KECORT Study: An International E-Delphi Study on the Treatment of KEloids Using Intralesional CORTicosteroids in Clinical Practice

Background: Intralesional corticosteroid administration (ICA) is a first-line keloid treatment. However, it faces significant variability in current clinical and scientific practice, which hinders comparability of treatment results.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to reach consensus on different aspects of ICA using hypodermic needles in keloids among an international group of dermatologists and plastic surgeons specialized in keloid treatment to provide consensus-based clinical treatment recommendations for all physicians treating keloids.

Methods: The keloid expert panel of 12 dermatologists and 11 plastic surgeons rated 30 statements. Two online e-Delphi rounds were held, both with a response rate of 100%. Fifteen (65%) keloid experts participated in the final consensus meetings. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the participants choosing agree or strongly agree on a 7-point Likert scale.

Results: Consensus was reached on treatment goals, indication for ICA, triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) 40 mg/mL as the preferred corticosteroid administered at a maximum of 80 mg per month and at intervals of 4 weeks, minimizing pain during ICA, the use of 1 mL syringes and 25 or 27 Gauge needles, blanching as endpoint of successful infiltration, caution of not injecting subcutaneously, and the option of making multiple passes in very firm keloids prior to infiltration. Consensus could not be reached on TAC dosing, methods of prior local anesthesia, and location of injection.

Conclusions: This e-Delphi study provides important clinical treatment recommendations on essential aspects of ICA in keloids. By implementing these recommendations, uniformity of ICA in keloid treatment will increase and better treatment results may be achieved.