient age, frequency age, lesion location, and associated
pathologies. Results. The prevalence levels of MC in pregnant and nonpregnant women were 1.2% and
0.8%, respectively. The greatest frequency was found in the 16- to 20-year age group. No patient
was HIV+. Lesion location was 54.5% in the genitocrural fold, with the rest in the perianal
region and in different areas of the external genitalia. The patients were treated during a
minimum period of 1 week to a maximum period of 4 weeks. A 90% solution of TCA treatment showed
full response after a single application, 17 (94%) of the 18 showed full response, averaging 1.06
weeks of treatment. Three nonpregnant patients were treated with a 5% solution of imiquimod,
66.6% showing full response by the fourth week of treatment. Conclusions. We observed MC in the
genital area of young pregnant patients relatively frequently (3%), associating its presence with
diminished immune response. A 90% solution of TCA is highly effective with 1 application, the
subsequent pain and burning sensation being immediately reduced by the application of aluminum
hydroxide. 
genital molluscum contagiosum; pregnancy; treatment; trichloroacetic imiquimod; outcome